DIY ceramic heater for an apartment

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This ingenious method allows you to heat almost any room in a short time, and without wasting electricity.

For a homemade air heater you will need:

Two clay flower pots, one long bolt, two nuts, three washers, three bricks, a couple of candles and a regular plate.

Clay pots absorb the thermal energy from candles and convert it into heat. The temperature on their surface reaches 70–80 degrees Celsius, and inside it reaches more than 260 degrees, so be very careful!

Such a heater remains hot for several hours after “turning off”. Attention: it is strictly forbidden to place this heater next to flammable objects!

In a few hours your room will become very warm! Now you can stop wasting money on expensive heaters, and also significantly save energy!

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When the house is too cold, it is difficult to call such a home cozy. Sometimes accidents occur on the main heating mains, and the desire to heat the apartment becomes paramount. Anyone can make a heater with their own hands, so the topic of how to implement your plans is very relevant. But any new business requires knowledge. If you're tired of freezing, a reliable heating system won't hurt.

Types and design of electric heaters

We immediately warn you that we are not talking about traditional heating devices of infrared or convector type. We are considering electric batteries made in the form of ordinary mounted heating radiators (shown in the photo).

Electrical panels are offered in two versions – wall-mounted and floor-mounted

At the moment, online stores offer 4 types of electric radiators:

• sectional heaters of the “dry” type;
• ceramic heating panels;
• vacuum wall radiators using electricity;
• universal vacuum batteries capable of operating from electricity or the classic coolant - water.

In order to draw positive or negative conclusions about the listed heaters, you need to understand their design and operating principle. Plus study the reviews of users who managed to buy and test the operation of electric batteries for heating a private home. Let's look at each product separately.

Liquidless sectional heaters

In appearance, the product resembles a sectional radiator made of aluminum alloy, attached to the wall and designed to work in a water heating system. Only on the sides there are decorative plastic panels, one of which has a built-in control panel with a display.

Heating element heating panels are very similar to bimetallic or aluminum radiators, but have their own control panel and thermostat

The inside of the device looks like this:

• battery sections are cast from an aluminum-silicon alloy (silumin) and equipped with heat exchange fins;
• each section has a built-in tubular heater (TEN) with a power of up to 200 W;
• the elements are twisted together, and the heating elements are connected to the power line in a parallel circuit;
• heating is controlled by a thermostat connected to an electronic unit.

Note. The user sets the required room temperature on the display, and the thermostat maintains it automatically. It is possible to switch to an economical operating mode when half of the heating elements in the electric battery are inactive.

The principle of operation is extremely simple: the device is connected to the network, heating elements heat the finned sections that transfer heat to the room. Since the maximum surface temperature is 80 °C, heat transfer occurs in two ways - infrared radiation and convection (direct heating of the air). The required power is obtained by the number of sections.

Each section is equipped with its own heater, there is no coolant

Now comes the fun part. The price of an electric radiator with a power of 0.8 kW from 4 sections of a standard size of 500 mm, offered by the Russian one, is 210 USD. e. (12.5 thousand rubles as of autumn 2020). For comparison: a convector from the famous European brand Nobo (Nobo) model Oslo NTE4S-10 with a heat output of 1 kW costs 9,200 rubles. or 155 USD e.

Reference. The price of 1 section (500 mm high) of an aluminum Italian Global radiator, which looks similar to an electric battery, is 9 USD. e.

Ceramic panels

These products with a pleasant external design are a “layer cake” of several elements shown in the diagram:

1. The front part is a 10-20 mm thick ceramic plate. Usually decorated with a cute design or photo print.
2. A heating element is installed behind the stove - a chromium-nickel spiral laid in a snake (another option is a carbon heater).
3. At the back of the heating element there is a metal sheet, profiled as an accordion.
4. The last part is the protective casing.

Diagram of the internal structure of a ceramic heating panel
There are no revolutionary solutions in the design of a ceramic electrical panel, although the device is quite successful. The spiral heats the front plate and the rear steel sheet to 80-85 ° C, causing the first to radiate infrared heat, and the second heats the air passing along the bends of the profile due to convective circulation. There is a control panel and thermostat.

