Wall heater

Types of wall heaters

The various types of wall heaters can be summarized by the heat transfer methods: water (hydronic) heat, which is radiant heaters and convective heaters.

• Radiant heaters

  Radiant heaters are wall heaters that directly warm the people or objects in the room without heating the air in the room. The previously mentioned radiant wall heaters include electric infrared heaters and heated towel rails. Infrared heaters use infrared radiation to heat the human body directly, with higher radiant power able to heat up to 100 square meters, and to heat up the body to over 40 degrees in very cold outdoor conditions. Heated towel rails are hydronic, using hot water from the central heating to run through the tubes of the towel rail when the central heating is switched on. These heated towel rails warm towels and assist in heating the bathroom when the central heating is on, and they are also a radiator themselves that heat the bathroom. Electric radiant heaters are often used in garages, workshops, and outdoor areas.

• Convective heaters

  Convective heaters rely on the heating of the air in the room and then the convection currents carrying the warm air around the room. When people refer to Wall heaters, they often mean electric wall-mounted heaters that are similar to radiators but thinner and longer in shape. These convective heaters are powered by electricity, and a heating element inside is often ceramic and shaped like a radiator. The convective heater warms the air in the room. Wall-mounted electric heaters are convenient in that they are wall-mounted and save floor space, and they can be placed in rooms where installing a bulky radiator or air conditioning unit is not practical. Electric wall-mounted heaters also provide responsive heating as they can be heated quickly by switching the electric heater on and are often set to heat the room in advance. Baseboard heaters are another form of convective heater than run along the baseboard of the wall, similar to electric wall-mounted heaters.

Function and feature of wall heater

The heater for walls possesses numerous features that could improve its performance, its function, and its convenience. This is a wall heater for a house with the following features.

• Thermostat: A wall-mounted heating system has a constant temperature controller that automatically monitors and adjusts a preset temperature in a space. These devices avoid undercooked or overcooked food by maintaining an optimal level of temperature. Moreover, the electric wall panel heater's temperature range can be predetermined per the requirements.
• Fan: The wall heater fan distributes warm air throughout the room. When wall-mounted heaters create warm air, fans aid in the quicker movement of air, improving efficiency.
• Timer: A heater's timer controls how long the heater runs. Different periods have been predetermined, but individual preferences apply to their use. The timing range for electric wall panel heaters typically runs between 1 and 8 hours.
• Remote control: The remote control electric wall heater offers the benefit of electrical appliance management from a distance without physical contact. Timers, fans, and temperature adjustments are some features that may be adjusted using the remote control.
• Touch screen: The wall-mounted heater with a touch screen is responsive. As a result, significant tasks that contribute to comfort and efficiency may be quickly and easily accomplished by simply touching the screen.
• Radiant heating: Baseboard heaters typically employ radiant heating techniques. Infrared rays from the heater warm the objects in a room, and subsequent warming of the air occurs. Heating this way is more effective and feels like the sun's rays.
• Overheat protection: Overheat protection is a typical electric heater safety feature. If the heater gets too hot, the overheat protection system turns off the heater to stop a fire from starting. This improves the wall heater's security and lowers the risk of property damage and physical harm.
• Moisture resistance: The wall heater is highly resistant to premature damage or corrosion from surrounding moisture. Bathrooms and laundry rooms often use wall-mounted heaters. Manufacturers give heaters an IP rating of 24-65 to protect them against exposure to moist conditions.

