Space Heaters

Space heaters are often used when the main heating system is inadequate, or when it would be too costly to operate or install central heating. Space heaters can also be useful to supplement adequate central heating in certain instances, such as heating one room that will be primarily occupied while lowering the thermostat on the central system so that heat is not wasted in unoccupied rooms. In some cases, it is possible to lower total heating costs by up to 10%, as well as reduce CO2 emissions by up to 800 pounds, by using space heaters in this manner.

Different Types of Space Heaters

Understanding some of the differences between the types of space heaters and how they work can be helpful when deciding what the most efficient and effective options are for a given situation. Below are descriptions of some of the main types of space heaters available:

coil-based convection space heaters: This type of heater uses a fan to push air into a room that has been heated internally by passing through hot metal coils. These space heaters utilize a safety mesh in order to ensure that nothing in the room will come into contact with the internal heating elements.
ceramic-element space heaters: This type is generally considered safer to operate than a coil-based unit. Since the ceramic core is larger than heating coils, these units can operate at a lower temperature while providing an equivalent amount of heat that spreads over a farther area. This type of heater is also able to maintain a higher temperature for a longer period of time compared to a coil-based unit, which makes it more efficient.
oil-filled radiators: These space heaters are highly efficient and operate silently because they do not use a fan. Instead, they use fluid contained in a permanently sealed radiator apparatus, which does not ever need to be refilled. The oil is heated within the unit, and the heat from the oil then radiates into the room. Once heated, the oil will continue to gradually release warmth into the room even when the internal heating element is turned off.
halogen lamp space heaters: Energy-efficient halogen bulbs are used in these types of space heaters to provide instant warmth at the touch of a button. They are made safe by employing safety grilles and cool cabinets, and can be especially appropriate in areas where small children or pets are of concern.
Estimating the Cost of Operation of space heaters

The operational costs of space heaters depend on the type of heater in use, as well as the room it is being used to heat. “Kilowatts x Rate x Time = Cost” is a useful formula, in general, to determine how much a heater will cost to run. Here is how the formual breaks down:

kilowatts: the setting of the heater. Divide watts by 1,000 to get kilowatts per hour;
rate: the cost of electricity per kilowatt-hour, which can be determined for an area by contacting the local utility company; and
time: the amount of time the heater is in use.

For example, a 1,500-watt space heater running for 10 hours at a rate of $0.10 per kilowatt-hour will cost $1.50. Using the formula:

Kilowatts x Rate x Time = Cost,

the usage can be figured as:

(1,500w ÷ 1,000) x $0.10 kWh x 10 hours = $1.50.

Safety With Space Heaters

Since space heaters can generate extreme temperatures at the surface, they have the potential to be dangerous and even cause injury. Although they are safe when operated correctly, it is estimated that 25,000 residential fires and 300 deaths are associated with the use of space heaters every year. When using portable space heaters, following these safety precautions, as well as any guidelines recommended by the manufacturer of the unit, can lessen the risk of accident or injury.

Use only the type of fuel or energy intended for use with the specific device. The use of gasoline in a kerosene heater, for example, would be very dangerous.

Never attempt to repair or replace parts in a heater yourself. This should always be handled by a qualified service center, since the results of repairing a malfunctioning unit could be dangerous.
Use of extension cords for the power supply should be avoided. A cord marked 14 or 12 AWG can be used if absolutely necessary.
Do not use space heaters in wet or moist areas, such as in a bathroom.
Always keep heaters level and on the floor. If a heater has been placed on furniture and it falls off, or if a table it has been placed on collapses, the damage to the unit could result in a fire or shock hazard. Some units contain a tip-over switch which automatically shuts the power off if the unit is knocked over, but even these should be situated in such a way that they will not be at risk of falling over.
If the surface of the unit has a high operating temperature, there should be a guard around the heating element to keep people, pets and combustibles a safe distance away from it.
The unit should have an indicator light to signal when it is plugged in or turned on.
Be sure to install the correct size unit for the space to be heated. Too large or small of a unit may actually decrease energy efficiency, or could cause pollutants.

Other Factors to Consider When Using Space Heaters

When considering the use of a space heater, especially for the purpose of improved energy efficiency, there are several final factors to consider. Space heaters will only impact energy efficiency in a positive way if they allow for the home’s main thermostats to be turned down. If a space heater is used simply in addition to central heat without lowering the central thermostat, it will only add to energy bills.

Here are some other things to take into consideration when deciding whether a space heater will be right for a given situation, and which type of space heater will work best.

