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Electric heater 120 volt

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About electric heater 120 volt

Types of electric heaters

Generally, electric heaters come in different types. They are distinguished by how they generate heat and how they disperse it. Some common types include convection heaters, radiant heaters, fan heaters, infrared heaters, and electric fireplace heaters.

Convection heaters work by heating the air around the heating element, which then rises. When the heated air rises, it is replaced by cooler air. This process creates a convection current that circulates the warm air through the room. Electric convection heaters are often equipped with a fan to help the circulation of warm air. These fans can be built-in or stand-alone. An advantage of convection heaters is that they can warm up an entire room. They are also relatively quiet and safe to use. The surface of a convection heater remains relatively cool during operation, reducing the risk of any burns or fires. This makes them a good choice for heating occupied spaces.

Radiant heaters use infrared radiation to heat objects directly. They emit infrared radiation that is absorbed by the surrounding furniture, walls, and people. Infrared heaters come in different types, including quartz tubes and reflective heaters. Quartz tube heaters use electric coils and quartz tubes to produce infrared radiation. These tubes are protected by a metal or quartz housing. On the other hand, reflective heaters have quartz tubes and reflectors that direct the heat to the desired area. They are often used in outdoor spaces.

Space heaters come in different types, including radiant heaters, convection heaters, fan heaters, and infrared heaters. Each of these heaters works differently. For instance, convection heaters heat the air around the heating element, causing the heated air to rise. The heated air is then replaced by cooler air, creating a convection current. This current circulates the warm air through the room. Convection heaters are often equipped with a fan to help in the circulation of warm air. Fan heaters have a fan that blows the air over a heated element and into the room. The fan can be a stand-alone fan or a built-in fan. One advantage of fan heaters is that they warm up a room quickly. Homeowners can feel the warmth within a short time.

Electric fireplace heaters are another type of electric heater. They are designed to mimic the look and feel of a traditional wood-burning fireplace. These heaters usually have a display that resembles burning logs and flickering flames. The heating element is hidden within the unit and is not visible to the user. Electric fireplace heaters are available in a variety of styles, including wall-mounted units and freestanding stoves. They can add a cozy ambiance to a room along with providing supplemental heating.

Features and functions of electric heaters 120 volts

Electric heaters for home use increase the temperature of a room. They come with different functions and features that improve their efficiency and performance.

  • Digital thermostat: An electric heater with a digital thermostat is more efficient than those with a manual control knob. Users can set the desired temperature on the digital display. The heater will work to maintain the set temperature. It also has an auto shut-off function that helps save energy.
  • Timer: A 120v electric garage heater with a timer allows users to program when they want the heater to go on or off. They can set the time for an entire week and the heater will follow the instructions. This feature helps save energy as users won’t have to leave the heater on the whole day and night.
  • Tip-over switch: The tip-over switch is a safety feature that is found in most 120 volt electric heaters. It automatically turns off the heater when it detects it is not in an upright position. This helps prevent accidents like fire.
  • Overheat protection: An electric heater that has an overheat protection feature will automatically shut off the heater when it reaches a certain temperature. This helps protect the heater from damage and prevents any fire accident.
  • Remote control: Electric heaters with a remote control make using the heater more convenient. Users can adjust the settings from anywhere in the room.
  • Fan-forced heating: Most electric heaters use a fan to move air over the heating element. The fan then blows the hot air into the room. This type of heating is quick and efficient.
  • Radiant heating: Radiant heaters use infrared technology to heat objects and people in the room directly. They are energy efficient as they don’t heat the entire room.

Scenarios

Portable electric space heaters can be used in different settings. Here are some common applications of the 120 volt electric heater:

  • Home

During cold weather, a 120 volt space heater can keep the home warm and cozy. Homeowners can use it to heat a cold room in the house or supplement the home's central heating system. An electric space heater is perfect for the basement, attic, or any other room that's hard to heat. It can also be used in busy areas of the house, like the living room or kitchen. The heater can quickly warm up the space when the central heating system is not enough.

  • Office

Most offices have a central heating system that keeps the entire building warm. However, some employees may feel cold, while others feel hot. A 120v electric heater is a better choice for people who want to control their immediate office temperature. The heater is small enough to fit under a desk or in a cubicle. Also, it is portable, allowing the user to move it from one place to another.