Uses of wall heaters

Wall heaters are extremely useful in various areas of homes, offices, etc. Here are some areas where they are used:

• Residential heating: Wall panel heaters are typically used in residences like homes and apartments to keep the rooms nice and toasty, especially during the colder months. They are good for heating up individual rooms or areas in a house where central heating isn't present or isn't needed. They make a great addition to bedrooms, bathrooms, studies, laundries, and more.
• Commercial spaces: Wall heaters are used in office spaces, stores, workspaces, etc. to offer accommodation in places where lots of individuals' work or are welcomed as customers. Wall heaters in commercial areas provide warmth to offices, waiting areas, staff rooms, washrooms, and more. This helps ensure the comfort of both employees and clients.
• Bathrooms: The wall-mounted heater for the bathroom is typically used to prevent mold growth. Bathroom wall heaters help dry out the area after showers and reduce the likelihood of bacteria, mold, and mildew growth. They also provide added comfort in homes during winters by reducing the temperature drop that usually occurs in the bathroom.
• Workshops and garages: Areas like workshops, garages, or storage rooms are usually much colder than the rest of the house. Wall heaters are used in these places to create a comfortable work environment or protect tools and supplies from extreme cold temperatures.

How to Choose a Wall Heater

One of the first things to consider when choosing a wall heater is the heating method. Individuals can choose from various options, including electric, hydronic, and gas heaters. Electric wall heaters are the most common and easiest to install. They use electric resistance coils to generate heat and warm the room. Electric wall heaters are energy efficient but can be expensive. On the other hand, gas wall heaters use natural gas or propane as fuel to manufacture heat. They are generally more affordable to operate than electric heaters. However, the gas wall heater's installation is more complex than an electric heater. Additionally, gas wall heaters are not suitable for homes with no gas line or venting option.

Hydronic wall heaters circulate heated water through metal panels to produce heat. They offer consistent and comfortable heating but have a high installation cost.

Thermostats and controls are other factors to consider when selecting a wall heater. Look for heaters with easy-to-use thermostats that allow homeowners to set and control the desired temperature conveniently. Some heaters come with programmable thermostats that enable users to set heating schedules for increased efficiency and comfort. In addition to this, wall heaters with smart controls can be operated from a smartphone or integrated into home automation systems.

When choosing a wall heater, homeowners should consider its size and heating capacity. Ideally, the heater's size should fit the wall space available. The heating capacity, which is usually expressed in watts for electric heaters and BTUs for gas and hydronic heaters, should be sufficient to warm the room. Most manufacturers provide a guide to help determine the right size and heating capacity based on the room's square footage.

It is also advisable to choose a wall heater that has additional features such as a fan, safety controls, and timer options. Wall heaters with built-in fans can distribute warm air throughout the room. This can minimize the amount of time the heater takes to reach the desired temperature, increasing comfort. Additionally, the wall heater would operate at a lower setting, boosting its energy efficiency. Established brands manufacture wall heaters with safety controls such as overheat protection and tilt sensors. These sensors activate and turn the heater off when it reaches dangerously high temperatures to minimize fire risks. Tilt sensors, on the other hand, detect abnormal movement or positioning to prevent potential accidents.

Q&A

Q1: What is a wall heater ideal for?

A1: A wall heater is an essential component when seeking to conserve energy and space in a home or office environment. It seamlessly integrates with the existing wall structure, enhancing the aesthetic appeal while optimizing heating efficiency. Its installation within the walls ensures a clutter-free area, making it a preferred choice for rooms with limited space. Moreover, the wall-mounted design promotes safety, particularly in households with children or pets, as it prevents accidental contact with the heating unit. Regardless of the wall heater type chosen - be it electric, gas, radiant, or baseboard - it effectively warms up the designated space quickly and efficiently. Programmable wall heaters offer the added convenience of tailored heating schedules, aiding in energy use and cost-saving.

Q2: How safe are wall-mounted heaters?

A2: When utilized per the manufacturer's guidelines and applicable regulations, wall-mounted heaters are generally considered safe. These heaters undergo rigorous testing and certification processes to ensure their safety and compliance with industry standards. Wall-mounted heaters are installed out of reach, making them safe for households with children and pets. Wall-mounted heaters come equipped with several safety features, including tilt sensors, overheating protection, and flame-resistant materials. Additionally, their installation within the walls maximizes safety by minimizing exposure to the heating unit.