Micathermic heater: pros and cons of space technologies

What is a micathermic heater and how does it work?

So, a micathermic heating device 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. While objects are exposed to its rays, they heat up. As soon as they go into the shadows, they cool down.

In the heaters that we are considering, the radiating element is plates made of multilayer material coated with mica. It itself does not heat up, so you can safely touch 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. Mikanites are enclosed in a metal case with a one-sided or double-sided grille. The heat from the heating elements spreads almost instantly from the moment the device is turned on.

Diagram of a micathermic battery device

At the end of the device there is a control unit that regulates the temperature. Expensive models are additionally equipped with an LCD display.

In micanites, 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.

A fifth of the thermal energy comes from the heater by convection, due to air movement. Everything else is infrared

What is a micathermic heater

Micathermic heater means an innovative device that works on the principle of infrared radiation. Conventional radiators use a coolant - water or oily liquids, designed for especially low temperatures.

In contrast, a micathermic device is equipped with solid heating elements. It does not leak, is easier to operate and maintain, and has a high degree of safety.

When using a micathermic heater, the effect is noticeable immediately, and not after 2-3 hours

How does a micathermic heater work?

Structurally, a micathermic heater consists of several parts:

• metal body with grilles on both sides;
• metal plate;
• multilayer mica coating.

When the device is turned on, the metal plate heats up quickly. The heat transfers into the mica coating and is evenly distributed in two directions from the unit through the grates. The operating principle of a micathermic heater is that the radiation it emits is infrared. Approximately 80% of the heat generated quickly penetrates into objects located near the unit, and only 20% is dissipated in the air around the device.

Pros and cons of a 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 both sides.

Advantages

• Environmental friendliness : Heating of premises occurs using infrared and electromagnetic waves, which do not pose a danger to humans and pets. The device does not emit any toxic fumes.
• Fast heating : The room temperature rises in a matter of minutes, the device can work for a long time.
• Energy savings : Compared to other plug-in appliances, these heaters consume 30% less energy.
• Safety : The device body does not heat up above 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 indoor and outdoor areas.
• No noise during operation : The 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 heater models. You can purchase a model with additional stands for drying shoes or clothes.
• Directional action : Thermal energy in such heating devices, as a rule, comes from one side. This is very convenient if you need to heat a specific area, for example, the bed area.

Flaws

• Limited range : To feel the heat from the battery, you need to be close to it. IR radiation heats objects, not air.
• Difficulty in cleaning : The most unpleasant thing is that house dust accumulates in the radiator grille and then, when heated, can spread an unpleasant odor. It is necessary to periodically clean the grate with a vacuum cleaner and do wet cleaning.
• High cost : Space technology is not yet a cheap pleasure. But it's only a matter of time. You can buy micathermic heaters for a price starting from 4,000 rubles.

Advantages of a micathermic heater

Like any new product, they immediately attracted the attention of consumers. Many people are interested in the question: why is such a device better than traditional heat sources? Let's find out!

• Energy efficiency. The consumption of an average micathermic heater is about 1.5 kWh. Fan heaters and radiators “eat” a little more – from 2 kWh. In addition, traditional appliances need to work for 3-4 hours so that those present can feel the warmth in the room. The micathermic heater immediately manifests itself, you just need to be in the infrared radiation zone. In addition, such a heater does not need time to warm up itself or the air around it - therefore its efficiency is many times higher.
• Compact and light weight. Floor-type micathermic heaters can be easily moved around the room. Wall-mounted models are less compact, but their range of action is somewhat wider than that of floor-standing devices.
• Safety. The device itself does not heat up, but only distributes thermal energy and transfers it to surrounding objects. That is why, even if accidentally touched, the owner of a micathermic heater or his household will not receive burns or other damage.
• Maintaining a healthy microclimate. A micathermic heater does not heat, and therefore does not dry the air. That is, the level of oxygen in the air does not decrease during operation of the heater. You can use such a device to heat any room, including children's rooms, where it is important to maintain a certain level of humidity.
• Quiet operation of the device. Due to the features of the device, the device makes absolutely no sounds during operation. No running engine, no crackling or tapping of heating elements - absolute silence.
• Modern, elegant design. The appearance of the device fits organically into any interior and can complement any room.

