Quartz heater for home – a solution or another problem

There are many options available to us for keeping our homes warm and comfortable, ranging from conventional central heating systems to cutting-edge innovations like quartz heaters. But amid all of the options, one question remains: Do quartz heaters really solve our heating needs, or do they just create new issues? Let’s examine the benefits and drawbacks of using quartz heaters in our home heating plans as we dig into this discussion.

The efficiency and portability of quartz heaters have made them more and more popular in recent years. In contrast to traditional heaters, which use metal coils or other heating elements, quartz heaters produce heat using quartz tubes. For individuals who want instant heat without having to deal with the inconvenience of waiting for a traditional heater to warm up, these tubes are an appealing alternative because they heat up rapidly and disperse warmth evenly throughout the space.

An often mentioned advantage of quartz heaters is their low energy consumption. They can efficiently heat a space without using a lot of electricity since they heat up quickly and release radiant heat. This may result in lower energy costs, particularly when compared to older, less effective heating systems. Furthermore, users can target particular areas for heating with quartz heaters’ portability, which eliminates the need to heat entire rooms unnecessarily.

Quartz heaters do have some advantages, but there are also some things to keep in mind and some potential disadvantages. Their safety is one worry, especially with the possibility of fire. Quartz heaters produce heat by operating at high temperatures, which can be dangerous if misused or if they are placed close to combustible materials. Furthermore, there is a chance that small children or pets could burn themselves on the hot surface due to the strong heat that quartz heaters emit.

The effect of quartz heaters on air quality is another thing to take into account. Quartz heaters can have an impact on indoor air quality even though they don’t emit as many pollutants as some other heating options, like wood-burning stoves. Dust and other allergens may become airborne due to the quick heating process, which could aggravate respiratory conditions in people who have allergies or asthma. Furthermore, some users may experience an uncomfortable drying effect on the air in the room, particularly in the winter when indoor air tends to be drier.

In summary, even though quartz heaters provide a practical and effective heating option for a lot of homes, they are not without disadvantages and possible hazards. It’s important to balance the advantages of a quartz heater against any potential safety risks and take indoor air quality into account before implementing one into your home heating strategy. You can minimize the risks involved with using a quartz heater while still enjoying the warmth and comfort it provides by doing your research and following the necessary safety precautions.

Pros	Cons
Provides instant heat	Can be expensive to run for extended periods
Portable and easy to move around	May not effectively heat larger spaces

Types of quartz heaters

Currently, consumers can purchase two types of quartz heaters from manufacturers or retail establishments:

• monolithic in the form of flat panels up to 25 mm thick with a textured pattern;
• infrared, equipped with a heating element in a glass tube.

Let’s start by thinking about how the heater came to be known by the lovely name "quartz." The answer is straightforward: regular quartz sand is used in the production of both kinds of heaters. The electric heater is housed in a glass tube that makes up the infrared device. Sand is a component of the mortar used to cast monolithic panels.

As a point of reference. Sand is also the natural silicon that serves as the foundation for the production of all glass. You’re correct to refer to the windows in your apartment as quartz because the translucent portion is also composed of sand.

Both types of heating devices share the following additional characteristics in addition to their names:

1. They use nichrome wire (an alloy of nickel and chromium) as a heating element.
2. The units are operated both in wall-mounted and floor standing position on a stand.
3. To limit the temperature in the room, the products are equipped with thermoregulators.

Working principle of monolithic heaters

This heating element is a higher-resistance nichrome filament, protected by an insulating sheath that is non-flammable. It is embedded in a slab that is composed of white kaolin clay and sand. The mixture is compressed and heated (sintered) in a special mold to create a solid ceramic slab that is a quartz heater with a textured front face.

As a point of reference. At their discretion, manufacturers may choose to add additional aggregates, such as marble chips or dolomite, to the mortar. The panel’s surface can be painted the desired color or left in its default state of white.

The disconnection key and connecting cable with a plug are attached to a metal frame with rounded corners that finishes the outside of the stove. The stove and room thermostat are provided separately (and are optional). The primary technical features of ceramic quartz heaters manufactured by various manufacturers are essentially the same and look like this:

• power consumption – from 400 to 500 W;
• efficiency – 99% (practically all consumed electric energy is converted into heat);
• mass – from 10 to 15 kg;
• maximum temperature on the surface – up to 98 ° C;
• overall dimensions (length / height / depth) – 60 / 35 / 2.5 cm;
• heating speed – 20 minutes (from +10 to +95 ° C);
• cooling rate – 1°C for every 2 minutes.