What area of the building will the heater be used in? Be sure to select an appropriate unit for the area, and carefully consider whether this area will really benefit from use of a portable heater to begin with. For example, heating a room that is generally too cold but not often used anyway would simply suck energy without much return on savings.
Space heaters that include a thermostat are more efficient than models that do not.
If the unit doesn’t have a thermostat, utilize the different settings on it for maximum efficiency. Once a heater has adequately heated a room at full power, turn the setting lower to maintain current levels, rather than adding more heat to an already warmed room.
Select a heater with appropriate safety features for the application. For example, a heater that achieves extremely hot surface temperatures may not be a good choice in an area where small children are present.
The surface temperature of space heaters can also be an issue in areas where combustibles might be found in close proximity to the unit.
Some units that use a fan can be noisy, which may be an issue in certain circumstances, and should be taken into account during the selection process.

Space heaters can be effective energy-savers under the right circumstances, and different types of units will perform better in different situations.

Knowing a bit about acceptable applications, as well as the properties of different designs, can be helpful in deciding if space heaters are a good choice for a home.

About Thermostats

Thermostats and Climate Control

Thermostats are devices designed to climate control of the heating and cooling systemsin a building so that air temperature remains comfortable.

Most inspectors are not required to verify, inspect or determine a thermostats calibration, heat anticipation, automatic setbacks, timers, programs or clocks. It is wise, however, for inspectors to understand a thermostats operation and solutions to common defects.

Thermostats can be manually controlled or set to activate automatically based on timers or room temperature readings. Most thermostats contain two meters:

the “set” temperature that the thermostat is asking for, and the actual temperature. On traditional dial-type thermostats, the user can increase the set temperature by rotating the dial clockwise, and lower it by rotating it counter-clockwise. Newer programmable thermostats usually will have digital displays, which can be used to adjust automated heating and cooling schedules.

A Thermostats Location

In order to avoid false or “ghost” readings, which will cause unnecessary furnace or air-conditioner cycling, thermostats must be installed so that it correctly reads the room temperature. The following locations may cause thermostats to give false readings:

near a heat source, such as a fireplace, hot water pipes, bright lights, direct sunlight, electrical appliances that produce heat;
in a drafty hallway, or near a window or exterior door that is opened often; and
on an outside wall. Outside walls are too affected by outside temperatures, which may make the thermostat “think” the air in the house is warmer or cooler than it really is.

Problems and Solutions with Thermostats

erratic operation or fluctuating temperature. This is often caused by poor pin connections between the thermostat and the backplate when the backplate is flexed against an uneven wall. To allow the backplate to flatten out, loosen the screws that attach the backplate to the wall, then snap the thermostat back onto the backplate.
thermostats that don’t respond to changes in room temperature. This can happen when there is air passing over the temperature sensor from a hole in the wall behind the thermostat, through which wires enter from the air-handling unit. To rectify this, insulate the hole behind the thermostat with insulation, spray foam, or any other insulating material.
temperature that is inaccurate. A convenient way to test the temperature sensor is to tape a thermometer to the wall next to the thermostat and wait 15 minutes. A faulty thermometer needs to be recalibrated. Instructions for recalibration vary by manufacturer.
loss of power. This may be caused by the following two situations:
If the air handler powers the thermostat, check the circuit breaker meant for the air handler and make sure it has not tripped causing climate control issues.
If batteries power the thermostat like a programmable thermostat, make sure they are lithium, not alkaline. Alkaline batteries will die rapidly or cause erratic thermostat operation.

Maintenance and Other Tips on Thermostats

Give the thermostat’s interior a light dusting with a small, soft paintbrush. Canned air can also be used to blow off dust. Twist the screws to remove the cover. Be sure to clean the contacts, which are small metal plates within the unit. The wires coming from the transformer attach to the contacts. Do not touch any of the interior parts of a programmable thermostat with fingers.
If the base is loose, re-tighten the screws. Check the wires coming from the transformer. If any corrosion is present, remove the wire from the contact and clean it. Use a wire stripper to remove the surrounding insulation, cut back the wire, and reconnect it.
Make sure the terminal screws are tight.
For wireless thermostats, make sure the model number of the thermostat matches the model number of the receiver. If the model numbers do not match, the stat and receiver will not be compatible.
Make sure that your thermostat has been set to the proper position for the season for proper climate control:
cooling or heating. The air conditioner will not run with the switch set to “heating” and, conversely, the heating system won’t run if the thermostat has been set to “cooling.”
Thermostats that contain a mercury switch must remain perfectly level or they may not control the temperature setting.

Thermostats and Energy Savings

Many people believe that furnaces work harder than normal to warm an area back up to a comfortable temperature, which will counteract energy savings gained from turning the thermostat down. This belief is a misconception that has been disproved by years of studies and research. Fuel is saved between the time the temperature is stabilized at the lower level and the next time heat is needed, while the fuel required to re-heat the space is roughly equal to the fuel saved while the building drops to a lower temperature.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, consumers can save 10% on their utility bills by setting their thermostat back 10° to 15° for eight hours. This energy savings can be accomplished easily with a programmable thermostat.
Be careful not to set the thermostat so low in the winter that pipes freeze, or so low during the summer which may allow humidity-spawned mold to grow.

