How to choose a carbon heater

Principle of operation

A carbon heater is in many ways similar to a familiar infrared heater. However, the heating element is not a tungsten coil, but a ribbon-shaped carbon fiber placed in a quartz tube with a vacuum.

Infrared is a soft thermal radiation that is completely absorbed by surrounding objects with virtually no loss. The rays are able to heat bodies and objects to a depth of 2 cm evenly over the entire area, while the air itself is not heated (for more details, see the article on the principle of operation of a heater with infrared radiation).Heating of the room is already carried out by means of heat transfer from heated objects. This property is widely used in street heating.

Carbon heaters for home

The carbon filament does not change its size during temperature changes and has a high heat transfer, therefore it is excellent as a heating element. Considering a variety of models of carbon heaters for the home, which ones to choose economical and the best models in terms of characteristics, you need to start from the operating conditions and tasks. There is an option to purchase devices with a different type of installation, which expands the possibilities of their use in everyday life.

Types of carbon heaters:

• wall;
• floor;
• ceiling;
• with swivel mechanism;
• film wall;
• film heaters for arranging a warm floor.

Wall Mounted Carbon Heater

There are two types of wall-mounted devices - flexible film devices and equipment with a tubular element. Their main advantage is significant space savings. During operation, these devices do not interfere with movement at all. The temperature of the canvas or body does not exceed 90°C, which prevents damage to the wallpaper or other decorative coating. You can easily position the wall-mounted carbon heater on a balcony or in a garage, in a narrow utility room or a small living room.

Floor standing carbon heater

When choosing the best carbon fiber heaters for your home, you need to pay attention to outdoor portable devices that have an interesting design and excellent technical characteristics. A distinctive plus of this type of electrical equipment is mobility and low weight within 3-4 kg.

It is easy to carry it around the room, use it on the loggia, on the street, in another place where there is a need to keep warm during the cold season. A good type of floor heater are models with a swivel base that allow you to change the heating angle by 90-180 °.

Ceiling carbon heaters

Experts believe that a new generation of ceiling carbon infrared heaters is the best option for any room. The positive quality of this option is that the temperature of the environment at the level of the human head will be a couple of degrees lower than at the level of the legs, which creates comfortable conditions for the body. Installation of this equipment is simple, the work is done with the help of brackets, dowels and screws. The appearance of the devices corresponds to the atmosphere of a modern interior, the ceiling heating system does not interfere with the movement or installation of overall furniture.

Infrared Carbon Heater

Modern carbon infrared heaters work on a different principle than standard convectors. They propagate wave radiation that freely passes through the air and is absorbed by solid objects in the room. Then, accumulating energy, things begin to gradually give off heat to the surrounding space. For this reason, we get significant advantages - the absence of temperature drops in the room, the directed effect of IR radiation, economy, safe operation of carbon heaters in a living space.

Carbon heater with thermostat

Almost all the best household carbon heaters are equipped with high-quality fixtures that help maintain the desired temperature in the room.A significant drawback of these devices is considered to be a narrow temperature scale; many thermostats have only a few adjustment divisions. A separate group should include film flexible infrared heaters for arranging underfloor heating. Due to the specifics of operation, users themselves have to purchase accurate thermostats and connect them to the electrical circuit.

Heating devices in the form of decorative wall paintings often do not have their own regulator, which causes concern among cautious users. Its absence says that the power of the device has already been optimally selected in accordance with the heat transfer area, subject to all the rules for installing a flexible and beautiful carbon fabric in operation, overheating is excluded.

 

Carbon heater device

The carbon heater is a vacuum tube made of quartz glass, inside of which a carbon fiber tape is enclosed. An electric current is applied to it, as a result of which the fiber begins to emit infrared waves, similar to part of the solar radiation range. The tube is securely fixed in a steel case and covered with a grill. Outdoor infrared carbon heaters must also be protected from moisture.

The heating element consists of very thin (5-15 microns) filaments formed by carbon atoms arranged parallel to each other. In the absence of oxygen, the fiber is able to withstand temperatures up to 2000 °C without loss of mechanical properties. However, in an oxygen-containing environment, under the action of high temperatures, oxidation occurs.

The appearance of the device allows you to fit it into almost any interior, floor portable models are quite compact and mobile, and flat carbon panels can be built into the ceiling or hung on the wall

Important! With prolonged use of the carbon heater, the surface is strongly heated, so it should not be placed close to objects

Advantages

According to experts, the main advantages of such equipment are as follows.