Note: Manufacturers politely state in advertisements that their daily electricity consumption is between 2.5 and 3.6 kW. However, in real life, the actual energy consumption is higher, so this figure does not match reality.

The monolithic quartz heater works on a straightforward principle: after heating the panel to its maximum temperature using a nichrome filament, heat is transferred throughout the room by infrared radiation, which heats all surfaces in front of the device’s front panel, and convection, which heats the air.

The quality of products is steadily improving, and monolithic electric panels are evolving. One notable example is the new quartz-olivine heater from the Belarusian business "Tepleya," which has a stylish appearance. For manufacturing, olivine is a naturally occurring mineral. This manufacturer’s heating device won the "Best Innovative Product of 2018" diploma at the international exhibition BUDEXPO – 2018.

When the desired room temperature is attained, if the unit has a thermostat attached, it will switch off the heating. When the stove enters the cooling mode, it will continue to produce intense heat. The thermostat will activate the unit again for heating when the outside temperature falls below a predetermined point.

The monolithic slab of quartz sand and clay is essentially a convective-infrared heater, requiring external control from a thermo regulator and running at 99% efficiency similar to any other electric heater.

The video presents a thorough analysis of heaters manufactured in the shape of stoves:

Operating principle of the infrared heater

We’ve been familiar with these appliances for a long time because of the well-known Swedish brand UFO. The apparatus’s device is as follows: one or more glass tubes are installed horizontally (or vertically) in a metal oblong body, and inside of them run nichrome heating filaments.

To reflect all of the heat in one direction, the semi-circular surface at the back of the tubes is mirrored. These quartz heaters for homes have thermostats integrated into them and operate using the following algorithm:

1. When the device is turned on, the nichrome filament heats up and releases heat in the form of infrared radiation traveling in one direction.
2. The first thing to warm up the surfaces and objects located in the zone of action of the quartz heater. The air receives heat from these surfaces, from which its temperature gradually increases.
3. When the temperature in the room reaches the threshold set by the user, the built-in thermostat switches off the heating element.
4. When the air in the room starts to cool down, the thermostat starts the heating process again.

As a point of reference. Because UFO-style tube heaters and quartz germicidal lamps used in medicine are unrelated, they are harmful to human health rather than beneficial. When quartzized, the strong UV radiation produced by hospital lamps kills all microorganisms.

To improve longevity and ensure safety, the infrared-emitting heating coil of the appliance is housed inside a glass tube. The glowing filament will burn out much more quickly outside than it would inside an inert gas lightbulb.

Hence, the tubular quartz heater is an example of an infrared heating device; it is not intended for convective air heating in a room. The general technical characteristics of these units are hard to describe because they are used in far too many different products.

In the quest for efficient home heating solutions, the quartz heater emerges as a contender, promising warmth without the hassle. However, amidst its convenience lies a web of considerations. While touted for its instant heat and energy efficiency, the quartz heater"s reliance on electricity can strain utility bills. Additionally, its localized heating may not effectively warm larger spaces, leaving pockets of chill untouched. Moreover, concerns about safety linger, as quartz heaters can pose fire hazards if left unattended or placed near flammable materials. Despite these drawbacks, for smaller areas or supplemental heating, a quartz heater could offer a viable solution. But, before embracing it wholesale, homeowners must weigh its benefits against potential risks and explore complementary strategies for comprehensive home insulation and heating efficiency.

About the disadvantages and advantages

Since our goal is to ascertain the true benefits and drawbacks of quartz heaters, we won’t restate the manufacturer’s promotional claims; instead, we’ll highlight the drawbacks and benefits in light of user feedback. First, let’s discuss monolithic batteries, which have the following benefits:

• affordable price of products (from 40 u. е.);
• the device does not create noise during operation;
• the simplest possible design, where the parts are embedded deep into the stove, allows us to reduce the maintenance of the product to dust cleaning;
• the product is environmentally friendly, as it is made of natural materials;
• heaters, properly selected in terms of power and quantity, warm up the room rather quickly due to two ways of heat transfer – IR radiation and convection.

Note: Since high efficiency is a feature of all electric heaters, we have purposefully chosen not to list it among the benefits of heating plates. Since other types of heaters do not have these drawbacks, the heater’s inability to burn oxygen while heating the air has long since stopped being a benefit.

