What are realistic expectations for Infrared Heaters? After all, Edenpure, SunTwin, ComfortZone (CZ Heater), SunHeat, Iheater, etc. are amongst those that have dealers with statements such as: "I heat 2400 sq. ft. with two heaters at the price of a coffee maker!” "Heat 1000-1200 sq. ft." and others mentioning that you can turn off your other forms of heat and make these your primary heating source. In our opinion, this creates expectations in colder states that you can heat these larger areas the same as someone in a warmer winter state. These are supplemental heaters and again are a great unit when used as such!

At Solar Comfort Heating, we under promise if anything. It is not just about us getting a sale, but rather to put the product in the hands of people that it is right for! These are incredible heaters, but only if you are using them properly and have the right expectations. It does nobody any good, to get it and return it. If you are trying to heat an area that some of the competitors mention, especially as there is no mention of supplemental, you might be disappointed. This is especially true if you live in a cold state. Before purchasing our product, we suggest you call us and let us make sure that the heater is a likely fit for your circumstances.

So here is what I would like to express. These are SUPPLEMENTAL HEATERS and as supplemental heater they work great! Don't turn off your other forms of heat unless you are finding that the unit is fullfilling your needs. Rather let this unit help lower your heating bill by putting the blunt of your more expensive forms of heat on Infrared Heating, which is less expensive. Regardless of the 1000-1200 sq. ft. statements, expect to heat between 600 and 800 sq. ft. as a supplemental heater far superior to radiant and ceramic heaters. Anything more than this is a bonus! In some cases, like me personally, you can make these more primary, but don't expect it. You may need two heaters to heat larger areas. Keep in mind that although the main area that you are heating may be 600-800 sq. ft., if you have an open upstairs, hall ways and open basements, etc., you may be well above the 600-800 sq. ft. Larger areas can in cases be accomplished but typically in homes that are highly efficient.

Don't be afraid to use the unit. Let it work! If you suppress it, you are not going to allow it to do its job to help heat the room, hence save you money bu reducing the dependency of your more expensive forms of heat. We have ours on for much of the day. However, they do cycle on and off! Using our units during January and February, which is our colder months, cost us between $38 and $43 each to run (see our online calculator) Again we used it a lot as it is more primary for my household. Also keep in mind that the statements being made by our competitors don't take into account the differences in energy prices state to state. In my area, our cost is an average of 7cents per kilowatt-hour. Yours may be less or higher.

How can I get the most from Infrared heaters?

1.) Strive to keep the back of the unit from an outside wall as outside walls are colder. If you have cold air coming in the back you will have lower temperatures coming out the front. It is best to put the heater in a warmer area and face it towards the harder to heat areas. Avoid the back from getting cold drafts.

2.) Humidity will certainly help. Humidity is actually not only better for your health, but also contributes to the success of your heating. The reason being is that heated water molecules are heavier than dry air. This keeps the heat lower in the home rather than up high.

3.) We suggest that in the morning you turn up your alternate forms of heat to help get the area warmed up. Then turn down your alternate heat source to a lower level and let the Infrared heaters maintain the warmth. At night we don't need as much warmth as we sleep. So this will help get the house warmed up and take any chills off that may have generated during the middle of the night. Again, the key is not to turn off your other forms of heat but to rather let the Infrared heater take on a good portion of the heating, which is cheaper. All in all, you everyones needs, desired household temperatures, etc. are different. Therefore, try different things to see what works best for you and your home.

Hope this helps.