An oil-filled electric heater efficiently provides both convection and radiant heat. In these types of radiant heaters, the electrical elements first heat up the special oil sealed inside the unit. Afterwards, the heated oil is circulated throughout the heater’s coils, which in turn heat up the external surface.

The oil in this heater is only warmed up to a certain temperature and never to the point of burning. Also, you will never need to replace the oil, which makes this heater very easy to use. As with all types of radiant heaters, you need to make sure you choose the size of radiator appropriate for the area to be heated.

Benefits of Oil-Filled Radiant Heaters

– These heaters are available in different models to suit different needs.

– They provide an even spread of warmth.

– They are very quiet to operate since they have no fan.

– They are energy efficient and cost effective.

– They don’t cause draughts.

– They don’t consume oxygen in the air.

– Some models are portable, for easy transportation from one room to another.

Ideal for Homes

Oil-filled electric heaters are very safe to use and are, therefore, perfect to use in your home if you have children or pets. The heating element on these types of radiant heaters is completely enclosed within the unit so there is practically no danger of fire or burn-related injuries. They also have safety features, like overheat shutoff, to give users greater piece of mind.

How to Use Oil-Filled Radiators Efficiently

First of all, set the heater’s thermostat to a comfortable level. Also, adjust the heat appropriately for the size of the area or to other specific needs. If possible, it’s best to turn on the heater 30 minutes before you will need the room to be warm, and turn it off 30 minutes before you plan to leave the room.

If you don’t need the heat, you don’t have to leave the heater running throughout the day. By using the timer, you can control the operating cost of these types of radiant heaters while still maintaining comfort in your home.

Need Heating Help?

If you have an oil-filled electric heater that’s not working properly, have it looked at by a professional. TalkLocal offers a free service to connect you with up to three heating professionals. Speak with the right professional right now!

One of the newer ways to provide heat to your home is to use water-filled electrical heaters. These types of radiant heaters circulate water inside through a small pump and, within a few minutes, radiate clean and safe heat that does not dry out the moisture or surrounding air in the room, unlike many other electric heaters.

Also, they are not difficult to maintain and do not need any plumbing work to install in a home, home extension, office, or commercial building.  All you have to do is plug them into a power outlet.

How Do They Work?

These types of radiant heaters have an external folded casing to maximize heat output. This is actually the same kind of casing that you’ll find in any traditional gas radiator heating system.

When you switch on the heater, it will heat the water inside a pipe resting at the bottom of the unit. The heated water is then carried throughout the pipework inside the radiator by a small pump. As it is much faster to heat water than the oil in traditional oil radiators, these types of radiant heaters reach a temperature of 70 degrees in just a few minutes.

Different Types

Water-filled electrical heaters are available in different types. One type has an energy-saving, built-in timer control allowing you to adjust the on and off times of the heater once it has heated the room to a set temperature. The radiator’s thermostat will be able to detect if the designated room temperature has been reached and, if so, will switch off the heater automatically.

Another type of heater has a digital remote control that actually controls the built-in timer remotely. The remote control can be connected to several or all of the radiators in the house so they can be adjusted using just one control. The other type of water-filled electric heater is the low surface temperature (LST) radiator that is ideal for nurseries, care facilities, and schools.

How to Install

First, choose a location to mount the heater that is close enough to a wall socket. Using a spirit level, mark the area on the wall where the heater will go. Drill the brackets into the wall using the marked area as a guide. Place the heater onto the brackets. You should hear a click when the heater has been locked in place. Plug into the socket, and you’re ready to use your new heater.

For professional help in installing or servicing these types of radiant heaters, TalkLocal would be glad to connect you with qualified heating experts in your area. Talk to us now!

Radiant panels can be mounted on a wall or a ceiling. This type of radiant heater is typically made of aluminium and is heated either by electricity or hot water carried through a pipe network. However, the latter option can pose some risk of water leaking in the wall or ceiling, so most residential radiant heating panels are based on electrical systems.

Cost of Electric Radiant Panels

Just like other types of radiant heaters that use electricity, electric radiant panels can be expensive to use because of the current, high electricity rates. Therefore, these heaters are ideally used as a supplementary source of heat in some rooms. They can also be used in a home extension when it’s not practical to use the main heating system.

