The modern market is saturated with various types of electrical appliances for heating residential premises. The choice is extremely wide, and all manufacturers actively advertise their products, attributing to them many advantages and keeping silent about the disadvantages. In this article we will look at one of these products - a monolithic quartz heater, which is offered in a wall-mounted version. The goal is to help the average user understand how these household appliances work and whether they are worth buying for their home.
Principle of operation
Quartz heaters function like this:
- After connecting to electricity, the nichrome spiral rapidly heats up to 98°C.
- At the same time, infrared rays appear, heating the surfaces of objects inside the room.
- At the same time, a convection process occurs - cool air currents are drawn into the electrical appliance from below, and after heating, they exit through the holes at the top.
It is possible to use a quartz device separately, as an auxiliary unit to the main heating system. To heat large areas, several similar devices are connected in parallel.
Quartz monolithic heaters combine the operating principle of infrared devices and electric convectors Source cdn-ru.bitrix24.ru
Top 10. KeramoQuartz
Rating (2021): 4.21
- Characteristics
Average price: 2,500 rub.
- Country Russia
- Rated power (kW): 0.4
- Maximum surface temperature: 80⁰
- Heating speed: 80⁰ in 20 minutes
- Volume of heated space (cub.m): 18
- Dimensions (mm): 610×310
- Weight (kg): 13
A quartz heater is quite simple to manufacture. This explains the huge number of manufacturers on the market, both local and foreign. The problem is that their products are often not different from each other at all. Like, for example, the device from KeramoKvarts. It has standard parameters for heating a room of 8 square meters or 18 cubic meters. Consumption and rated power are 400 watts, but unlike other models, heating occurs only up to 80 degrees. But it reaches operating temperature in literally 20 minutes. Simply put, the manufacturer did not provide any original ideas, so customer reviews are rare. But it looks very attractive. You can choose a device that imitates natural marble, granite, and even wood. And for special aesthetes, there are models with full-fledged pictures. True, it is difficult to say how they behave during operation.
Advantages and disadvantages
- Attractive design
- Diverse catalog
- Low maximum heating temperature
Varieties
Today there are several types of quartz heating batteries on sale.
Monolithic
They are made in the form of a panel, which contains a nichrome heating element inside; according to the installation method, they are divided into wall-mounted and floor-mounted. Ordinary heaters do not have a thermostat; one must be purchased additionally. The use of a mechanism that regulates the temperature allows you to turn a monolithic quartz device into an energy-saving heating device. When the set temperature is reached, the regulator will turn off the device, which will significantly save on electricity.
A monolithic quartz heater is considered the most economical and efficient among all types of electric heating devices Source stroy-podskazka.ru
Infrared
A device of this type consists of a glass flask, inside of which a chromium-nickel thread and quartz sand are placed. After connecting to the power supply, it begins to heat up, and the filled glass container begins to give off heat. In order to increase heat transfer, the rear wall of the device is made mirrored.
Such quartz panels are perfect for zone heating of homes. They don't dry out the air at all. Only the surfaces of objects located in the room heat up when infrared rays fall on them.
When using such models of heating batteries, heating a home takes much longer than when installing monolithic devices.
The infrared heater does not heat itself, but increases the temperature of nearby objects Source stroy-podskazka.ru
Carbon-quartz
They have the properties of similar ceramic, infrared, quartz devices. The heating element is a carbon filament. It is resistant to high temperatures. The latter means that the monolithic panel cannot be damaged due to overheating. In addition, the heat transfer of such a thread is higher than that of nichrome, which significantly saves energy costs.
A carbon-quartz heater emits heat not in any one direction, but evenly throughout the room Source pechiexpert.ru
Top 4. Teplodar
Rating (2021): 4.64
Better heat dissipation Heater with an additional screen at the rear for improved heat dissipation.
- Characteristics
Average price: 3,200 rub.
- Country Russia
- Rated power (kW): 0.4
- Maximum surface temperature: 93⁰
- Heating speed: 75⁰ in 20 minutes
- Volume of heated space (cub.m): 12
- Dimensions (mm): 680×350
- Weight (kg): 11
This is the best quartz heater in terms of heat output. It is mounted on the wall, like most similar models, and in order not to heat up this very wall, it has a special reflective screen installed on the back. Thanks to it, the room is heated much faster, although the device’s operating temperature is not the highest. In 20 minutes, the stove heats up to only 75 degrees, but consumes 400 watts. But the cooling here is very slow. If other systems lose approximately one degree per minute, here this value is several times lower. This is facilitated by the same protective reflector and the unique composition from which the plate is made. The manufacturer does not use pure quartz, but dilutes it with basalt. This is a naturally energy-intensive material, but has an important drawback - fragility. It is better to install heaters from this manufacturer permanently, so as not to break if accidentally hit or dropped.