Regretfully, a number of drawbacks offset a strong list of benefits associated with monolithic heaters:

1. Decent weight, like a small cast iron radiator. When wall-mounted, a reliable fixing is required.
2. Fragility of slabs, often cracking and breaking into pieces even at the transportation stage. Also cracks appear after the first switching on and heating of the stove.
3. Unattractive design and unattractive appearance immediately make you realize that you are looking at a budget product.
4. The heater cannot be simply plugged into a socket, otherwise it will constantly and uncontrollably "plow" at full power. It is necessary to buy a thermostat for a separate fee and connect it to the electric battery.
5. Too high surface temperature (95 ° C) is fraught with burns, which is especially dangerous for small children. Again, it is necessary to spend on a protective screen.

An unrelated concern is the level of craftsmanship in the production of quartz heaters for homes or apartments, as evidenced by the plate’s back (pictured). Reviews claim that products frequently arrive with paint peeling, cracks, or missing sockets in sets, which detracts from the product’s appeal. The worst case scenario, however, is if an electric heater that is a part of the network accidentally electrocutes someone (there are such cases). Because of this, it is risky for every resident, including pets.

As a point of reference. Pure ceramic heaters with a convective screen, reflective layer on the back, and elegant design have also entered the market in addition to quartz heaters. However, they do not heat any better and their price is at least fifty percent more. That is, the design flaw is fixed at the expense of appreciation, but the efficiency remains unchanged.

Similar to heating plates, infrared tubular devices are silent when in use (though they may make a small crackling sound). However, their design is more sophisticated. These benefits serve as an expression of this:

• instant heating of surfaces, bypassing the air environment;
• safety in operation;
• light weight and mobility;
• integrated thermostat;
• attractive design;
• acceptable dimensions;
• wide range of models and brands.

As a point of reference. Infrared quartz heaters can be installed outdoors for targeted human heating because of their rapid surface temperature rise capability.

Although these appliances are more expensive than panel ones, they won’t require retrofitting. An important drawback of the infrared heater is that it heats the room too slowly, making a person feel most comfortable in its action zone at first.

Which heater is better – recommendations on the choice

See our suggestions below if you’re having problems choosing between an infrared and a monolithic heater:

1. When installing permanent electric heating in a private house or dacha, it is better to buy stationary quartz heaters in the form of plates. One condition: the products must harmonize with the interior, otherwise it is worth thinking about another method of heating.
2. For local and temporary heating of people in any premises and outdoors, a quartz heater of UFO type is perfect.
3. The best way to use monolithic panels – in combination with other heating. For example, during the day the house is heated by a stove or a boiler, and at night – by quartz heaters, and even at a cheap rate.
4. Do not rely on IR-heating as the main method of heating a country or country house, where you visit only occasionally. While the infrared devices will warm up the building well, you will have time to finish your business and move on the way back.
5. Regardless of the type of quartz heater correctly select the devices by power. Do not believe advertising and do not think that one 400 W stove will provide heat in a room of 10 m² at a frost of -5 ° C and below. It barely has enough "strength" to slightly raise the temperature and keep you warm.

Advice: Determine how many and what kind of quartz plate heaters are needed for the typical Russian Federation strip. Based on that amount, each cubic meter of space in the insulated house needs 40 watts of heat. A separate manual provides a more precise calculation of heating power.

One of the key suggestions is to not trust the many advertising claims made for this plan:

• our panel heats up in 20 minutes and cools down for an hour, continuously giving out heat;
• our heater is 30-50% more economical than others;
• a 500 W device is enough to heat a room of 10-12 m² (in reality – no more than 7 m²);
• per day our heater "winds up" no more than 2.5 kW of electricity, and the apartment – heat!

Example of calculation. For a 10 m² room with a ceiling height of 2.7 m on the coldest days would require 10 x 2.7 x 40 = 1100 W of heat (i.e. the same amount of electricity). In this case 2 monolithic heaters of 400 W will work without interruption, they will wind up 0 per day.8 x 24 = 19 kW and will not reach a comfortable temperature. But even if you take not the maximum, but the average heat consumption for the season and divide 1100 W in half, then in a day for heating will have to spend 550 x 24 = 13200 W = 13.2 kW of heat, no matter how you look at it.

