For the main or auxiliary heating of houses and individual rooms, sometimes it is necessary to use electric energy. A quartz heater is a type of heating device that you should take a closer look at.
Types of quartz sand appliances
In the distribution network, quartz heaters are understood as two types of devices: cast monolithic and with a spiral heater located in a glass tube.
The name quartz is due to the fact that in both cases, the production uses a special sand - quartz. Glass tube is made of it, and it is also included in the filler of monolithic options.
Both types are direct heating devices. Electric energy is immediately converted into heat. This is their difference from boilers, in which the coolant is first heated and already it gives energy to the surrounding air, cooling in radiators.
Both types are infrared heaters. It is in the infrared range that waves that propagate heat are located.
Design of monolithic heaters
The design of quartz heating panels is simple.
The device includes:
- heating element - nichrome insulated wire with resistance selected for the required power;
- a panel of a mixture of quartz sand and kaolin white clay, in which the heating element is monolithic;
- metal frame-housing to protect the panel from damage;
- stand for floor installation or brackets for wall mounting;
- power cord with plug.
Some models have a built-in temperature controller, for others the device is purchased for a fee.
Principle of operation
After turning on the device, the nichrome wire is heated by a flowing electric current. The heating element gives off heat to the panel - the temperature of the outer layer of which reaches 85 - 90 degrees.
Quartz-kaolin panel gives off heat to the room due to infrared waves. Air circulation is achieved by convection. Cold air, warming up near the hot panel, rises. The circulation continues while the quartz heating element is connected to the electrical network.
Advantages and disadvantages of the device
The positive and negative properties of any electrical appliance are determined by technical characteristics and consumer properties.
The quartz heater has the following positive qualities:
- simplicity of design - no moving parts, the body is not separable;
- the heating element is securely hidden inside a plate with dielectric properties;
- various power of devices - can be selected for specific operating conditions;
- coefficient of performance reaches 95%;
- low cost in comparison with electric heaters of comparable power;
- environmental friendliness - the plate is made of natural materials;
- maintenance consists solely in dust removal from the housing;
- lack of noise and rattling during work;
- do not burn oxygen;
- fire safety - a temperature of up to 100 degrees is not enough to ignite nearby objects;
- thermal inertia - after turning off the panel cools down for about 1.5 hours.
Sand batteries for heating are not without their drawbacks, which are mostly associated with design features.
Cons of wall-mounted quartz energy-saving home heaters:
- heavy - reliable brackets and hardware are needed for fastening to the wall;
- brittle - shock loads during transportation can lead to cracks in the heater with sand inside;
- require the installation of screens to protect against burns of children and pets (panel temperature of 90 - 95 degrees);
- dry the air;
- not always equipped with temperature controllers;
- unattractive in appearance;
- warm for a long time to operating temperature.
All shortcomings can be solved with proper installation. Devices are inconvenient to move around the premises, so you need to install permanently.
The use of quartz heaters
For the arrangement of a quartz heating system, permissions from regulatory authorities are not required, but there are some restrictions.
Basic conditions:
- introductory machines and internal electrical wiring should be designed to install a system of quartz furnaces;
- the location must be protected from rainfall and snow;
- it is undesirable to install the device in wet rooms.
- they must mount a difavtomat or a residual current device, as there is no place on the device for connecting the ground wire.
The low cost and ease of connection and operation have made quartz heaters popular in heating residential and industrial facilities.
Devices allow:
- do basic heating in cottages and garages;
- carry out additional heating on especially cold days to help the main system;
- to heat construction cars and security rooms;
- provide acceptable conditions for classes in gyms;
- maintain temperature in small workshops or car services, tire points;
- create the necessary microclimate in sheds with pets and birds.
A quartz wall heater will not interfere with the daily life and work of employees.
Specifications
A wide selection of heaters is available for buyers, different in appearance power.
Important specifications:
- Supply voltage - for residential use devices designed for 220 V.
- Power consumption - the area of the heated room and the efficiency of the system depend on it. More common products that consume 400 watts, which is enough only for a room of 7-10 m2, depending on the quality of insulation of walls and ceiling.
- The maximum heating temperature of the external parts is taken into account for safe operation, prevention of injuries.
- Placement option - it is necessary to clarify whether the device can be installed horizontally / vertically / on the ceiling.
- The safety switch that trips during a rollover is important when there are children, visually impaired people and large pets in the house.
- The dimensions and weight of the heater are important for choosing the mounting method.
- The presence of a temperature controller in the kit or the ability to purchase additionally.
The options for the execution of devices allow you to choose the right one for any operating conditions.
Popular models
The list of manufacturers is impressive, but according to customer reviews, several brands in the inexpensive price category deserve the trust.
The international concern Ballu specializes in the production of HVAC equipment. Production is located in China. A range of wall and ceiling heaters is available. A monolithic heating element is equipped with a series of appliances BIH l, Camino Eco, Camino Eco Turbo, Enzo. The model range includes products with power from 0.5 to 2.5 kW and a heating area of up to 24 m2. New devices are equipped with ceramic panels, which increases durability.
Teplodar - convectors with stone panels.Produced in Ulyanovsk, representative offices are located throughout the country - Moscow, St. Petersburg, Irkutsk, and other large regional centers. The assortment is based on a 400 W heater, which is enough for rooms 16–18 m2. Heating to 75 degrees takes about 20 minutes. The kit includes a heat reflector for the rear wall, brackets, thermostat.
Teploeko produces convectors of two series in light and black versions. Power is 380 W, this is enough to maintain a comfortable temperature in the off-season when the main heating system is not turned on. Allows you to maintain the temperature at 18 degrees in rooms with an area of 15 m2.
Quartz heaters are an excellent choice in terms of price / quality ratio. Simple installation and ease of use will allow you to make a heating system yourself, without the involvement of specialists.
