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Heat up wintry days ONCE the days get less balmy and the nights get nippier, you’ll need to take out your heaters or blowers for those much-needed blasts of warmth to make your frozen toes and hands cosy once again. Before severe winter knocks at your door, spend a Sunday morning to get your heaters/ blowers in top working condition. After all, they have to be readied for the long haul ahead. Get them cleaned and serviced and position them at the most appropriate corners of your house so that they can be put to optimum use. For those who are planning to shop for heaters or blowers, this season, here is a checklist of the various kinds that are available in the market. Traditional heater: This has been the most commonly-used heater since earlier times, much before the more sophisticated blowers made their advent. It has superior heating element; chrome plated guard for heating element ensures operational safety. It is ideal for large rooms. The heat pillars are modified versions of this type of heater. Heat convector: Its
main features are two temperature selections; two, long-life heating
elements; thermostatic control for adjusting room heat; thermal
overload protection for additional safety; fire retardant and
shock-proof body; freeze protection setting; frost guard setting; and
functions as a small fan for year-round operation. Blower or fan
heater It has a motor with blower - gives a smooth and almost
noiseless performance; is covered by a reflector for optimum air
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Oil-filled column heaters: Oil-filled column heaters are effective and versatile. They are particularly suitable for large work areas. These units are electrically powered; safe (no naked flame or exposed coil); Bar radiators: Bar radiators are the least effective type of heating appliance. Those currently in service should be replaced by safer, more effective heating appliances such as oil-filled column heaters. Bar radiators should be situated away from combustible materials (eg. curtains, bookshelves) and secured soundly to the wall. They are not recommended for new room heating installations as they provide uneven heating. Radiant heaters: Unlike traditional convection heating systems that warm the air in a room which then warms its objects and occupants, radiant heaters bombard objects directly with heat. This is how quartz heaters and infrared heaters work. All have as their main selling feature that they direct heat to the objects or people to be warmed. For short periods of time (two to three hours), these heaters are more energy -efficient than convection heaters. Rotoheat convector: Its main features are two temperature ; functions as a cooling fan for year-round operation; oscillating base provides 90 degree rotation of air flow; positive off-position control; full thermostat control with freeze protection setting; thermal overload protector for additional safety protection; built-in arrangement for upward and downward movement of air; low energy consumption; and is extra safe, fitted with thermal fuse and thermal cut-out.
Maintenance: Built-in
heating facilities must be regularly and frequently serviced to
maintain correct working order. Those which are not maintained
are not considered safe to use. Supervision: Heaters which
employ an open flame or exposed heating element can be the
source of ignition in a fire. These heaters must not be left
unattended whilst operating. Models which feature automatic
cut-out upon tipping, overheating or other fault are preferred.
Though heaters can be a source of great comfort , a lot of care
and precautions have to be observed while using them. And by
following the above mentioned tips on positioning them, you can
prevent your power bills from turning astronomical. Positioning: A
number of factors should be considered while positioning a room
heater. A heater should be oriented to provide optimal heating. It should be
placed away from combustible material such as paper bins,
desks, curtains, carpet (to prevent fire) It should be
situated out of human traffic areas (to prevent contact
burns). Heaters should
not be used in flammable atmospheres or near highly
flammable materials where there is an increased likelihood
of ignition. Electric
heaters should, if possible, be plugged directly into wall
switches. If an extension cord is necessary, it should be
heavy duty. — Compiled by Chetna
Banerjee |
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