Infrared Heaters How Do I Decide? Solar Comfort, Edenpure, CZ Heater, Iheater?
Posted: Wednesday, October 13, 2010
by Charles Michael
S. C. H
It amazes me how many Infrared heaters have popped up on the market in the past three years and many of them are so cheap that it could be tempting if you have not done your research!
It also amazes me even more as to how many people fall for low price and false marketing without even a bit of research. Does money, safety, longevity, quality and peace of mind not account for anything anymore?
First, I can not express enough, do your research . This is an investment and if you get a good product it will pay for itself for years to come. As an example, I have met folks that still today have their Solar Comfort heater from as far back as 1980's. Still working too! On the contrary, I have also met people that have bought Infrared Heaters that lasted only 1 year.
You get what you pay for. I have seen many new arrivals trying to grab some market place with poor quality units that are priced substantially low. However, they lack support, repairs ability, quality and are typically only a 1 year warranty. I would much rather pay more for a quality product that has replaceable parts and a good 3 year warranty .
Peace of mind. Make sure the heater you get has a descent track record. How long has it been around for? Is it plastic that can melt? What kind of bulbs does it use? Wouldn't it be nice to have the confidence that you can leave the heater unattended heating your home while you are out? I know of many plastic heaters that have melted.
Quartz tube bulbs or Infrared heat lamps? I personally feel safer with heat lamps over quartz tubes. The reason being is that in my opinion and through testing, quartz tubes can get too hot in a refined area. I actually have seen heaters totally fried internally to the point of danger from quartz tubes. Infrared heat lamps on the other hand have been proven safer. They are used in the food industry, farming and heating. They also have a much longer track record.
What about digital vs mechanical? Although many Infrared heaters have digital components and motherboards, there are pros and cons to them. First off, they don't last as long. Heat and digital motherboards do not work well with each other. A mechanical system will outlast digital and is easier to replace. There are some accuracy advantages to digital. However, I would rather have something that will last for years to come.
In fact, I have a heater that has a remote control and the unit failed because the tv remote control was turning off the heater during high heat cycle. This fried the cord and the whole wall outlet. Not good! There are only a few Infrared heaters on the market that are still focused on mechanical and the main one is Solar Comfort.
Most of the real cheap Infrared heaters are not actually Infrared at all. They are a ceramic style radiant heat. They may use a quartz bulb system but there is no Infrared heat admission as it is encased in ceramic. These heaters are the least of the heaters I would recommend. I don't know of one that is built to last!
So again, do your research for reviews, warranty, type of heating element, ease of replacement parts and availability and don't make price be your main purchase reasoning.
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