In winter, when the temperature drops to a maximum according to the climatic conditions of the region, many people use additional heat sources in addition to central heating. In many cases, these are heaters of different types.
Convectors are currently considered the most popular. Micathermic devices that have appeared on the market not so long ago are often confused with convection ones, although the similarity in principle of operation reaches only 20%. To understand the design of new equipment and the principle of heat distribution, you need to familiarize yourself with its technical characteristics.
What is a micathermic heater and how does it work
So, the micathermic heater is an innovative technology borrowed from the space industry. It is based on the ability of some materials to emit waves in the infrared range. Our sun "works" in the same range. As long as objects are under its rays, they heat up. As soon as they go into the shade, they cool down.
In the heaters that we are considering, the radiating element is plates made of a multi-layer material covered with mica. It does not heat up itself, so you can safely touch the Mikanite without the risk of getting burned. Due to the special structure of the plates and the absence of heating, they practically do not wear out during operation. Micanites are enclosed in a metal case with a one-sided or double-sided lattice. The heat from the heating elements spreads almost instantly from the moment the appliance is turned on.
Diagram of a micathermic battery device
NOTE!
A control unit is installed in the front part of the device, which regulates the temperature. Expensive models are additionally equipped with an LCD display.
In mycanites, upon contact with electrical energy, the process of reflection and isolation of thermal energy occurs, and the dielectric mica covering them transmits infrared radiation to the surrounding space.
One fifth of the heat energy comes from the heater by convection, due to the movement of air. Everything else is infrared
What is Micathermic Heater
Micathermic heaters have appeared quite recently on the market for heating equipment that uses electrical energy during operation. The design is based on mica-coated non-metallic heating elements. The concept technology name is Micthermic. It is used in medical and space applications.
The heater dissipates the heat flux in two directions. In order for the heating to be carried out in one direction, additional elements are added to the structure. Heat is reflected with a single layer of metallic oxides. The second layer concentrates heat energy. This heater is one-sided. The devices are generally flat. But some models have original designs. For example, a tubular micathermic heater is produced in a cylindrical shape.
Tubular micathermic heater of cylindrical shape
Even the coldest room heats up quickly enough. Most devices operate in several modes. They can maintain the required temperature in the room at night. The devices provide for the possibility of self-activation if the temperature indicators in the room fall below the set value.
Micathermic equipment manufacturers claim that it has a positive effect on health.Infrared radiation improves metabolic processes in the human body and accelerates blood circulation.
Pros and cons of micathermic heater in practical use
There are no ideal heating devices. Even cheap gas installations have their drawbacks. Micathermic heaters are not without them. Let's look at the medal from two sides.
Benefits
- Environmental friendliness: Heating of premises is carried out using infrared and electromagnetic waves, which do not pose a danger to humans and pets. The device does not emit any toxic fumes.
- Rapid heating: The room temperature rises in a matter of minutes, the device can work for a long time.
- Saving energy: Compared to other appliances that require plugging in, these heaters consume 30% less energy.
- Security: The body of the device does not heat up over 60 ° C. So the battery does not burn if accidentally touched.
- Installation versatility: Heaters operating on the principle of infrared radiation can be installed in closed and open rooms.
- No noise during operation: Thermal expansion of micanites corresponds to the expansion of the device core, so you will not hear the usual clicks when heating.
- Light weight: IR batteries are compact and lightweight, they can be carried from room to room, hung on the wall or placed on the floor.
- Availability of additional options: Timers, thermoregulation and air ionization devices are built into modern models of heaters. You can purchase a model with additional racks for drying shoes or clothes.
- Directional action: Heat energy in such heaters usually comes from one side. This is very convenient if you need to heat a specific area, for example, a bed area.
disadvantages
- Limited coverage area: To feel the warmth from the battery, you need to be near it. IR radiation heats objects, not air.
- Difficulty in cleaning: The most unpleasant thing is that house dust accumulates in the grill of the battery and then, when heated, can spread an unpleasant smell. It is necessary to periodically clean the grate with a vacuum cleaner and do wet cleaning.
- High price: Space technologies are not cheap yet. But it’s only a matter of time. You can buy micathermic heaters at a price of 4,000 rubles.
Temperature
So, for example, reviews of micathermic heaters differ in terms of their external temperature and, accordingly, injury and fire hazard. Someone bought a model, the body of which heats up to 60 ° C, which does not allow installing the device next to nylon curtains, plastic panels, etc. Others, on the contrary, call the equipment absolutely safe in this regard.