• A powerful stream of thermal energy, the efficiency of which is much higher than that of a conventional infrared device.
• The human body warms up deep enough.
• The heating element is protected not only from accidental touches, but also from moisture penetration.
• Heating occurs instantly, and purposefully.
• There is also protection against ignition, voltage surges and even turning the case over.
• Such devices can be used even outdoors (for example, on a balcony).
• They are very energy efficient.
• They are mobile and compact, and also have a small weight (about four kilograms).
• High degree of fire safety.
• The operating life of the heating element itself is almost unlimited. And indeed, because it is reliably protected from dirt and moisture.

Another difference between the heater can be called the fact that the rays produced by it have an extremely positive effect on a person (more on this at the end of the article).

Note! IR rays enter the body, which significantly improves blood circulation, and is also a prevention of acute respiratory viral infections, inflammation in the joints, muscle masses.People who already use heaters talk about additional benefits

First of all, this is a small price for them, simplicity and ease of use, silent operation, a feeling of warmth even four meters from the device, as well as no need for installation work. And women, for whom the attractiveness of their own home is important, add that the carbon heater goes well with almost any interior.

People who already use heaters talk about their additional benefits. First of all, this is a small price for them, simplicity and ease of use, silent operation, a feeling of warmth even four meters from the device, as well as no need for installation work. And women, for whom the attractiveness of their own home is important, add that the carbon heater goes well with almost any interior.

Where is it used?

Infrared heaters are widely used today. Depending on the characteristics, functionality and options, they are used to solve the following tasks:

• For the organization of the main and auxiliary heating;
• When arranging spot heating of certain areas indoors;
• In order to heat a specific area in an open space - a playground, an open cafe and others;
• For mass and visiting holidays, which are held on the street and indoors;
• During construction work in winter.

In addition to the areas discussed, infrared heaters are great for apartments, cottages, houses, garages, heating chicken coops and greenhouses.

Popular Models

There are quite a few models of carbon heaters currently being produced.Their production is widely established both in our country and abroad. Among them are the following devices:

1. Veito CH 1200 LT is a Turkish cabinet floor heater designed for heating both apartments and terraces. The mass of the device is 2 kg, which allows you to easily change its location. The switch can change the power modes from 600 to 1200 watts.
2. ZENET ZET-512 is a compact unit located on a turntable. It is widely used to heat outdoor cafes, placing it in the center of the table. The maximum power of the device is 600 watts. Indoors, it can provide heat to an area of ​​up to 10 m². The only drawback is that there is no portable handle, so you have to wait a while until it cools down.
3. Polaris PKSH 0508H - this device can work in both vertical and horizontal positions. Well suited for heating an individual workplace in an office or workshop. The maximum heating area is up to 20 m².

How to choose a carbon heating heater

This modification of heaters is considered the safest of similar heating systems.

When choosing a device, experts recommend paying attention so that it has the following functions:

• Drop protection option for floor standing options;
• possibility of regulation of the mode of inclusion/switching off and temperature mode;
• remote control;
• take into account the place where the heater will work;
• know the heating area and the required power.

For buyers who value the reputation of Western European companies, you need to consider that the cost of the European model will cost much more than the domestic one.

The best carbon cabinet heaters

In such models, the same structure is used as in conventional infrared heaters, only instead of tungsten wire in an airless bulb, carbon fiber is used, which conducts current, but has an increased heating rate.

Due to this, less electricity is consumed and heat transfer occurs faster. Such devices are suitable for additional and full heating, depending on the power.

Veito CH1200 LT - for an open terrace

This is the best cabinet carbon heater for the terrace due to its vertical design on its own base that does not need to be fixed.

The device can be placed on the floor or a bedside table, which will create comfortable conditions on the outdoor area in late autumn or early spring.

It is convenient to set the desired temperature using the regulator and the selected one of the two modes. A narrow stand with symmetrical caps looks beautiful.

Pros:

• execution in a black or white case allows you to choose the device for a different interior;
• portable device can be taken with you to any room;
• light weight of 2 kg is optimal for transfer even to an elderly person;
• instant access to the set temperature after switching on;
• long service life due to carbon rather than metal thread inside;
• does not consume oxygen during operation;
• directional action, which is convenient for outdoor use, where heat rays are directed not scattered, but to the user;
• does not burn dust;
• completely silent;
• a guarantee from the Turkish producer of 5 years;
• suitable for indoor areas up to 15 m2;
• compact dimensions 700x170x80 mm are convenient for placement;
• built-in protection in case of accidental capsizing;
• two power modes for 600 and 1200 W;
• thermostat;
• overheat protection.

Minuses:

• cost from 10,000 rubles;
• there is no carrying handle (it is inconvenient to take on the device).

ZENET ZET-512 - for outdoor cafe

To create a cozy romantic atmosphere at the table of an outdoor cafe, this carbon heater in the form of a steel cone with a semi-open chamber for emitting infrared light is perfect.