The power of ceramic electric batteries depends on the size. A 0.6 x 0.6 m panel consumes (respectively, releases into the room) about 350 W, depending on the manufacturer. So that you have an idea about ceramic electric heaters, we suggest watching a short video. Just don’t take seriously the announcer’s words about the wonderful properties of the device.

Another interesting note. The price of a product 1200 x 600 mm at 0.99 kW, comparable in power to the Nobo convector mentioned above, is 15.9 thousand rubles. or almost 270 USD e.

Vacuum radiators

A vapor-drip electric heating battery, also known as a vacuum energy-saving radiator, also known as a liquid mini-boiler, operates on the principle of a closed two-phase gravity-type thermosyphon. Have you exhaled?

Now let's move on to human language that is understandable to users. The heating device is a sealed chamber (thermosiphon) with evacuated air, into which a certain amount of bromide salt solution is poured. Under the sections there is a second chamber with an air or water heating element with a power of up to 1 kW. The work algorithm is designed like this:

1. Once turned on, the tubular element heats the lower chamber.
2. Since there is a vacuum in the upper chamber, the liquid begins to boil at a lower temperature (according to manufacturers, from 30 ° C).
3. The solution turns into steam, filling the entire vacuum battery. When it comes into contact with cold walls, it gives off heat and condenses, flowing back into the lower zone in drops. Hence the name - vapor-droplet, and the 2 phases are evaporation and condensation of the liquid.

   
   The steam evenly fills the entire body and quickly warms it up.

For reference. The principle of a thermosyphon (simply a heat pipe) involves the transfer of a large amount of heat at the moment of evaporation and condensation of a solution. In this way, it is similar to the operation of an air conditioner, transferring thermal energy from indoors to outdoors and vice versa. Here the transfer is carried out from the heating element to the room air, the mediator is a solution of bromide salt.

As in other electric radiators, the design includes a thermostat that limits the heating of the liquid - the working fluid. Universal vacuum heaters are capable of working with conventional coolant - water supplied from the boiler to the lower chamber. In this case, the heating element is removed. We watch another video and mentally filter the list of incredible parameters of the device.

Types of ceramic fan heaters

Ceramic fan heaters are available in several form factors. They are:

• desktop;
• floor;
• wall-mounted;
• ceiling

Tabletop fan heaters

Tabletop fan heaters are clearly a marketing ploy, since in their appearance and all other parameters they resemble the most ordinary floor-standing models, which they are. They are small in size and compact, as well as very easy to operate.

. Such models are equipped with simple mechanical thermostats and power switches. Some of them are equipped with rotating mechanisms to ensure more uniform heat distribution throughout heated rooms.

It is very difficult to imagine the desktop operation of such a device - after all, hot air flying at a person will irritate and not cause a feeling of comfort. However, if there is a function to work in cold fan mode, then everything is not so bad.

Floor-standing ceramic fan heaters

Floor-standing ceramic fan heaters are close relatives of tabletop models. In fact, this is what they are, only some models may differ in increased sizes. For example, there are vertical models on sale. They have a good modern appearance and attractiveness, allowing you to heat a large area with minimal dimensions. The height of their bodies is 50-100 cm.

Wall-mounted ceramic fan heaters

Wall-mounted ceramic fan heaters are somewhat reminiscent of thermal curtains and indoor units of split systems at the same time. There are tangential fans here that provide continuous circulation of air masses. The air is heated using the same ceramic heating elements located horizontally. For more convenient operation, such devices are equipped with remote controls.

– no need to reach for the buttons when the fan hangs at approximately the same height as the split system.

Ceiling fan heaters

Ceiling fan heaters are not very common heating equipment designed for installation in rooms with high ceilings. In everyday life, floor or wall models are most often used. But ceiling models provide a more uniform distribution of heat - this is their definite advantage.

Considering the types of fan heaters, one cannot help but note their division according to functionality. They contain:

• additional air filters - they trap dust particles flying away in air currents, which only improves atmospheric performance. Allergy sufferers will be happy with this addition;
• air ionizers – saturate the air with beneficial ions that support human health;
• air humidifiers - despite the absence of a heated coil, ceramic fan heaters can slightly dry the air in rooms. The presence of a humidifier will improve people's health and normalize sleep
  ;
• functions of working as a regular fan - the equipment drives air through without heating;
• remote control systems - such devices are equipped with conventional remote controls.

