A mycothermal heater is an electrical device that propagates infrared heat waves. It is extremely safe, since it itself is not subject to heat - it is impossible to get burned on the case. The device has other advantages that it is important to know the buyer, as well as disadvantages that must be considered when choosing a device.
Device and principle of operation
The heat source in the unit is a plate that evenly distributes infrared rays. It consists of numerous metallic and non-metallic layers with mica coating on each side. Some layers are used for insulation, others for the concentration of heat and its reflection. The plate radiates thermal waves to surrounding objects, heating them. As such, there is no coolant in the device, so there will be no problem with its burnout.
The layered element is enclosed in a metal casing and is equipped with gratings through which thermal waves are distributed in two directions. There are models that direct heat only in one direction. They are hinged and convenient in that they save space. The third variety is cylindrical apparatuses that have a circular zone of infrared radiation. They can be attached to the ceiling or to the walls, depending on the characteristics of the room.
The devices are equipped with control units with a thermostat that allows you to adjust the temperature. There are models equipped with ionizers, shelves for drying items, as well as a water protection function that prevents the risk of breakdown of the device or short circuit when moisture penetrates.
The principle of operation of the device is based not only on infrared radiation. A fifth of the productivity is achieved by convection due to the temperature difference.
The device is able to heat any surrounding objects - furniture, walls, people, animals. At the same time, inanimate objects themselves become a kind of heating pads - they transfer the accumulated heat to the surrounding air.
The device works according to the “solar” principle: when a person or object is under its rays, it warms up. It is worth leaving the coverage area, the heat immediately disappears.
It turns out that the device heats surrounding objects and air currents at a distance. This allows you to quickly heat the fenced room in comparison with water, gas or electric convectors. Such heaters are able to heat only air in contact with the coolant. However, in the case of the MK device, the heat flux density becomes smaller with increasing distance between the device and the object.
Application area
Heaters of this type are universal, they can be used for residential premises, as well as:
- country verandas and attics;
- small industries;
- garages.
Since the heater is aimed at heating surrounding things and weighs little, you can take it with you to the gazebo if evening gatherings are supposed. Also, the device is indispensable if you need to urgently heat a particular item.
The device emits infrared and electromagnetic waves in a range that is safe for living things. Therefore, mycothermal heaters are often used in kindergartens, medical institutions.
Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantage of heaters is the rapid heating of objects in the radiation zone.It gets warmer, you just turn on the device. If the appliance is outdoor, moving around the room will accelerate heating. It is not difficult to do this, since there is no heavy spiral, the unit weighs a little and is usually equipped with wheels.
Another important advantage of a micathermic heater is that the device only emits infrared waves, and is not used for direct heating.
The body of the device, insulated with basalt composition, does not heat up above 60 degrees. This eliminates the risk of burns in contact with the apparatus of a person or animal.
Thanks to direct heat transfer, the device consumes an average of a quarter less electricity than other types of heaters, including oil heaters. Another significant plus of the device is that it works almost silently. The mycothermal heating method does not dry out the air, which helps maintain a normal level of humidity. Such a device does not reduce the concentration of oxygen in the room.
However, the device has also disadvantages:
- the heat flux density decreases with increasing distance, which leads to weak heating of distant objects;
- the device is not able to warm the space outside the room;
- it is difficult to clean dust and dirt that accumulates behind bars.
Another disadvantage is the high price of the device - it is much more expensive than a conventional oil heater.
Selection tips
The first thing to consider is the area of the heated room. For a warm room of 25 "squares" with a standard ceiling height in the Moscow climate zone, models with power from 1000 to 1500 W are suitable. Popular options include the DeLonghi HMP1500 heater, the Polaris micathermic heater PMH 1546, as well as other devices of this brand:
- PMH 1594;
- PMH 1514;
- PMH 1598;
- PMH 1504.
For rooms of 26-30 "squares" or with high ceilings, more powerful models of 2000 watts are chosen. For example, Polaris brand devices are suitable: PMH 2017RCD, PMH 2015, PMH 2047.
It is necessary to take into account the purpose of the room. In a garage or workshop, a temperature above 20 degrees is not needed, you can purchase a heater of lower power.
It is preferable to choose devices with a control unit equipped with a mechanical or electronic thermostat. It is necessary to maintain the specified temperature and save energy: when the desired values are reached, the device will turn off, and when the room cools down, it will be connected again.
Comfort lovers will appreciate the device with a remote control and a large number of settings.
Care and maintenance
In order for the micathermic device to work for a long time, it must be operated correctly. Immediately after the purchase, read the technical manual and follow its rules. If a floor model has been selected, screw the wheel chassis to the chassis before connecting. The wall must be hung with dowels. It is forbidden to extend the power cord under the carpet, carpet, linoleum. Items with flammable textures and surfaces should be placed at a distance of more than 1 meter.
If the device was purchased in the winter, you need to wait four hours before connecting to the power grid, so that the device "gets used" to the ambient temperature. This will avoid premature failure of electrical equipment.
If the appliance jams, do not disassemble it yourself. The design is quite complicated, it is better to contact the service center.
To clean the unit, disconnect it from the power supply, let cool. Then wipe off the dust with a damp cloth. Pollution from the grill is removed with a vacuum cleaner. Do not use abrasive or highly active chemicals.
Micathermic heater or convector
The choice of a micathermic or convection unit depends largely on the desire and financial capabilities of the owner. If the existing convector heater strongly dries the air, burns oxygen, it is worthwhile to turn the removal to infrared devices. But in some people, infrared devices when they are near for a long time cause a headache.
A convector weighs more than a mica unit, but this is important only for attachments; the floor ones are also equipped with wheels.
If we talk about the heating rate, micathermic devices are preferable - it will become warmer in the room in literally ten minutes.
IR heaters are not as successful as convectors, but their popularity is growing. It contributes to the increased safety of appliances and the speed of heating the room.