Response Time

Out of all types of radiant heaters and other heating systems, radiant heating panels offer the fastest response time, because each panel can be controlled separately. This results in cost savings and reduced energy use compared with other heating systems.

When you enter a room with a radiant heating panel, you can easily increase the panel’s temperature setting so you can be comfortable in just a few minutes. If your radiant panels are heated by water, keep in mind that you need to set a minimum temperature on the heater’s thermostat to prevent frozen pipes.

Installation Tips

Knowing how these types of radiant heaters work will guide you on where best to position them in a room to provide the most comfort.

Radiant panels primarily supply warmth to objects within direct line of sight, which means occupants closer to the panel will feel warmer. This is why some people prefer to use wall-mounted radiant panels instead of the ones mounted on the ceiling, because the panels tend to heat the top space of a room more than the bottom part, essentially heating the top of the head and shoulders more than the rest of the body.

However, if you do choose to install ceiling-mounted radiant panels, installation is not too complicated, especially if you don’t mind the panel being visible. Just screw the panel in place through the ceiling with studs and then make a hole for the plug and cord. In a small room, screw the panel to the ceiling and simply run the electrical cord down a wall to the outlet.

Want Electric Radiant Heating Panels for Your Home?

If you don’t have the time to install the panel on your own or you want to ensure proper installation, hire a heating professional. TalkLocal can connect you with three qualified heating professionals. Get expert help now!

Gas heating installation is not an easy task. It requires careful planning and execution of some steps that are really not suitable for the DIY enthusiast. It is a possibility that you can do much of the task yourself, such as choosing the radiators and boiler, cutting the pipes and laying them down and the installation of the control system. However, you will need an expert’s help in connecting the gas supply to the boiler. Heating systems for homes often need the help of a professional to be installed properly.

1. Choose the right size of heating equipment for your home.

If it is too small, it won’t provide adequate heat. A heating system that is too big will end up costing you a lot in energy bills due to heat loss.

Choose radiators that are the right type for your home. The best types of radiators have fins that distribute heat into room. Try to find a control system that’s easy to operate and has clear instructions. Make sure that the gas boiler is of the right capacity for your home.

2. Design the type of heating system that you want and buy the necessary supplies.

Create a map based on a blueprint of your home. This map should show the required layout of the heating system. Then, purchase the necessary supplies to perform the gas heating installation.

3. Put the radiators in place.

Place them about 4-6 inches above the floor to allow room for the valves, and also the pipes to be put in place.

4. Run the pipes between the faucets, the radiators, and the boilers

Make sure to install these properly to prevent any leaks.

5. Install the system of control.

6. Contact a professional.

You will need a professional’s help in connecting your gas heating installation to the mains gas supply.

Ready to Call that Professional Now?

Contact TalkLocal today and we will help you find a professional to install a gas heating system in your home!

While underfloor electric heating may be a bit extravagant for most homes, it is a wonderful feature to have and something you will truly enjoy when winter sets in and your floors are warming your feet instead of numbing them. So if you are considering installing electric radiant floor heating, below is some basic information about this type of heating system.

How does it work?

Also known as a dry system, underfloor electric heating is the most commonly used type of radiant floor heating. The other radiant heating system for use under floors is known as a wet system, or hydronic radiant heating, and makes use of hot water coursed through tubes beneath the floor.

An underfloor electric heating system, meanwhile, uses a wire mesh mat that contains a series of looped wires and is connected to your electrical supply. You can trim or splice the mat and simply roll it out to easily cover a large area.

The heating element is electrically insulated to prevent electric shocks. This system provides a low, even heat under the floors. It takes some time to build up heat and warm the room, but it also takes longer to cool down. It can heat flooring up to 95 degrees (F).

What are the most suitable types of flooring?

While underfloor radiant heating can be used with a variety of floor types, it works best when it is installed under thick, solid floors like stone, concrete, marble, brick, or tile flooring. It is not ideal to be used under carpeted floors, hardwood, or vinyl floors since these types of floor covering serve as insulators that block heat.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Underfloor electric heating that is installed under the ideal type of flooring will retain heat for a long period of time even when the power supply has been turned off.

