Pros and cons of a quartz heater

Not always heating the premises is carried out using a central heating system. In the modern market there are many different devices designed for heating residential premises. A quartz heater, which appeared on the market about 10 years ago, also belongs to such devices. Despite the fact that such devices are inferior in performance to gas heating, they compare favorably with the cost and amount of energy consumed.

How does a quartz heater work

The essence of the functioning of this product for heating, made of quartz sand, is the use of directional infrared radiation. In essence, it is an analogue of a natural process. In a similar way, the earth warms up by the sun.

REFERENCE! The manufacture of each glass is based on natural silicon (sand). In any apartment, windows can be called quartz, because their translucent part is made of sand.

The device of infrared quartz heaters

1. Heating coil. Consists of an alloy of nickel and chromium (nichrome). Due to the presence of quartz sand in the aggregate, there is an increase in heat transfer and environmental protection. The heating coil is immersed in a special lamp, the casing of which is made of quartz glass.
2. Diffuser. It is made of metal. This element is a plate placed at the back of a plate or bulb, acting as a specific reflective surface. Infrared rays begin to be reflected from this surface, which, in turn, allows for directed radiation.
3. Thermostat. Helps reduce heating costs by 30-40%. Certain devices equipped with an integrated control unit function in a completely autonomous manner. Some require a thermostat connection. In order to ensure safe operation, heaters are installed sensors that protect the surface from overheating.

The use of a quartz filler ensured safety, economy and an impressive period of use. Even when the heat source is turned off, the sand still retains heat for some time.Devices for heating, made on the basis of quartz sand, begin to realize the necessary operating power 20 minutes after switching on.

In order for the device to work properly for a long time, it is advisable to follow the manufacturers recommendations:

• Do not overload the power grid;
• the device must not be covered;
• it is necessary to turn off similar devices at night;
• you must leave a distance of at least 50 cm between the wall and the body of the device;
• it is impossible to have heaters opposite each other, this can only be done in a checkerboard pattern.

Pros and cons of quartz heaters

There are two types of such heating devices: infrared and monolithic. Any of these species has a number of certain advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of monolithic quartz devices:

• reasonable cost of the product;
• lack of noise during operation;
• simplicity of design;
• environmental friendliness;
• quick heating of the room thanks to two methods of heat transfer - infrared radiation and convection.

Disadvantages:

• heavy weight and the need for strong fastening in case of wall mounting;
• the material of the plates is very fragile (often they break even during transportation);
• unattractive appearance;
• the inability to directly connect the device to a power outlet (you have to additionally buy a thermostat and connect it to the battery);
• an excessively high surface temperature (95 ° C) can cause a burn (it is advisable to use it with a protective shield, which is purchased separately).

Advantages of infrared heaters:

• compact sizes (easily fit under furniture);
• fast heat generation (2-3 minutes after switching on);
• can be fixed in any convenient way: on a wall or on a stand;
• original design.

Disadvantages:

• fragility of a glass tube;
• high probability of getting a burn;
• lack of a thermostat.

REFERENCE! Infrared quartz heaters are suitable for installation directly on the street for local heating of people, since such devices are capable of raising the temperature of surfaces in a short time.

Types of quartz heaters

Consider the principle of operation and features of monolithic and infrared heating devices.

Monolithic

They are made from a special mixture, which includes quartz sand. The prepared solution is poured into a special flat form in which a nichrome spiral is previously placed, having reliable electrical insulation, and a reinforcing frame. Then tamped, dried and tiled.

The standard dimensions of a quartz heater of this type are: 61x34x2.5 cm. The average weight is approximately 10 kg. The monolithic heater plate has a width of about 25 mm. In the process, the temperature of the heater itself is 120 ° C, and the plates - 95 ° C. Power consumption is 400-500 watts. The surface of the device, as a rule, is embossed or smooth.

If the color of the purchased quartz heater leaves much to be desired, it can always be painted in the desired shade. This will in no way affect the functional characteristics of the device.

Infrared

The radiation propagation function in this product is performed by a tungsten spiral placed in a quartz tube. A quartz tube protects the spiral from contact with dust and particles of a different kind. When the spiral heats up noticeably and acquires a bright scarlet color, dust and microscopic particles burn upon contact, emitting an unpleasant odor.

The weight of such devices is relatively small - from 1 to 3 kg. The power consumption of household models is 1-3 kW. ABOUTDean device can have several heaters of 400-500 watts, each of which is equipped with its own switch.

ATTENTION! It is recommended to choose a heat-resistant paint that does not emit toxic substances when heated, when painting a quartz plate.

Scope of heating devices made of quartz

In many respects, such devices are better than conventional heaters, which have drawbacks related to the features of work. In the manufacture of a heater from quartz, manufacturers took into account all the shortcomings. The result is more advanced equipment, economical and durable.

REFERENCE! Infrared radiation helps to activate the human immune system and accelerate the regenerative processes in cells.

Quartz-based heating devices are used in industrial or residential premises. In addition, such devices are often used in production if it is necessary to dry painted surfaces.

The main areas of use of quartz heaters

• for heating stadiums, restaurants and other open-air venues;
• for heating residential premises;
• in polyclinics and other medical institutions.

A similar device can be used as the main or additional heat source. If a special stand is available, such a heater can be used, among other things, to warm the engine in a car.

What criteria should be considered when choosing

When choosing a quartz heating device, certain characteristics and possibilities must be taken into account.

Device power

When planning heating, it is necessary to measure the rooms. Choosing the right option is better based on the following principles:

• up to 10 m² - one device with a capacity of 500 W;
• from 10 to 15 m² - two devices of 400 W each;
• from 15 to 20 m² - two 500 W heaters;
• from 20 m² - one device with a capacity of 500 W for every 7 m².

Manufacturer

Monolithic panels need quality service, but not every city has suitable service centers. This information must be clarified before purchase.

REFERENCE! The longer the warranty period, the more it is worth trusting the manufacturer of such a product.

Additional features

If there is a need for a built-in timer, the ability to automatically turn off or adjust the temperature, you must first determine whether there are any in the selected model.

Amount of energy consumed

Some quartz heating appliances can have an attractive cost, but still consume an impressive amount of energy. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to such a parameter when choosing a suitable option.