Advantages and disadvantages
- Increased heat dissipation
- Many design and color options
- Energy efficient basalt in the composition
- Slow lag
- Fragile structure
- Small heated area
How to choose
Each of the existing varieties of quartz heating batteries is suitable only for a specific type of room and has special installation requirements. Having the same dimensions, the devices are able to heat rooms of completely different dimensions. Therefore, when choosing a heating device, it is better to listen to the valuable recommendations of experts:
- First of all, it is important to determine which room is planned to be heated with a quartz heater, whether the latter will be used independently or to complement the main type of heating. In addition, you should take into account the quality of the room's insulation. If it is low, then it is better to choose an infrared electrical appliance.
- It is advisable to compare the main characteristics of the units, pay attention to the manufacturer, cost, and warranty period. At the same time, you need to remember: a domestically produced electrical appliance costs much less than its foreign counterpart.
- The dimensions of the quartz heater must necessarily correspond to the area of the room. It is also necessary to think in advance whether such a device will require mobility in the future. If not, then it is better to purchase a stationary wall or floor model.
When choosing a heating device, it is important to carefully study the manufacturer’s instructions and immediately take into account individual needs. In the future, this will allow creating the required temperature conditions indoors with minimal energy costs.
When choosing a quartz heater, preference should be given to models with a thermostat: they are a little more expensive, but use electricity more efficiently Source gidotopleniya.ru
Review of the best models
Is a quartz heater already warming your home?
Of course! No, but it will be!
Based on information from manufacturers and consumer reviews, we have compiled a review of 5 popular models of quartz heaters.
"TeppleEco" (Russia)
The only domestic manufacturer producing devices from highly purified quartz sand.
Main characteristics:
- Size – 60 x 35 x 2.5 cm.
- Weight – 12 kg.
- Power – 0.4 kW.
- Energy consumption – 2.5-3.5 kWh/day.
- Heated air volume (with minimal heat loss) – 18 m3
The approximate cost is about 2400 rubles.
Pros:
- Universal design.
- Possibility to buy a thermostat (for an additional fee).
- Compliance with quality standards.
Minuses:
- You can only buy on the official website.
- Cracks may form on the slab.
- Judging by the reviews, there are delivery delays.
Victor Z., Vladimir: “I bought several pieces for my store. After two days of work, cracks appeared on the devices. I called the supplier and they told me that they have an indication in the passport that there can be cracks up to 350 mm. Not a warranty case."
"TeplopitBel" (Belarus)
The specificity of the devices is to increase the radiating surface due to processing with natural quartz chips. This technology is the property of the enterprise and has no analogues.
Main characteristics:
- Size – 61 x 34 x 2.5 cm.
- Weight – 11 kg.
- Power – 0.25 kW.
- Energy consumption – 0.25 kW/hour.
- Heated air volume (with minimal heat loss) – 14-16 m3
Approximate cost – 2000 rubles.
Pros:
- Functionality.
- Reasonable price.
Minuses:
- Many consumers note the poor quality of service.
- Difficulty installing additional equipment.
- In severe frosts it is ineffective.
- Fast failure.
- The crumbs may crumble when heated.
Nikolay, Minsk: “We bought it for my grandmother and installed it in a room of 8 square meters. The room is warm and comfortable, but without additional heating, in our case it is a boiler, the device will not cope in cold weather. Among the minuses, I would also note that the device does not look very presentable, the length of the cord is too short, and the service is disgusting: customers are treated with disdain.”
Stiebel Eltron IW 180 (Germany)
Main characteristics:
- Size – 14.5 x 53.5 x 8.5 cm.
- Weight – 1.55 kg.
- Heated air volume (with minimal heat loss) – 18 m3
- Power – 1.8 kW.
Approximate cost: 6,700 rubles.
Pros:
- Availability of power regulator.
- Moisture-resistant housing.
- Fast warm-up.
Minus
Inconvenient to mount on the wall.
Svetlana, St. Petersburg: “Be careful when buying, we ran into a fake. Purchased secondhand, without accompanying documents or instructions. They couldn't even remove the screws to connect the wire. Then the specialists from the official dealer were “pleased” that it was a fake. It’s true, a stingy person will pay twice! We bought the original - we couldn’t be happier, it heats well and doesn’t dry out the air.
Ballu BIH-L-2.0
Main characteristics:
- Size – 74 x 18 x 9 cm.
- Weight – 3.5 kg.
- Power – 2 kW.
- Heated air volume (with minimal heat loss) – 20 m3
- Approximate cost – 3300 rubles.
Pros:
- Protection from dust and moisture.
- Overheat shutdown.
- Installs on the wall or floor.
- Equipped with a thermostat.
Minus
There is no possibility of power adjustment.