The compact dimensions of 210x210x545 mm allow you to install the heater directly on a table or on a parapet on the wall next to the customer seats. The reflection of the heated carbon fiber in the bulb creates the effect of a spark and serves as additional lighting.

Pros:

• swivel support has a range of 90 degrees;
• when used indoors, it is designed for an area of ​​up to 10 m2;
• two modes of operation with switching power to 300 and 600 W;
• low electricity consumption allows long-term use without significant costs;
• stylish design;
• own foundation;
• can be moved to any place;
• directed action of light waves;
• long service life of the heating element;
• fast reaching of working temperature;
• automatic shutdown when dropped;
• protection of the spiral from moisture ingress.

Minuses:

• cost from 4200 rubles;
• there is no carrying handle, so after turning it off you have to wait for the device to cool down.

Polaris PKSH 0508H - for the workplace

This is the best carbon heater in the body, which is well suited for use in the office or workshop. It can be installed vertically or horizontally, which is optimal for any working conditions.

Inside is one carbon fiber heater surrounded by a mirrored reflective surface that propagates light waves outward. At the end of the case there are two switches for setting the modes and the time interval of operation.

Pros:

• durable combined housing with metal and plastic elements;
• zone heating and the ability to install vertically or horizontally (for both methods, stands are supplied in the kit);
• 800 W power is able to heat a room up to 20 m2;
• two modes of 400 and 800 W allow you to use the device not at full strength, which saves electricity and increases the life of the heating element;
• The built-in timer can be set to turn itself off after 180 minutes of operation, making it easy to keep track of the instrument.

Minuses:

• no smooth temperature control;
• it is impossible to quickly change the position from vertical to horizontal (preliminary switching off, rearrangement and switching on to another mode is required);
• cost from 2500 rubles.

Varieties of heaters

In the heating equipment market, carbon heaters are presented in a wide range from different manufacturers. Despite the wide variety of equipment, it is divided into two main categories:

• Floor. This version provides for the installation of the reflector directly on the floor. In turn, it is divided into two types: stationary and rotary heaters. The main difference between the second option and the first one is the large coverage of the heated area.
• Suspended. The design of the equipment provides for its installation at a certain height from the floor. They are also divided into two types: wall and ceiling.

In addition to the main types, there are also models that are equipped with two heating elements and modifications that are installed behind the finishing surfaces or elements. The latter type of equipment is difficult to install on your own and it is recommended to use the services of specialists for its installation.

A heater that will save your budget

Stationary

These heaters have high mobility, they can be easily transferred from one room to another or used to heat a certain area in the open air, for example, on a veranda, terrace, etc. The average weight of such heaters is from 3 to 4 kg, they can be equipped with a telescopic stand for adjustment height. At night, they can be used to create a fireplace effect.

Swivel

Rotary devices are a type of floor models. The design of the equipment is similar to the previous analogue. The difference lies in the rotating heating element together with the housing. The average value of the angle of rotation is from 90 to 120 degrees, but in some modifications it can reach 180 degrees. This difference makes it possible to increase the radiation radius and, accordingly, the heated area by 3-4 times.

Attention! The type of radiation used in carbon heaters is used in medicine, in special chambers for newborns (incubators). It is absolutely harmless, because it is as close as possible to infrared radiation by the human body.

wall

Such units are attached directly to the wall using special brackets supplied with the product. They have a rotation angle of 45°, which allows you to adjust the direction of radiation.These heaters are highly protected in the field of fire safety. The back cover does not heat up above 45 °C, and the front cover does not heat up above 90 °C, such a temperature range is not capable of harming the wall finish. Wall-mounted units are compact in size and easy to place in rooms with a small area. The only disadvantage is the lower efficiency due to the narrowly directed movement of infrared waves.

High efficiency and equipment safety

Ceiling

Ceiling execution of carbon heaters is the most effective option. It allows you to cover the maximum possible area. The radiation from the device passes through the entire room and penetrates the floor, furniture and household items, thereby heating them. Accordingly, the heat goes from bottom to top, creating the most comfortable conditions and microclimate. The temperature at the level of the legs will be 1 - 2 degrees higher than at the head of a person. This temperature range is optimal for the human body and has a beneficial effect on its state of health. Included with the product is the necessary fasteners for its installation.

Varieties of carbon heaters for the home

Depending on the design, wall, floor, ceiling and rotary models are distinguished.

wall

They are fixed on the wall and have an extensive distribution. The products are somewhat inferior in efficiency to ceiling variations due to the specifics of the movement of warm air currents, but they are compact and easy to use. Manufacturers offer a wide range of modifications; lines with an original design have been developed that can become a highlight of the interior.

