The combination of developments in the space and medical industries has made it possible to create a safe device for quickly warming up the room. This refers to a micathermic heater. What is it? What are the pros and cons of using it?
This information and characteristics of the best models will help you choose the optimal heating system for your home, summer cottage, office or shopping pavilion.
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 coated 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
How does it work
In the device under consideration, the heat source is a plate that evenly separates infrared radiation or heat waves. The mikathermic heater itself does not heat up, therefore, when touching it, a person will not get injured.
The plate has many layers, which are covered with mica on both sides. Therefore, in such devices there is no coolant, and, as a consequence, the problem of the combustion of the spiral is excluded.
The plates are surrounded by a metal casing, on either side of which there are grilles. The grilles do not interfere with the penetration of heat into the room. Due to the presence of a pair of grids, energy emanates in two directions. In modern models, two more layers have been added to the plate. They were on one side, where the first layer exuded energy, and the second concentrated. Because of this, heat flows began to radiate in one direction. Wall mounted and one-sided micathermic heaters are now available to customers.
Micathermic heater device
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.
- Safety: 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.
Installation
If a floor-standing model was purchased, then to get started, you need to screw the wheels to the case, place the device on a flat, hard surface and plug it into a power outlet.
Advice! A heater purchased in the winter season must be allowed to stand in a warm room for 4 hours before connecting to the mains. This will avoid premature damage to the electrical equipment of the device.
If a wall-mounted model was purchased, then to install it, you will need to perform the following procedure:
- As a rule, a micathermic heater is attached to the wall using 4 fasteners. First, measure and drill 2 holes in the wall according to the fixing holes in the back of the appliance;
- After the holes in the wall are drilled, it is necessary to hammer the dowels into them and screw in the fasteners;
- Next, put the heater on the upper mounts and mark the holes for the lower mounts;
- Remove the heater from the upper mountings and drill the lower holes, hammer in the dowels and screw in the lower mountings.
- After that, you need to install the device on the wall and connect to the network.
Polaris PMH 1502RCD.
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 a lack of it. Take as a basis the figure of 70-80 W for each m2 of area
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.
disadvantages
- Impossibility to use in places with high humidity (bathrooms and showers, laundries, near pools, sinks and any other containers with water). However, there are models that can be installed in such rooms, but even they have limitations, they must be installed at a distance of at least 60 cm from the shower or bath.
Important! The micathermic convector is a heating device with increased fire hazard, therefore, when using it, it is necessary to comply with the minimum fire safety rules. It is forbidden to cover the protective grill with foreign objects (drying clothes or shoes). The grill gets very hot during operation. With a high degree of probability, after the clothing dries, it will ignite and the fire may spread to nearby objects. In addition, an appliance covered with foreign objects may overheat.
Polaris PMH 1514. Operating modes - 2, serviced area up to 30 m², power consumption 2 kW, dimensions - 49x18x63.
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 uninterrupted 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 or micathermic heat source
The advantages and disadvantages of individual devices are relative, yielding in one, the device wins in another.
The decision should be made based on your requirements. Decide what tasks and goals will be performed. Where to use, in an apartment or in the country, for constant heating or in case of heat supply failures.
Provide complete heating of the room without saving on electricity, then the choice will fall on the convector.
If there is a need to save money on a budget, heat a certain place, for example, a crib in a nursery, a table at which you work, then there is nothing better than a micathermic heater.
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 micathermic heaters from Polaris 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. Powered by 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