Also on sale are ceramic fan heaters with splash protection - they are designed for use in wet rooms.

Electrically controlled devices are more convenient for daily use. Even better if they come with a remote control.

Another difference is the type of control. Ceramic fan heaters for home are equipped with electronic or mechanical control systems. Electronic systems have increased accuracy and expanded functionality - they can accurately monitor temperature, show its value on the screen and work in accordance with the programmed program. Simple mechanical thermostats are less accurate, but fan heaters with them have a more affordable price - this is their big advantage.

Where is the best place to buy a ceramic fan heater? We recommend checking out the estimated prices on Yandex.Market and visiting large chain stores that often have sales. The estimated cost of the simplest floor/tabletop device with a power of 1.5 kW is approximately 1000-1200 rubles.

Liquidless radiators

Unlike liquid-type radiators, in liquid-free ones heat transfer from the heating element is carried out directly to the metal heat-transmitting element, without the use of a coolant. They cannot be connected to water heating systems and are installed exclusively as an independent heating device.

Liquid-free wall-mounted radiators with different numbers of sections.

As in liquid radiators, batteries made of several metal sections are used as a heat-transfer element. These sections are not unified with models used in water heating systems. The absence of an intermediate link in the form of a coolant reduces the inertia of the radiator. Liquid-free devices heat up faster, but also cool down faster. They also have less weight, so they are easier to transport from one room to another. In the case of a permanent installation, the lighter weight allows the use of less durable mounts.

Experts recommend installing liquid electric radiators in premises for permanent residence, while inertia-free liquid-free devices are optimal for use in country houses and guest houses, winter recreation centers, retail outlets and mini-hotels.

Mounting options

One of the questions that interests the buyer before purchasing an electric heating radiator is the method of mounting it. Regardless of the model, there are three installation options:

• stationary wall hanging using anchors;
• installation on stands;
• mobile unit on wheels.

Electric radiator hung on the wall.

The methods of permanent installation do not differ from the suspension of traditional radiators of water heating systems. An electric radiator can be installed on any wall that can support its weight in working condition.

Option on wheeled supports.

Mobile installation allows you to easily carry (transport) it from place to place. Not all models are equipped with stands or wheels, so this issue needs to be clarified with the seller before making a purchase. If fasteners are not included in the kit, they can be purchased at an additional cost.

Stable wheel supports.

To provide the air circulation necessary for effective convective heat exchange, it must be installed with the following minimum distances to nearby surfaces:

1. from the back wall to the wall – 30 mm;
2. to the floor – 50 mm;
3. to the window sill - 50 mm.

Energy-intensive ceramic radiators

Fuel economy, high operating efficiency, low initial investment - these are the three components that every consumer wants in their home when it comes to a heating system. Many examples could be given that would fit into these indicators. But in this article we are interested in the electric heating system, which has recently been gaining popularity. And in this case, we will be interested in ceramic heating batteries. What are they and what do they consist of?

The idea of ​​​​creating such a heating device arose back in 1949. The first device was manufactured and patented. But for unknown reasons, the invention never found its mass consumer. New technologies, new materials and a new approach solved the whole problem, and recently ceramic heating devices have reappeared on the world market. The company sold a patent for production, so today you can find ceramic radiators from different manufacturers on store shelves.

Design and principle of operation

That is, it turns out that the ceramic battery emits two types of thermal energy: convection and radiation

The most important thing is that the ceramic panel emits infrared rays, which the indoor air does not heat, but heats the objects surrounding the battery. This is the best option when it comes to heating system efficiency

In this case, this radiator, so to speak, is two in one.

Attention! Ceramic heating radiators have very low energy consumption with high thermal energy output. If we compare them with other electric heating devices, for which the calculation in terms of energy consumption is taken as 100 W/m², then for ceramics this figure is 50 W/m²

Specifications

It was already mentioned above that there are many manufacturers of ceramic heating radiators. Each of them has its own model line, which is different from the rest. Therefore, there is a fairly wide selection of devices on the market, both in terms of size and design criteria, as well as cost.

