Community Forums

fsteve65 · 07-30-2012, 11:39 PM

Ok it is still 97 outside but i am dreaming of winter so some help would be appreciated.

Is there really a difference in heat output of say a $29.99 ceramic heater from say Lowes or Mernards and a more expensive say Pelonis 1500 watt Ceramic DiscFurnace or is it just the quality of the heater will last longer Pros and cons please .

Steve

Mr_D · 07-30-2012, 11:46 PM

Same amount of heat from either. Some people seem to believe in magic though but 1500 watts is 1500 watts, you get the same amount of heat either way. The only way to fool it is with a heat pump. Then you normally get more out than you put in.

rgvtexan · 07-30-2012, 11:53 PM

Try them out in the store. Some are very noisy.

Arch Hoagland · 07-30-2012, 11:58 PM

1500 watts is 1500 watts.

We use a couple Walmart $15 heaters.

fsteve65 · 07-31-2012, 01:04 AM

Thanks that was what i expected more money for the same results ! I cant see spending $100 on something that will do the same thing as a $30 one will .

wa8yxm · 07-31-2012, 01:24 PM

I know several companies, you named one of them, claim that their product is somehow "more efficient"
I also know this: In any electrical system, LOSS (that is the difference between 100% efficiency and what it delivers) is expressed as HEAT.

Now if your system is designed to produce heat, and all losses become heat, that means it is 100% efficient.

Don't matter if is is a 10 dollar job from the china import company, or a 800 dollar fancy quartz job, it's 100% efficient, 1500 watts is the same number of BTU's with the cheap one as the expensive one.

What is different are two other things.

1: Longeviety, that 10 buck china special may last a winter.. If you are lucky

The Polinus, several winters

and 2: Safety

The 10 buck one is a hot wire model that gets hot enough to set paper on fire

The ceramic ones don't do that or so they claim) Due to the large surface area they do not get as hot.

I use, well not the 10 buck one, but some 20 and 30 dollar jobs, both work well. I do nto recall if I have 3 or 4 on hand just now, two (one wire one ceramic) I got last year One I've had for several years and the one I'm not sure of for several years. The ones I replaced last year the fan's went out in them.

TXiceman · 07-31-2012, 01:36 PM

1500 Watts is 1500 Watts as noted. SO buy the one that fits your needs and pocket book.

You can spend more money and put in a fancy fireplace....still 1500 Watts. Some are quieter than other or distribute the air better.

The oil filled, radiator style are still 1500 Watts.
Pick what you like and enjoy it.

vsheetz · 07-31-2012, 01:52 PM

Check features such as being able to operate at lower wattages/heat, thermostat, etc. We have one that works well with differing heat levels and the thermostat does a good job. Often one just needs the chill taken off and not run full heat all the time.

Wire Wrat · 07-31-2012, 08:39 PM

Vince, I agree. I have a 19.00 one from home depot. it has a thermostat regulator. you never know at just what temp it will shut off, but when it gets to hot in the trailer, I turn it back enough to shut it off. that works kinda well. I passed up one that had a digital thermometer because of the price. for 10.00 more I can get up and nudge the controller down a bit...