Micathermic heater - this is a device that works only up to 20% as a convective heater and is mostly an infrared emitter, it becomes clear that excessive heating of the case is a particular drawback of a certain model or a malfunction of the equipment. Nevertheless, the warning that the device should not be installed with respect to the distance from flammable objects is valid. Such interior items can be heated with any method of energy transfer.
Types of micathermic heaters by installation method
The device of micathermic batteries is the same, they can differ only in the type of installation. Devices can be hinged (wall-mounted) and floor-standing.
Wall-mounted models are more versatile - in addition to them there are stands with wheels, so if you want - hang on the wall, if you want - roll around the apartment
Some craftsmen fix this technique on the ceiling. This makes sense - after all, this way you can heat the maximum area.
Additional options
A modern micathermic heater often has additional devices and accessories that help it work more efficiently or expand its functionality. Options can be included in the basic package or purchased separately.
- For wall-mounted models, mounting brackets are often included.
- Products with the ability to remotely control using a remote control have gained great popularity.
- It is convenient to use a heater with a special shoe dryer in wet weather.
- The temperature control and regulation system contributes to energy saving.
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How to correctly select the power of the micathermic device
The power of the heater must correspond to the area of the heated room. It is believed that 1 kW of thermal energy is required to fully warm up a 10 m² room. This is an average indicator that does not take into account the specifics of the operation of the device.
And the specificity may be, for example, that the battery is the main source of heat, which means that it must be more powerful. There are other nuances - the level of insulation of the house, the presence of doors and windows through which heat loss occurs.
As a result, when purchasing a device, it is better to take it with a power reserve than with its lack. Take as a basis the figure of 70-80 W for each m2 of area
How to choose the right heater?
As with any room heating device, the main parameter Micathermic heater is its power.
Manufacturers offer to make a choice among devices that have power 0.25 - 3 kW... Usually, the instructions for the heaters refer to the area of the room for which it is intended to heat.
This approach to the selection of the power of the heater is not entirely correct. When developing instructions, manufacturers have in mind the standard height of the ceilings of the room, taking it for 2.5 meters... Naturally, if the ceiling height is higher, then the specified power for high-quality heating of the room will not be enough.
Therefore, when choosing a heater, you should take into account two rules, when following which it is necessary to take into account both the volume of the room, and it will be the only source of heat, or an additional one.
In the first case, 1 m³ of volume will require minimum power at 40 watts. If the heat source is additional to the existing one, then 25 W per 1 m³ will be enough.
No less important factors When choosing a micathermic heater, for many buyers it becomes the presence of a built-in thermostat and a way to control the device.
The heater can be turned on either from the panel located on the body, or using the remote control. Especially important the presence of a remote control for buyers who have preferred a wall-mounted heater model.
How to use a micathermic heater correctly
Like any electrical device, an infrared heater on mikanit needs to comply with safety precautions during operation:
- do not connect the battery to an outlet that shows signs of damage;
- the electric heating device must not have direct contact with water, this can lead to severe electric shock, or even death;
- the power cord should not be twisted or pulled; it should not be laid under carpets and rugs;
- it is forbidden to place electrical appliances with heating elements near objects that can easily ignite;
- do not cover the electric battery with a cloth; only special coasters should be used to dry the laundry;
- it is not recommended to connect devices not provided by the model to the device, for example, timers;
- the ingress of foreign objects into the device case is unacceptable; it is necessary to periodically clean it from dust;
- do not repair the battery yourself.
By observing these simple rules, you can use this type of IR heater for a long time without risk to health and property.
A brief overview of the micathermic heater: advantages and disadvantages as they are
Warmth in the house is the main condition for a comfortable stay. But often central heating does not cope with this task, and the owners begin to look for additional heating methods. Families with small children are especially puzzled by this issue, because the health of the baby largely depends on maintaining a stable room temperature. Among all sources of additional heat, the safest and most approved for use in children's rooms is a micathermic heater.
This novelty has appeared recently, so many owners are wary of it, preferring traditional, time-tested oil heaters and fan heaters. Let's try to comprehensively analyze the pros and cons of the micathermic device, so that each consumer can realistically assess the capabilities of the new product and use it correctly.
Micathermic heater is lightweight and compact, so it is convenient, for example, to transport it in the trunk of a car, leaving for the country
Criteria for choosing a heating device
Before buying an infrared micathermic heater, carefully read the description of its technical characteristics. We have already talked about the correct selection of power, but you should also check whether the wiring in your house is capable of ensuring the smooth operation of the device. The second essential point is the place for installation. When choosing a model, decide in advance where it will stand.
You may not be able to mount it on the wall, or you may need to move it around different rooms from time to time.
