Electric Wall Garage Heaters
Are Electric Wall Garage Heaters The Right Choice?
Purchasing an electric wall garage heater can be a daunting task if you don't know where to start and what you want. There are some simple steps to follow that can make your decision a bit easier.
First you must be aware of the fact that electric heaters made to produce different levels and types of warmth. There are forced air electric wall garage heaters that use a fan or blower to warm the air by pushing the air over metal or ceramic elements, they can tend to be very loud. Next there are radiator electric garage heaters type heaters, these electric heaters heat liquid in a reservoir and gradually heat a room, the are very quiet and adequate heaters. Third there are convection electric garage heaters, these heaters draw the cold air in that is then heated by coils and forced out. These types of heaters can be and are usually very noisy. Lastly, there are radiant electric garage heaters. These heaters emit infrared radiation to warm and area and use little power.
Another important fact to pay attention to when comparing the different types of electric garage wall heaters is the BTU's (British Thermal Unit). The BTU's lets the consumer know just how much heat an electric garage wall unit will put out to heat an area, and how mush space can be heated safely. You will also want to know if the electric garage wall heater comes with variable heat settings and its level of energy consumption during the colder months. Also do not forget to check to see if the heater has built-in motors, fans or blowers used to heat an area. If they oscillate or not and their noise level. Some fans and blowers and built-in motors can be very noisy.
Still some other things to pay close attention to when making a decision on a garage wall unit would be the heaters sizing by wattage, it's voltage, does it have a thermostat and timer, how the overall heater looks. Will the electric garage wall heater be surface mounted or recessed and where will it be located to keep everything warm.
The heaters sizing by wattage is important because it will help you determine exactly which heater you need to heat the size garage you have properly. The general rule of thumb is 10 watts per square feet with an 8 foot ceiling or lower. Ceilings that are 9 feet or more would require 1.25 watts per cubic foot. The rule of thumb works so don't forget to use it.
Understanding the different voltage's is an important fact to know before you safely purchase your electric garage wall heater. The the different voltage's the heaters come are 120 volts and 240 volts, most garages are wired for both 120 volts and 240 volts. The standard 120 volt electric garage wall heater is available in 500 to 1500 watts and can heat a 50 to 150 square feet area. If you have a larger area than 150 square feet to heat in your garage then you will need to purchase a 240 volt heater. The standard electric garage wall heater is available in 1000 to 4800 watts and can warm an area of 10 to 480 sq ft.
Please be aware that the most common error or over site when purchasing an electric garage wall heater is buying the wrong voltage. If you install the wrong voltages electric garage wall heater be aware that things can happen such as burning out the heater which would void your warranty. When in doubt, ask. There are several people that can advise you in this area such as electricians, employees at home improvement stores, knowledgeable neighbors, friends and family members.
Thermostat's are another thing to take into consideration before making a decision. They can either be built-in to the unit or attached on the wall. It really all depends on the module you are considering, with many of the models you will have the option of one or the other, while you will find that some models will only have the option of a built-in thermostat or a wall mounted thermostat. Some thermostats will be programmable which make them more cost efficient and energy efficient, these types will allow you to program the timers to shut off or turn on at the times you pre-set saving you energy consumption. When installing a wall mounted thermostat whether it is recessed mounted or not you will want to make sure that it is mounted on an internal wall away from windows, direct sunlight, drafts and other heating devices. All of these things can effect the thermostat's programmable sensors.
Another point you will want to take in to consideration is the looks and noise level that the electric wall heater has. Even though it is just in your garage the noise it makes can get to be a bit annoying when you are trying to work or do something in it. The same is true for the looks of you heater whether it is recessed mounted or surface mounted many prefer just the basic stainless or galvanized steel look, while other prefer the models that are available in a variety of colors painted in a powder coat, with a metal grille. After all you will want the perfect heater.
Lastly, after you have decided on the perfect electric wall garage heater you are buying, you will want to pay close attention to where you will safely mount or station your heater. Make sure it is clear of all obstruction and is in an area that will always be clear of objects items that could be a problem. Once mounted the wall will heat up first and then the surrounding areas. The factory recommends that a heater should be mounted at least 8" from the floor, 8" from the ceiling, 8" from an adjacent interior wall and 3" from all other objects. When in doubt seek the advice from you local city code inspector. Be sure that the back box is included or if you need to purchase one separately. This is very important, the back box separates the heating element and prevents it from touching insulation or the interior wall, not having one is a code violation.
Whether is be any of these types of heat convection electric, infrared radiant electric, radiator electric, forced air or not whether it be heated by coils, metal or ceramic elements uses a fan or blower or has a built-in motor hopefully, by using these simple steps to follow when shopping for electric wall garage heaters you will find the perfect electric wall heater has everything you want for your garage and make the right choice first