Let's look at two brands that are leaders in this field today: Hybrid and PEPC.

Brand "Hybrid"

Device dimensions: 60×60x1.2 cm

Pay attention to the thickness - these are compact radiators. Temperature of the ceramic screen and polymer body: 70/90C. Power – 375 W. You can heat a room measuring 2-7 m². Protection class IP44. Product weight – 10 kg. To connect, you need a regular socket - 220 V. Brand PEPC

Brand PEPC

• Dimensions – 50×100x1.5 cm.
• Temperature 80/90C.
• Power 500 W.
• The volume of the heated room is up to 30 m³.
• Protection class IP44.
• Weight – 14 kg.
• Power supply – 220 V socket.

Variety of colors and sizes
Let us add that designers are trying to find optimal solutions so that the heating device can fit exactly into any interior of the room. Therefore, it is painted in two primary colors: white and black. Today, a lot has changed, so the approach to solving problems associated with original design solutions allows consumers to place an order for individual design of a ceramic radiator. And in this regard there are no restrictions.

What is the best way to choose a radiator for a specific room?

On average, the rated power of one section is 0.13 kW. The required number of sections is selected depending on the area of ​​the room according to Table 1. The data presented in the table is relevant for city apartments located in an insulated apartment building. If the room is located on the corner of the building, or the house is poorly insulated, the recommended number of sections should be looked at 1-2 lines below the specified area of ​​​​the room.

Table 1 - Selection of an electric radiator depending on the area of ​​the room

If the area of ​​the room exceeds 22 meters, heating it requires the installation of two or three radiators. It is also recommended to increase the number of radiators if there is more than one window in the room. In this case, heating devices installed under each window create a thermal curtain, reducing the outflow of heat outside the room.

By design

Oil (water) electric heating radiators. They are distinguished by their simplicity of design. A tubular electric heater (TEH) installed in the lower manifold heats the liquid inside the device, then the temperature is transferred to the body. The built-in thermostat protects the device from overheating and maintains the set room temperature.

Convection type. They are also heated by a heating element, but the heat is transferred directly to the body of the device. Since there is no liquid in the device, heating occurs faster and its weight is less.

The air, passing through the body of the radiator, heats up and rushes upward, displacing the colder air downwards, which again passes through the body of the radiator, heating up.

The operating principle of such a device is called convection, and the batteries themselves are called convectors.

Infrared. These devices work on a different principle. They do not heat the air directly, but transfer thermal energy to surrounding objects and the air is heated directly from them. The battery itself remains cold.

During operation, no harmful substances are released, oxygen or dust is not burned. In addition, IR batteries are the most economical electric heating radiators.

Fan heaters. They consist of a heated coil or plates and a fan that supplies a flow of cold air to the heated element.

Such a device heats the air quickly enough, is small in size, and can be easily moved to any convenient place. The downside is the fan noise and the fact that the device makes the air dry.

Step-by-step assembly diagrams

Enough time is devoted to choosing an economical and effective option so that you don’t have to be disappointed later. Assembling an electric heater with your own hands is not so difficult that a novice master cannot handle it. The assembly principle of almost all designs is similar, therefore, having mastered the manufacture of one device, it is easy to switch to another.

Oil battery

Oil heaters are very popular. Their operating principle is very simple: the oil located inside the pipes is heated by a heating element inserted inside. This device is very easy to manufacture and has good efficiency and safety indicators.

Making your own oil heater is not difficult, you just need to follow the instructions

1. Take a heating element (power - 1 kW) and an electrical cord with a plug for the socket. Some craftsmen install a thermal relay for automatic control. It is also purchased in the store.
2. The building is being prepared. An old water heating battery or car radiator will do for this. You can weld the body of the device from pipes yourself if you have welding skills.
3. Two holes are made in the housing: at the bottom - for inserting the heating element, at the top - for filling oil and replacing it.
4. Insert the heating element into the lower part of the housing and seal the mounting location well.
5. Fill in oil at the rate of 85% of the internal volume of the housing.
6. They connect control and automation devices and insulate electrical connections well.

After this, the heater is ready for use. It is preliminarily tested in different operating modes.