– When the temperature is set properly, it heats the floor subtly to provide pleasant warmth in the room.

– It can help minimize your total heating costs by reducing the load of your HVAC or other space heaters.

Cons: Underfloor electric heating is difficult to retroactively install in a home.

– If any wires become damaged, getting to them under the flooring for repair can be tricky.

– Although it can be used as a primary heat source, it is designed to warm the floor surface rather than the entire room.

– It is expensive to use.

How much does it cost to operate?

The cost will depend on your location and local electricity rates. However, a good cost estimate would be at least $0.25 up to about $0.35 per day if operated 8 hours every day in a medium-sized room.

Planning to Install this System?

You’ll need expert help. Use TalkLocal to find heating experts in your area now. We’ll connect you with local professionals fast so your floors will be toasty in no time.

The most common way to heat homes and buildings in the United States is to use an electric heating system. Everybody is aware of the high costs of electricity, so many Americans are dreading their upcoming winter heating bills. Despite this, electric heating equipment remains very popular because it’s versatile and more convenient to use than other heating devices. This short guide will help you to make the best electric heating choice for your home.

You can place an electric heating system anywhere in your home – in the attic or basement or any other room that needs heating. Electric heaters are more affordable and easier to install than gas heaters, which will require a chimney for emissions, and proper air vent installation.

Types of Electric Heating

Electric heaters work by converting electrical energy into heat. Here are the types of electrical heaters available in the market:

Radiant Heater – consists of a heating element and a heat reflector. It is designed to heat an object rather than warm up the air in the room. Use this type of heater when you just need to heat a small area like a garage or a small store or office.

Fan Heater – consists of a fan that forces air across a heating element, producing heat that is distributed to warm up a room. It is ideal for a small space when quick heating is needed. It is also best for occasional use only and not as a primary source of heating.

Convection heater – consists of a heating element that permits air flow, warming up the air and circulating it using convection. It produces a steady and uniform heat. It is best suited for medium-sized rooms that need heating for a longer period.

Night storage heater – consists of heating elements inside brick-like insulating materials that heat up overnight or during off-peak hours, when electricity is cheaper, and then slowly release the stored heat over the course of the next day. This electric heating system makes sense only if your electric company offers off-peak rates and if heating is needed much more during peak hours.

Under floor heater – a central heating system that uses a series of electric wiring that is installed under or within your flooring to keep floors and rooms warm. It is a great alternative to bulky radiators and is commonly used with tiled or stone floors, but can also work with wooden or carpeted floors. It provides a warm consistent temperature even in large spaces, but can be expensive to operate, so consider this before installing in a large room.

Find Your Perfect Electric Heating System

As you can see, there are several kinds of electric heaters or heating systems to choose from. Learning more about your options could help you choose a system that will heat your home in the most efficient, environmentally-friendly, and cost-effective manner. Consult a heating professional to help you decide on the best electric heating system for your home. Let TalkLocal help you get in touch with a pro right now.

If your central heating system doesn’t work  as it should, not only will your heating costs increase, you can also run the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. How would you know if you need central heating repairs? You can perform some simple maintenance checks to determine if your system needs repair, and to figure out if you can do job yourself or need help from a professional.

Circuit Breaker

Open the main circuit breaker box. Thoroughly inspect all the main fuses that connect your heating system to the circuit. If any fuse has been tripped, simply turn it back on. Replace any blown fuse immediately.

Thermostat (Electric Heating System)

Unscrew the cover panel to locate the thermostats. Most heating systems have two – one each at the top and lower ends of the water tank. Close to the top thermostat is a high-limit switch that is designed to turn off if the system gets too hot. If this switch has tripped, just flip it back on.

Test the electrical current in all wiring connected to the thermostats by using a multimeter. Call an electrician if the system isn’t getting any power. A malfunctioning thermostat is a common reason for central heating repairs and may need to be recalibrated by a professional.

Water Pump

A faulty water pump can also cause problems with your central heating system and will need to be replaced. Depending on the particular style of your heating system, you will find shut-off valves located on either side of the pump. Close the valves to kill water flow to the pump. Before releasing the valves, place a cloth below the pump to catch water drips.