  • Garage

A 120v electric heater is a great way to warm up the garage when working on a project. During the winter, the garage can get cold. The electric heater can maintain a comfortable temperature, allowing the user to focus on the project. However, it is important to note that the heater is not suitable for construction sites. It can only be used in a garage that has a power source.

  • Outdoor Activities

When camping, a 120v electric heater can keep the tent warm. Most tents are small, and the heater can quickly heat the space. However, be sure there's a power source to plug in the heater. Also, it is essential to use the heater with caution to prevent a fire. Aside from camping, the electric heater can be used in the patio or deck during cool evenings.

  • Commercial Spaces

120v electric heaters are used in commercial spaces that need extra heat. Restaurants, hotels, and shops can use the electric heater to heat specific areas of the building. Restaurants with outdoor dining can use the heater to keep the patio warm. Hotels can use the heater to warm the lobby and other common areas. Also, shops can use the heater to keep customers and staff warm during cold weather.

How to Choose Electric Heater 120 Volt

When choosing a 120-volt electric heater for the home or office, it is essential to consider the type and size of the space to be heated. Some factors to consider are safety features, energy efficiency, and ease of use. Here are some things to consider when selecting a 120-volt electric heater.

  • Heating needs and size of the room

An important consideration is the required heating output in BTUs. To determine this, one must calculate the number of BTUs needed to heat the space effectively. The room size and insulation level should be determined. Spaces with good insulation need 10 to 15 watts per square foot, which is equal to 34 to 51 BTUs per square foot. Inadequately insulated rooms may require 50 watts per square foot or 170 BTUs per square foot.

  • Types of heaters

There are many types of electric heaters, including fan-forced, baseboard, infrared, and radiant heaters. Each type has unique features. Electric heaters are available in different models, each with its own heating method. Some use a fan to blow air, and others use an infrared bulb to produce heat. Both fan-forced and infrared heaters are energy-efficient. However, the infrared type is more suitable for people who want to heat specific areas. On the other hand, the fan-forced heater is more suitable for people who want to heat an entire room.

  • Energy efficiency and power consumption

Energy efficiency is an essential consideration when selecting an electric heater. The efficiency of an electric heater is measured in watts. One kilowatt is equivalent to 3412 BTUs. A heater that uses 0.75 kilowatts produces 2559. A heater that uses 1.5 kilowatts produces 5118 BTUs. Most electric heaters use 1500 watts, which is equal to 5118 BTUs. An electric heater with a fan is more efficient because it circulates air. The fan reduces the thermostat setting by 10 degrees, which reduces the electricity used. An electric heater with a fan is more efficient than a heater without a fan because it heats the room faster and reduces the thermostat setting.

  • Safety features

When choosing an electric heater, safety features must be considered. The heater must have a tip-over switch that turns it off if it falls over. The heater must also have an overheat protection system that turns it off if it becomes too hot. The heater must also have a cool-touch housing to prevent burns. The electric heater must have a UL seal of approval. This means it has been tested for safety and meets the safety standards of the Underwriters Laboratories. A heater with a UL seal has a thermostat that keeps the room at a constant temperature. A heater that is not UL approved may not have a thermostat. Instead, it may have a dial that only allows users to select a temperature range.

Q & A

Q1: How many watts should a 120V heater be?

A1: The number of watts a 120-volt heater should be depends on the room size. In general, 10 watts are needed for every square foot of space. For example, a 100 square foot room would require a 1,000-watt heater. Furthermore, heaters of 1,500 watts are the most common for home use.

Q2: How many amps does a 1500 watt heater pull?

A2: How many amps a 1500 watt heater pulls depends on the voltage. At 120 volts, a 1500 watt heater uses 12.5 amps. At 240 volts, it only uses 6.25 amps.

Q3: How long do portable heaters last?

A3: The lifetime of a portable heater depends on the brand, model, and frequency of use. On average, a well-maintained portable heater can last between 10 and 20 years.

Q4: Do I need an electrician to install a 120v electric heater?

A4: The installation of a 120v electric heater must be done by a certified electrician. This is important to avoid safety hazards and ensure the warranty remains valid.

Q5: Are 120v heaters safe?

A5: Yes, 120-volt heaters are safe to use. However, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety precautions. Additionally, avoid overloading circuits and using damaged cords or plugs. When possible, choose heaters with built-in safety features like tip-over protection and overheat protection.