DIY infrared heater;

In-floor electric batteries

Such heaters do not take up extra space. They are hidden systems and are installed in a recess in the floor; the structure is covered from above with a grille that can support the weight of a person.

The battery fins are made of a material that conducts heat well (copper, aluminum); sometimes forced cooling is installed - a fan.

Below are photos of the main types of electric heating radiators.

How to choose an electric battery

First of all, you need to determine the amount of heat needed to heat the room. As practice shows, on average, 80-100 W of radiator power is required per m2 (with a ceiling height of 2.6 m). For every additional 10 cm of height, you need to add 10% power.

Infrared wall heaters

Infrared devices are a panel with a heat exchanger inside. Such heaters heat with infrared radiation, which means the area of ​​such devices must be larger than, for example, a quartz heater, which is unlikely to be able to warm anything.

Infrared lights also produce long-wave radiation that is pleasant to humans. But the convection of such devices will be comparable to a conventional convector, because they do not have sections, but they do not need this, since their main heating method is infrared radiation, which they cope with very well.

Pros:

• Pleasant warmth
• Acceptable price
• Easy installation

Minuses:

• Not suitable for main heating
• Poor convection
• Noticeable electricity consumption

Principle of operation

Heating of conventional batteries is ensured by the passage of hot coolant. The heat is then transferred to the air.

This principle of heat transfer is called convection.

The temperature near the radiator is higher than in the rest of the room. The heated air, obeying the laws of physics, rises to the ceiling. The ceiling part of the room is heated, but the floor is cold.

Ceramic units use, in addition to the convection method of heat transfer, infrared. The device emits infrared rays that do not directly heat the air space of the room. Radiation heats walls, floors, and furniture, which release heat to the air.

Wall-mounted oil batteries: the worst?

We have included oil batteries in this list only to protect you from these heaters. We believe that such electrical appliances cannot even stand on a par with those listed above for some reasons that we know from practice:

• Fire hazardous
• Not reliable
• Can't stand intense work

You may think that we are wrong. After all, many of you have such heaters, and many of you have never failed, and some of you will say: “Yes, I have had such a battery in my dacha for 10 years and it still works!” And everything you say will be true, but only from a subjective point of view.

From an objective point of view, the majority of fires caused by electric heaters are oil heaters.

Their housing is often subject to depressurization and oil leakage. As soon as the oil level drops below the heating element and exposes it, it begins to reach a fire-hazardous temperature, and there is a danger of the oil catching fire.

Therefore, such heaters cannot be left unattended, much less used as the main heating. But in defense of these models, we can say that they really heat well, since they have numerous sections and heat primarily by convection.

If you decide to buy an oil heater, we recommend using it as additional heat for your room and only under human supervision.

Pros:

• Low price
• Heats the room quickly
• Mobility (usually used with wheels on legs)

Minuses:

• Fire hazardous
• Unreliable
• Human supervision required
• Consumes a lot
• Not suitable as main heating

Making your own oil heater

A homemade oil heater is distinguished by functionality, safety and reliability. A similar device can be used to heat residential and technical premises.

Structurally, the device consists of a sealed metal housing filled with a coolant – industrial oil.

To make a powerful heater from a battery yourself, you will need the following materials:

• used battery,
• tubular heater,
• technical oil,
• heating temperature regulator,
• 2-core current-carrying cord with plug,
• electric pump with a power of 2.5 kW,
• metal corners,
• tubes that can withstand heating temperatures up to 160 degrees.

Electric convector or electric radiator?

Electric convector: Currently, electric heaters are becoming increasingly popular among consumers due to their ease of installation and lack of maintenance. service.