Wall-mounted carbon heater

To prevent the possibility of excessive overheating, do not place wooden surfaces near the infrared battery. Wall series are optimal for use in families with children, as they do not heat up, the outer panel does not heat up so intensely as to spoil the surrounding decorative finish, the maximum temperature of the rear panel does not exceed 45 ° C.

floor standing

Their main advantage is mobility, since with a small weight they are easy to move from place to place, take them out into the street. Floor variations usually have an extraordinary performance, they often imitate a fireplace. The average weight of such products is 3-4 kg.

Ceiling

This is the most rational solution for operation in a long winter. Infrared radiation spreads from top to bottom, heats the space from the ceiling to the floor and the objects located in this zone, and the heat emitted by all surfaces is directed upwards. As a result, the temperature at the level of the head will be a couple of degrees lower than at the feet, which has a beneficial effect on the vital activity of the body.

The installation of ceiling equipment cannot be called laborious, it can be fixed directly on the finished plane using dowels and screws

Laconic design ensures that the technique will not distract attention from the key components of interior design

Swivel

This is one of the varieties of the floor category, leading in its segment in terms of sales.The rotating base can cover 90-120-180°, the heating radius exceeding 4-5 m significantly increases the operational capabilities of the unit.

Also, flat heating batteries, as well as heaters with several working elements, are in high demand. The latter have enhanced power, due to which they cover a large area. Noteworthy are cascade heaters with increased productivity, and hidden equipment mounted under the finish coat (the services of professional installation specialists are relevant here).

Official Information

According to the assurances of firms that produce and sell such equipment, it:

• environmentally friendly;
• does not harm people;
• helps to save energy;
• does not reduce the concentration of oxygen in the air;
• eliminates the appearance of unpleasant odors;
• completely silent.

The essence is very simple: quartz sand is placed in the ceramic body. The inner cavity also necessarily contains a carbon filament, which provides heating. Carbon fiber is stronger and more durable than nichrome cores. And its heat transfer is 25% higher than that of traditional heating devices. The heating rate is very high and the risk of corrosion is reduced to zero.

When an electric current passes through the thermoquartz carbon coil, it heats up. The infrared rays heat the sand and the hull. And already from the case, heat will spread throughout the room. It is interesting to compare carbon-quartz and lamp heaters. Systems using the lamp principle begin to work much faster, but after the stove is turned off, it will continue to give off heat.

Carbon-quartz heating systems, unlike traditional lamps:

• radiate heat not in any one direction, but evenly throughout the room;
• do not waste energy on the emission of visible light and therefore help to save money, do not create inconvenience at night;
• more stable and less fragile.

Wall-mounted electric heaters with a carbon-quartz working element combine the advantages of infrared lamps and the reliability of convection technology. They will last longer than infrared heaters. Manufacturers do not tire of reminding that such models not only reduce the constant current consumption, but also eliminate unforeseen costs. Infrared radiation in many sources is credited with a beneficial effect on the body.

Carbon-quartz heaters, according to some experts, do not dry out the air in the room. Therefore, maintaining the required microclimate parameters is simplified. Since the front parts of the devices are made of special thermoceramics, they do not overheat. The highest surface temperature does not exceed +75.80 degrees Celsius. Therefore, you can practically not be afraid of burns.

Another positive side of carbon-quartz heaters can be considered a minimal fire risk. These devices are allowed to be used even in rooms lined with wood. Modern appliances of this kind look stylish and can fit into any room design. It is easy to mount it, and even a non-professional will cope with this matter.

It is worth noting that carbon heaters also have some weak points:

• they are ineffective in the open air (such are the features of long infrared waves);
• there is a rather serious risk of breakage when falling;
• the impossibility of heating objects separated from the heater by any barrier.

Varieties of designs

The most popular design is the wall heater. It is made in the form of a picture, which fits perfectly into the interior of the room. But as a heater, it is less efficient than the ceiling.

Wall-mounted devices are safe to touch, as their outer panel heats up to no more than 75 °C. In addition, no marks or damages are left on the wall, as the rear panel does not warm up to more than 45°C. The location of the carbon heater on the ceiling allows you to successfully heat the floor, which can be considered an alternative to the "warm floor" system. In this case, during the operation of the device, the correct air circulation in the room occurs.

Infrared radiation occurs from top to bottom, and then warm air rises from the floor and objects to the ceiling. From such circulation, the air in the room warms up more evenly, which creates a comfortable feeling for a person.

Floor structures are distinguished by their mobility. This gives them some advantage over other options. They can be used to heat balconies, terraces, loggias, pavilions, warehouses, etc.

In the room, especially in the dark, they are very reminiscent of a fireplace, from which light and warmth emanate. Rotary devices are a type of floor structures. Their only difference is the swivel base, which allows you to change the heating zone device.