Testimonials from real users

Although there are some positive reviews among them, the majority of the negative ones focused on quartz heaters of the monolithic type. On a 5-point rating system, the average user rating is 3.5 if fake reviews are removed. Here are a few more instances:

I purchased this "excellent" device to heat a 6.5 m^ small enclosed terrace in the country. The room heated up for so long at an outside temperature of +10 °C that I got tired of waiting; I could feel the heat only 10 cm from the heater’s surface. Additionally, I discovered that the product’s paint had peeled off when I opened the package. In conclusion, the home appliance does not fit the listed requirements.

G. Krasnodar Valery.

After looking through many options in search of a suitable heater for the children’s room, quartz was discovered. I’ve decided to purchase; fortunately, the cost is democratic. In summary, the gadget heats up nicely and maintains its heat for a considerable amount of time, but it is also incredibly hot—you cannot touch it. How should it be placed in the nursery? When we called the company, they again mentioned the costs of a protective screen. The heater’s unsatisfactory appearance warrants a four out of five overall rating.

Mr. Mezhdurechensk, vera.

We purchased a quartz heater to test in a private home’s room. The heat from the heater there is not well received because it is far away. After installing, plugging it in, and testing it, we were pleased. We can now stay warm while we sleep in this room. Without a stove, it’s unclear how well the heater would function on its own. You have to air out the house to do the check, and I don’t want to do that. I should place one more in the hallway, I think.

As a point of reference. More reviews and honest assessments regarding quartz heaters can be found on the popular forum’s pages.

Negative reviews are frequently the result of both increased demand for products in the budget price range and an overreliance on advertising. The second point, which once more promises advertising, is an ineffective choice of power in the hope of saving money. Obtaining as much trustworthy information as possible about a product is preferable before making a purchase. The most well-known producers of quartz warmers are:

• TeplEco, g. St. Petersburg (RF);
• TeploPlit, g. St. Petersburg (RF);
• Texture, g. Nizhny Novgorod (RF);
• Teplopit (Republic of Belarus);
• Center of Heat (Ukraine).

Reviews of quartz monolithic heaters in the video

Conclusion

There is a plethora of options available when it comes to electric heating for homes and apartments. As a result, businesses that produce different types of heaters, such as heat fans, convectors, quartz heaters, and infrared heaters, compete with one another. The end consumer is impacted by their competition for the same market since they are drawn in by sellers’ alluring but fraudulent advertisements and storefront promises. The straightforward conclusion is this: when making a decision, take your time, gather information, consider product prices, and compare them to others. Then, you won’t regret making the purchase.

The selection of a heating solution is essential for maintaining a warm and comfortable home. Quartz heaters have become more and more well-liked as an alternative to conventional heating techniques in recent years. These heaters generate infrared heat through quartz tubes, which is then dispersed throughout the space. There are worries regarding their efficacy and safety even though they have certain advantages like rapid heating and energy efficiency.

The speed at which quartz heaters heat up is one of their key benefits. Quartz heaters have an almost instantaneous heat-up time, in contrast to traditional heaters. Because of this, they are perfect for rapidly heating a space when needed, particularly in areas without reliable or accessible central heating.

Moreover, the energy efficiency of quartz heaters is frequently acknowledged and appreciated. They can heat a room more effectively than conventional convection heaters, which rely on heating the air, because they direct the energy of infrared radiation onto objects and people. Over time, this targeted heating may lead to lower energy bills and consumption.

There are certain disadvantages to take into account, though, in spite of these benefits. The safety of quartz heaters is one issue, especially in homes with kids or pets. If they come into direct contact with the heating elements, they run the risk of getting burned because they operate at high temperatures. Furthermore, if quartz heaters are not used correctly or malfunction, there have been reports of them starting fires.

Moreover, quartz heaters may not work as well in larger rooms or poorly insulated homes. Even though they can produce heat locally, they might find it difficult to keep the room at a constant temperature. In these situations, more heating options or upgraded insulation might be required to guarantee sufficient warmth.

In conclusion, for some homes, quartz heaters can be a practical and effective heating option, especially for smaller spaces or as supplemental heating. It’s crucial to balance their advantages against any potential risks to safety and efficacy, though. To make an informed choice, homeowners should carefully consider their heating needs, their home’s layout, and any safety concerns before investing in a quartz heater.

Video on the topic

Quartz heater TeplEco: heating a house of 80 sq. m. m for 5000 rubles. per month. It"s simple!

Quartz heater Teplako. Myths and reality. Fire safety = 0.

The heater almost burned everything

How to choose an infrared heater for a house?