Arthur, Lvov: “Gives heat instantly, heating evenly. I like that it works silently, no clicks. It heats up even outdoors without any problems. The only point: there are brackets for attaching to the wall, but if you need a tripod, you will have to buy it separately.”
When choosing a quartz heater, you should not focus only on the cost of the device: taking into account the technical characteristics and your own needs will help you choose the right model.
Which is better: monolith or infrared?
Here, a lot depends on the purpose of purchasing a quartz battery. Monolithic panels are best suited for organizing constant heating in a private home. They work well in conditions of high humidity, are economical, and have a long service life. If you additionally install a thermostat, the heater can be left on for a long time.
If you need to create a comfortable temperature in an open area, terrace or other large room, it is recommended to choose a quartz IR heater. But at the same time, it cannot be trusted with “main” heating, since such a unit provides relatively slow heating.
Monolithic panels are advantageous to use as an auxiliary heat source. For example, first flood the boiler and then maintain a certain temperature using a quartz “monolith”.
Regardless of the type of heater chosen, it is extremely important to accurately calculate the power of the device. To do this, it is recommended to use the services of specialists. Only they will be able to competently approach the solution of the issue and take into account the characteristics of specific premises.
A monolithic quartz heater differs from an infrared heater both in appearance and in operating principle Source givewhereyoulivehamptons.org
Components of the product
If you disassemble a typical quartz heater and arrange all the spare parts in order, you will get a very short list:
- electrically conductive cord with plug;
- cable terminal block;
- two halves of a ceramic quartz slab (or a whole slab, depending on the assembly parameters);
- coolant;
- heat exchange chamber;
- sensors and regulators (if applicable).
Everything is clear with the electrically conductive cable and terminal block. These parts are used to transfer electrical energy from the general 220 V network to the heat exchanger. We will describe in more detail the structure and operating principle of the coolant and heat exchange chamber.
Heat exchange chamber
It is a metal cavity in the shape of a cylinder. The cavity is filled with air. The coolant body is rigidly fixed in the cavity. The cavity is placed into a cavity within the quartz. Cameras are non-standard in size and depend on the dimensions of the device itself. If the device increases in size, then the camera increases accordingly.
If the heat exchange cavity is small and unsatisfactory in size, then the stove will not receive full heating to 90 ° C or will heat up significantly longer than the standard. If, on the contrary, the cavity is exaggerated in size, then the plate and chamber itself will be overheated, and this can lead to melting of the plug and overheating above 90 ° C.
Coolant
The second name of this component is the thermal agent. It is made from standard materials, most often aluminum, copper or nichrome (a hard alloy of nickel, chromium and filler material). Each carrier metal is characterized by its own properties, but in ceramics, nichrome carriers are mainly used. Aluminum and copper are used only in small-sized models, which heat up in a matter of minutes.
Converting electrical energy into thermal energy, the carrier heats the air in the small chamber of the heat exchanger. Accelerated air circulation begins in a confined space. This chamber heats the entire stove.
For a standard slab, the length of the agent does not exceed 7 centimeters, but on average the length varies from 2 to 5. Since the carrier gives only the initial impulse and its dimensions do not play a special role.
Important. The coolant is fixed in the heat exchange chamber at only one end. The second is located in the cavity and does not touch the walls of the chamber.
Tips for use
Any quartz heater should be used with care and be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions. In order for the device to work properly and serve for a long period of time, you must adhere to the following rules:
- When connecting the heating device to the electrical network, carefully inspect the wires. This will allow you to detect and repair possible damage in a timely manner.
- If the unit is not additionally equipped with a thermostat, then you cannot dry things on it for a long time. Otherwise, a fire may occur.
- For monolithic options, the panel is too fragile. Therefore, it is important to handle them very carefully: do not drop them, avoid any blows to the body.
- Use electrical appliances without a protective shield with caution. This is especially true when there are children in the room: they can get seriously burned.
Scope of use
Heating systems based on quartz sand have a wide range of applications. Due to their features, they can be used for residential, office and industrial premises, providing a comfortable temperature and optimal microclimate. Quartz emitters will be indispensable in the following cases:
- for efficient heating of residential country houses and apartments;
- for heating office and public buildings;
- for small outdoor areas and cafes, terraces, balconies and loggias;
- in medical and educational institutions;
- in dispensaries and sanatoriums;
- for industrial premises, such as laboratories, warehouses, offices.
It should be noted that quartz heating devices have a beneficial effect on the body; such heat is recommended to be used for medical purposes, to improve overall well-being.
It is not recommended for this:
- Mount ceiling models above the most visited places - a dining table, a sofa near the TV, a computer desk.
- Portable models on a bracket should not be pointed at a person.
- Heaters should not be directed towards the eye area.
- You should not be exposed to radiation for more than 20 minutes.
Use with caution in the presence of patients for whom additional heating is contraindicated and in children's rooms. It is safe to say that this myth does not correspond to reality.