Last but not least, the heater should not be too conspicuous. You should choose a model that matches your interior or, at least, in color, does not stand out from the surrounding environment. Typically, these devices are available in white or dark brown tones.
Convector advantages
A distinctive feature of the convector from a micathermic heat source is heat dissipation throughout the room. When the device is operating from below, cold air flows in, which heats up and spreads throughout the room.
A uniform temperature regime is created in the room. The ability to adjust the power of the device in order to reduce the cost of electricity. Ease of installation and versatility (the device is presented both in floor-standing and wall-mounted versions).
The use of convector adjustments allows you to maintain a comfortable temperature during operation. Silent rabot, fire safety, compact size complement a number of advantages of the device. The price of the device is more acceptable.
Cons, respectively, are also present. Despite the possibility of adjusting the power of the device, this technique cannot be called particularly economical. Electricity is consumed significantly, which can hit a family's budget. Due to the circulation of air currents, dust is likely to rise in the room, which is harmful to asthmatics.
Popular models of Polaris micathermic heaters
The Korean manufacturer Polaris produces a wide range of household appliances. There are not only heaters and air conditioners, but also kitchen appliances from refrigerator to mixer, audio and video equipment, medical and cosmetic devices, sports equipment and much more. The company has been operating since 1995 and today it is one of the largest manufacturers of household appliances for various purposes in the world.
In Russia alone, there are more than 250 Polaris service centers in all major cities.Domestic buyers highly appreciate the quality of the Korean manufacturer's products, including climatic equipment. These devices are popular because of their affordable prices - they are available to middle-income buyers.
Each segment has an extensive lineup with a variety of functionality, so choosing the right device for your requirements will not be difficult.
But this barrel of honey has its own fly in the ointment. Rather, there are two of them. The first is a relatively short product warranty period. The company deliberately takes this step, since the developed network of service centers allows it to repair products without spending money on their complete replacement. And the second spoon is the absence of a branded online store. Polaris products are sold in chain stores, but not every city has a representative office. For some reason, the site of this company is not being improved for the urgent needs of consumers, so it is not very popular.
And now let's turn specifically to the Polaris micothermal heaters and consider the most popular models in this segment.
Micathermic heater Polaris PMH 2095 - at the peak of popularity
This 2000 watt device can heat a 24 m² room. Floor-mounted, has a universal design and an anti-tipping system. Available in black and silver, it has 2 levels of power regulation. The cost of the product (all prices are as of July 2020) - 4,999 rubles.
Polaris PMH
Video review of the micathermic heater Polaris RMN 2095.
Polaris PMH 1594 - customer opinion
Micathermic heater Polaris PMH 1594 can be bought for an average of 4,000 rubles. It differs from the previous model in a lower power of 1500 W and, accordingly, in a smaller heating area. Like other underfloor heaters, it is equipped with a rollover emergency shutdown.
Polaris PMH
Infrared battery Polaris PMH 2005
The lightweight and compact micathermic heater Polaris PMH 2005 will cost you 5,300 rubles. It will heat 30 m². Two power levels allow you to adjust the heating intensity. An overview of the advantages of this device in a short video.
Polaris PMH
Heating with Polaris PMH 1596 rcd
Micathermic heater with convector heating Polaris PMH 1596 rcd has electronic control with LED display and control panel. This battery is capable of heating from both sides, so it is better to place it not against the wall, but in the middle of the room. Three heating elements inside the device are capable of heating 24 m² of floor space. The unit costs about 5,200 rubles.
Polaris PMH
Heater Polaris PMH 2085 for home and garden
And the last on our list, but not the last in quality, is the Polaris PMH 2085 micathermic heater. Simple, mechanically controlled and all protective functions, it is perfect for a summer cottage or a city apartment. Operates from a 220 Volt network, easily moves on wheels and has a light indicator. It will cost only 4,500 rubles. Here's what buyers write about it.
Polaris PMH 2085
Principle of operation
The principle of operation of infrared heating devices is fundamentally different from the operation of convection devices. The surface of the floor and walls, the surrounding objects are heated by micothermal heaters, and when using convectors, the temperature of the air masses rises. The effect of an infrared heater is similar to that of sunlight. They penetrate the air without heating it. After the radiation reaches the object, it is absorbed. The surface temperature increases. Then the heat is transferred to the air.
Micathermic infrared heater generates thermal energy, which is used by 90% for targeted heating of objects. Only a tenth of it is used to heat air masses. As a result, the device has a high efficiency.
The principle of operation of an infrared heating device
Which is better - micathermic heater or convector
? For home and summer cottages, convection-type devices are better suited. Their advantage is the absence of the need for constant monitoring. The convector is safer in terms of fire safety.
