Zonal Systems - Fan Assisted Wall Heaters

SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

The same principle applies to this system as to a forced air system. The only thing missing is the ductwork, the weakest part of a forced air system. These self-contained heaters are mounted in a metal box containing a heating element and a fan. The fan draws air into the unit, blows it across the element and warm air enters the room. The units range from 500-3,000 watts in a variety of dimensions allowing great flexibility.

ADVANTAGES

• As with all zonal heating systems, you can heat only the rooms that are occupied.
• Inexpensive to purchase and install.
• Provides good air circulation.
• Quick warm up.
• Wide variety of wattages.
• Small, compact units don't take up much wall space allowing easy furniture arrangement.
• New electronic models adjust fan speed based on heating needs.

DISADVANTAGES

• Fans can be noisy.
• Being located in close proximity to the floor may cause a safety concern if blocked by combustibles.
• In most cases several thermostats are needed to adjust the temperature of the entire house.

CONTROLS

(See additional information in Thermostat section).

Typically, an inexpensive bi-metal coil spring thermostat is used to operate each wall heater. These thermostats allow the temperature to fluctuate as much as five degrees on either side of the temperature setting leading to uncomfortable rooms. The heating system usually gets the blame. Consider an electronic thermostat to maintain the temperature within one to two degrees of the setting, creating a more comfortable environment.

MAINTENANCE

Turn off electricity at the breaker, remove grill and vacuum dust from the heater on a regular basis. Grills should be washed when removed. Some fan motors require occasional oiling, others are self-lubricating.

EFFICIENCY

Electric resistance heat is 100% efficient, for every watt of electricity the system consumes, a watt of heat is created.

These fan-forced systems heat rooms more rapidly than other zonal systems. Efficiency can be increased with electronically-controlled fans available on some newer models.

CONTROL TIPS

For optimum efficiency, reduce the thermostat setting while sleeping or when the space is unoccupied for four hours or longer. A master thermostat can be used to control multiple zones at one time.

EASE OF OPERATION

Controlling the heaters in individual rooms is very easy. However, considering the whole house as a system, it can be time consuming to assure that each thermostat in each room is turned down when needed. A master thermostat can be used to control multiple zones.