Unfortunately, central heat sources are not always able to fully fulfill the tasks assigned to them. Therefore, you often have to resort to an additional heating method. Heaters, which are on the market in the widest assortment, help to solve the problem. One such device is a ceramic heater.
Design features and principle of operation
The heating technology of this type is based on a ceramic heating element. Moreover, it can be used in completely different heating devices, differing not only in appearance, but also in the principle of operation.
Based on the method of heat supply, the devices are divided:
- On infrared ceramic heaters - heat objects by infrared radiation;
- Ceramic convectors - work on the principle of forced convection.
Ceramic IR heaters are equipped with a ceramic heating tube with a nickel-chrome spiral inside. They can be hollow, volumetric or gas. Although such devices are considered the best among analogues, they are not used so actively, because they can only heat a certain area located in the range of infrared rays.
Today, ceramic panels (plates) are of great interest , which allow providing a significant area with heat. The heating feature is that the ceramic stove acts in two directions at the same time: as a convector and as an infrared heater. Inside the structure there are small fans that drive the air masses through the ceramic heat exchanger and evenly release the already heated air stream into the room. The ceramic stove has a built-in thermostat that allows you to set the optimum temperature and protects the device itself.
Energy Source Classification
Heaters can work not only from electricity, but also on liquefied gas.
Depending on the energy source, ceramic heaters are:
• Electric. The most practical and common. Due to its simplicity and ease of use, electric ceramic heaters are often used to heat children's rooms. They do not dry air and do not eat oxygen. In addition, they can be used in places with high humidity.
• Gas. They work due to the energy obtained by burning high-calorie propane-butane and are somewhat inferior in efficiency to electric, although they are cheaper. The main component of the device is a ceramic panel, inside of which flameless combustion of fuel occurs. Gas ceramic air heater involves the use of a gas cylinder, from which fuel through a hose enters the burner. Most often, such units are used for heating verandas, summer cafes, garages and storage rooms.
Classification by type of accommodation
By the type of installation, ceramic heaters are:
• Benchtops are compact-sized appliances that typically have low power and are designed to quickly heat small rooms.
• Wall-mounted heaters from the outside resemble air conditioning and are installed at any height. Such a ceramic heater does not occupy useful space and is most suitable for warming up an average area.
• Floor options are the most powerful and able to heat rooms with different quadrature.
Benefits
The advantages of heaters with ceramic elements include high efficiency, safety and reliability of use, the creation of an optimally comfortable microclimate, and quick heating of the room. In addition, compared to traditional oil heaters, they consume one third less electricity.
Ceramic heaters have a high level of fire safety. Thanks to the built-in thermostat, protection against overheating is provided. Among other things, such heating devices are the only ones that can be used in rooms with high humidity. Many models are equipped with antibacterial protection and an ionizer.
An additional advantage of ceramic heaters is the possibility of their use in the hot season as a fan.
disadvantages
Like all other heating devices, a ceramic heater has its drawbacks. These include the locality of a number of models, as well as the quick cooling of the room after turning off the device. Many buyers are confused by the fact that the price of ceramic heaters is significantly higher than other heating appliances. In fact, with so many advantages, this is justified.
Selection recommendations
Many people ask: in which cases is it worth buying ceramic heaters? Reviews indicate that this climate technology is great for heating bedrooms and children's rooms, since it practically does not dry the air. Some people prefer to use ceramic appliances in the bathroom because of their resistance to moisture.
However, it is important to understand that a ceramic heater, due to its power characteristics, cannot completely replace the main heating system. He can only complement it.
When choosing a device for additional heating, it is first necessary to take into account the area of the room. Based on this, the optimal type of climate technology and its power are selected. So, an ideal option for a small room is a wall heater, which will save space and warm it up effectively. In addition, the degree of enclosure should be taken into account: electric ceramic appliances are suitable for internal heating, and gas appliances are suitable for outdoor areas.