Ductwork

Blocked ductwork needs to be cleaned because it can cause overheating or reduce the efficiency of your central heating system. Check if there is sufficient air flowing from each of the vents in your home. Perform a visual check inside the vent to see if there is excessive dust buildup, if so, have the ducts professionally cleaned.

Pilot Light

Check that the pilot light is on. You should see a strong blue light. However, a weak, yellow light is a strong indication of problems that can lead to high carbon monoxide levels in your home.

Think You Need Central Heating Repairs?

If you start noticing problems with your central heating system, you can generally troubleshoot issues and have an expert perform central heating repairs. TalkLocal specializes in finding the right service professional for you. Our service is free and quick. Use TalkLocal to get in touch with a qualified contractor, and arrange your central heating repairs in just minutes.

Owners of commercial buildings don’t have the time, the energy, or the skills required to deal with common problems impacting the functionality of their heating equipment. This is the main reason why they choose to call a respectable technician, ensuring high-quality, affordable, and efficient commercial heating repairs. Keep reading to find out how you could identify the best specialist in your area.

Get the Best Answer to Your Heating Problem in No Time

A defective heating system can make your employees feel uncomfortable and even put their health and welfare on the line. That’s why commercial heating repairs should be considered a priority, especially when you’re dealing with delicate heating equipment issues. Incorrect sizing, thermostat malfunctions and noisy operations are all problems requiring a specialist.

Start by looking for a reputable professional with experience in commercial heating repairs, who can fix a wide range of heating and cooling appliances to your complete satisfaction. The best one will always offer you affordable installations, repairs, maintenance programs, energy-efficiency upgrade,s and free expert guidance throughout the process.

How Much Will These Repairs Cost Me?

It all depends on the nature and extent of your heating problem. For instance, if your furnace is giving you a hard time, you may need to replace its blower motor; this costs anywhere from $450 to $675.

To replace a flame igniter, you may have to take up to $375 out of your pocket, while the installation of a new fan control board shouldn’t cost you more than $650. One thing’s for sure: heating failures shouldn’t impact the profitability of your business.

Pay the right price for professional repairs and scheduled maintenance routines to prevent issues that might result in lost time and money in the future. A trustworthy company will always offer you an up-front, no-obligation, free estimate, so don’t hesitate to ask for help as soon as possible.

Contact a Heating Specialist

If your faulty heating equipment is your main source of frustration, address this problem in an effective manner by consulting a certified, well-trained professional, specialized in commercial heating systems. Find the best one in your area with TalkLocal, an excellent, free service designed to connect you with the best professionals in your area.

As winter approaches, millions of people strive to implement changes meant to help them preserve ideal temperatures inside their houses and reduce the pain of their utility bill. Would a modern gas warm air heating system live up to your expectations? Keep reading to discover the pros and cons of this particular residential and commercial heating solution, and don’t hesitate to contact an expert if you have additional questions.

Discover the Advantages of Gas Warm Air Heating Systems

Warm air heating systems running on gas have their fair share of advantages to consider. These systems don’t require radiators to distribute warmth. They can include reliable cooling systems for use during the summer months and have no need of water tanks; therefore their owners don’t have to worry about water leaks or frozen water tanks.

In addition, such systems can also incorporate a good air cleaner utilized to eliminate pollutants, including dust, debris, and pollen, making them ideal for people suffering from severe allergies.

A longer lifespan, reduced running costs, and controlled ventilation are three other major benefits that should be taken into consideration.

Spot the Disadvantages of Gas Warm Air Heating Systems

Warm air heating systems have a few disadvantages, as well.

1. They are relatively expensive and require professional installations.

2. Condensation problems are very common, and you will need to count on decent insulation to prevent them.

3. These systems can be quite noisy.

4. Also, their characteristic dust movement could aggravate respiratory problems if an air cleaner is not incorporated.

If you live in a 2,000-square foot home that already has fully functional air ducts set in place, a new gas warm air heating system could cost you up to $4,000. If you haven’t installed the ductwork yet, be prepared to pay at least as much again.

Ask an Expert

Would a gas warm air heating system represent the best option for you? Only a heating and cooling expert can provide the most accurate answer to this question. Identify competent specialists with TalkLocal, a free service introduced to help you meet top-rated professionals operating in your area.