Thermostats are used to ensure the comfort of building occupants through the proper control of the heating and cooling cycles while improving energy savings. A Programmable thermostat can help achieve the greatest energy savings climate control.

Condensation Drain Lines

Condensation Drain Lines and What You Need To Know

Condensation forms while you FAU operates. This condensation has to be removed, therefore a drainage system is designed into the FAU in two parts. The primary and the secondary condensation drain lines.

The primary condensation drain line is designed to drain into the household sewer system through a drain line connection to an active p-trap. The p-traps are similar to what we see used in a bathroom sink p-trap.

If the evaporator coil’s primary drain line becomes clogged or develop a leak, condensation should overflow or leak into the drain pan installed for this type of situation and then into the emergency drain line. The secondary emergency condensation drain line, drains to a conspicuous place outside the home. You find these terminated above a window or even a door. Water dripping from the secondary drain line is a warning that something is wrong with the primary condensation drain system. Call a service technician quickly.

Condensation Drain Problems

With primary condensation drain lines stem form plant pollen, fungus spores and other particulate matter entrained in the air stream passing over the wet evaporator coil. They are captured by the condensation draining off the coil and are carried into the drain system. There they produce algae, mildew, and fungus growths which can clog the primary drain system. The secondary drain lines are normally dry and clear, they are open to the atmosphere. Wasps are known to nest in these open drain lines, there by rendering them useless; always at the wrong time.

The larger diameter pipe of the household sewer system yields two results. It many times creates problems with condensation. Second, the maintenance and repair beyond the open connection to the p-trap is outside the scope of the air conditioning technician. Some older systems drain into an inactive p-trap. This can lead to the long term build up of sediment, dried algae, etc… in the trap and result in an overflow of the plumbing drain system. If the active p-trap also services a bath tub or bathroom sink, clogs can be caused by hair, soap scum or other material draining from the tub or sink. Clogs in the household sewer system require the services of a licensed plumber.

Condensation Drain Maintenance

Test both the primary and secondary drains with water. If a restriction is detected, clear the obstruction with compressed air. Blowing out a drain line will usually open a clogged drain line, but it cannot remove growing algae or other deposits from the pipe wall. Placing algicide tablets in the primary drain pan is a solution often used. While algicide is used to prevent algae buildup, algicide kills any existing algae. The dead algae may slough off the pipe wall and pass into the sewer system or drift down stream to a restriction and accumulate there resulting in a clogged drain.

Other Condensation Drain Information

Bathtub or bathroom sink p-traps. If the active p-trap in your system is the trap for a bath tub or bathroom sink, there is the possibility that material flushed from the condensation drain system may combine with bathroom debris already in the trap, to begin formation of a clog. Should one of these plumbing drains clog, condensation will fill the sink or tub and overflow without any warning such as water dripping form the emergency drain line. After any work on your condensation drain system, the drainage of the sink and tub should be checked. If either drains slowly or backs up, plumbing maintenance is needed.

The installation of a float switch in the emergency condensation drain pan and an Easy Klear clean out valve is another form of insurance that can used to help signal and remedy a problem. Should both the primary and secondary drain systems fail, the float switch functions to turn off the air conditioning system, stopping the production of condensation until the clog is cleared and the drain pan emptied. The Easy Klear helps improve drain line maintenance.

There can be no guarantee that your condensation drain system will remain clear. A condensation drain system can become clogged at anytime and should be monitored after it has been serviced, especially when algicide has been applied. Some older systems with accumulations of algae can become clogged anytime algae breaks loose from the pipe wall and drifts downstream to a restricted point. At a restriction, algae will accumulate and grow unit it blocks the drain pipe. These restrictions can grow into a fully clogged drain line in less than one month.

Should a problem occur with the p-trap or plumbing drain line it is recommended to call a licensed plumber. Blowing out a large diameter plumbing drain line is not an effective repair. The household sewer system, beginning at the open connection to the condensation system, is the domain of the licensed plumber.

Whenever the air handling unit of an air conditioning system is located in an attic or the upper stories of a building, the risk of water damage due to drain stoppage and condensation overflow is inherent and unavoidable. Proper design and installation coupled with timely and consistent maintenance can minimize the probability of an overflow, but cannot absolutely prevent it. Most warranties specifically exclude liability for water damage due to condensation overflow, and special, consequential or incidental damage caused by stoppage of a condensation drain system.

Homeowner’s insurance should include coverage for water damage resulting from condensation overflow or other water leaks. Be sure you confirm your coverage.

Condensation Drain Pan Treatment

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