MARPE 600 "Powerful" striped infrared film

800 RUR (excl. VAT) m/p

Weight Dimensions width max. power

Quantity MARPE 600 “Powerful” striped infrared filmAdd to cart Quick view Add to wishlist Close

Self-regulating infrared film MARPE Black Heat

Rating 5.00 out of RUB 51,600 (excl. VAT) m/n

Weight Dimensions width max. power

Quantity Self-regulating infrared film MARPE Black Heat Add to cart Quantity is limited. Check availabilityPre-order with 30% discount Quick view Add to wishlist Close

Electric radiator Economy EEE-4/800

RUB 16,600 (excluding VAT)

Weight Dimensions heating area power average consumption

Quantity Electric radiator Economy EEE-4/800 Add to cart Quantity is limited. Check availabilityPre-order with 30% discount Quick view Add to wishlist Close

Electric radiator Economy EEE-6/1200

Rating 5.00 out of RUB 519,750 (excluding VAT)

Weight Dimensions heating area power average consumption

Quantity Electric radiator Economy EEE-6/1200 Add to cart Quantity is limited. Check availabilityPre-order with 30% discount Quick view Add to wishlist Close

Heat guns

The device, called an electric heat gun, has such a simple design that some even make it themselves. The main components are a heating element and a fan.

The stainless steel body without welds is made in the form of a cylinder, which, due to its external resemblance to a gun, gave the device its name. Air from outside enters through special grilles in the housing. Inside, a heating element raises its temperature to the required value, and it again goes outside through a fan system. To put it simply, we can say that a heat gun is the same fan, but it produces hot air rather than cold.

Design of an electric heat gun

The electric gun operates from both a two- and three-phase network. Heating element - heating element or spiral. Overheating of the device is excluded due to the presence of a special thermostat that automatically turns off the power when the set temperature is reached. This allows significant energy savings.

The performance of the device depends on the volume of air blown out: the larger it is, the faster the room will warm up. The following facts testify in favor of a heat gun:

• Easy operation;
• Compact and light weight;
• Versatility. Can be used for various purposes - from accelerating the drying of surfaces during repairs to heating;
• Fast heating;
• Absolute safety.

Attention! In rooms where air humidity is high, the use of electric heat guns is prohibited.

There are also heat guns that do not have a fan system. Such devices operate under the influence of infrared radiation and warm up not the entire room, but individual sectors.

Calculation of electricity consumption by an economical convector

Recently, manufacturers have been producing convectors with improved characteristics and call them economical. Whether using them really saves electricity will be shown by calculation.

For example, let’s take a well-insulated room with an area of ​​15 square meters. m., heated by an economical convector - Noirot with a power of 1500 W. We set the temperature to 20 °C, at an outside temperature of -5 °C.

Convector Noirot Spot-E3

Judging by the manufacturer's data, the room will warm up in 20 minutes. For initial heating the following is used:

0.33x1.5 = 0.5 kWh.

In order for the set temperature to be maintained, it is necessary for the convector to operate for 7 to 10 minutes. In one hour:

0.15x1.5 = 0.225 kWh.

8 hours of operation consumes electricity

0.225x8+0.5 = 2.3 kWh.

If we take into account that in the absence of people you can use the economical mode - from 10 to 12 degrees, the electricity consumption will be:

0.08x1.5x16 = 1.92 kWh.

In total, per day you will spend:

2.3+1.92 = 4.22 kWh.

Since a conventional convector consisting of several elements consumes from 6.8 to 7.5 kWh, then, according to the manufacturer, 2.58 - 3.28 kWh is saved.

Gas or electric batteries: comparative calculation

Let's take 2 identical 1-room apartments with an area of ​​36 square meters. m, equally insulated. The first has a gas boiler, and the second has electric heating.

It turns out that at the same temperature in the apartments, gas heating turned out to be more profitable.

As you can see, the difference is noticeable. Hence the conclusion: even with the most economical option of an electric battery, heating with electricity is an expensive pleasure.

Safety precautions

Making a heater is not difficult. It is much more difficult to save a building from fire when using homemade devices. Compliance with fire safety regulations is an integral part of any work with thermal heaters.

You should always remember:

1. Do not use faulty electrical appliances.
2. Such devices should not be left unattended or alone with small children.
3. Caring parents always try to make sure that dangerous parts of heaters are inaccessible to children.
4. If a fire occurs, immediately turn off the power supply to the device and then extinguish it. Immediately call the Ministry of Emergency Situations.

As a safety precaution, wise parents always teach their children how to properly handle thermal heaters and explain what they can and cannot do and why. By following fire safety rules and using only proven and reliable heaters, those living in the house will enjoy warmth and comfort for many years.