Types of micathermic heaters by installation method

The design of micathermic batteries is the same; they can differ only in the type of installation. Devices can be mounted (wall-mounted) or floor-mounted.

Wall-mounted models are more versatile - in addition to them, they come with stands with wheels, so hang them on the wall or roll them around the apartment.

Some craftsmen attach such equipment to the ceiling. This is not without meaning - after all, this way you can heat the maximum area.

General information about micathermic heater

A micathermic heater is an electrical device that distributes infrared heat waves.
IR heat is electromagnetic radiation that occupies the region of the spectrum between the red edge of light visible to the human eye (with a wavelength of λ = 0.74 μm) and microwave radiation (a wavelength of about 1-2 mm). The heater has a multilayer design. Each of the layers of non-metals and metals included in it performs a strictly defined function. Some insulate, others concentrate and reflect heat waves. The principle of operation is extremely simple, and the design of a micathermic infrared heater is quite understandable.

How to choose the right power of a micathermic device

The power of the heating device must correspond to the area of ​​the heated room. It is believed that to fully warm up a 10 m² room, 1 kW of thermal energy is required. This is an average indicator that does not take into account the specific operation of the device.

And the specifics may lie in the fact that, for example, the battery is the main source of heat, which means 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 reserve of power than with its lack. Take as a basis the figure of 70-80 W per m² of area

How to use a micathermic heater correctly

Like any electrical device, an IR heater based on micanites requires compliance with safety precautions during operation:

• Do not connect the battery to an outlet that shows signs of damage;
• the electric heating device should not have direct contact with water, this can lead to severe electric shock, even death;
• The power cord should not be twisted or pulled, and should not be laid under carpets and rugs;
• It is prohibited to place electrical appliances with heating elements near objects that can easily ignite;
• Do not cover the electric battery with a cloth; only special stands should be used for drying clothes;
• It is not recommended to connect devices to the device that are not provided for in the model, for example, timers;
• It is unacceptable for foreign objects to get inside the device body; it is necessary to periodically clean it of dust;
• You should not attempt to repair the electric battery yourself.

By following these simple rules, you will be able to use this type of infrared heater for a long time without risk to health and property.

How to choose a micathermic heater

The choice of heater configuration should take into account the specific heating requirements of the room, the shape and size of the room, and how often it will be used in the house or apartment.

Apartment option

For an ordinary apartment, perhaps the simplest solution would be to purchase an infrared wall heater of the micathermic type. It is usually installed on the wall at the entrance to the main room of the apartment. With this arrangement of the system, most of the heated air will be carried out by a draft deep into the room, and for the bedroom and children's room, it may be necessary to install wall-mounted models of low power and with adjustable position of the heating elements.

In some models, heating elements can be rotated in the desired direction

Electric heater for a summer residence

For small spaces and rooms, a double-sided portable heating device is ideal. Such a system quickly warms up the air and walls of the building, and, if necessary, can be moved to the hallway or closer to the front door. A simple solution allows you to get rid of the common cold drafts from the porch, which plague almost all wooden cottages and houses.

For your own home, the best option would be to install either a ceiling heater or a wall heater located in the middle or upper part of the wall. Thus, a comfort zone with warm air at a height of 100-200 cm is created in the room. This is not only convenient, but also helps to significantly save energy.

Criteria for choosing a heating device

Before you buy an infrared micathermic heater, carefully study 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 home is capable of ensuring uninterrupted operation of the device. The second significant point is the installation location. When choosing a model, decide in advance where it will stand.

You may not be able to mount it to 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, does not stand out from its surroundings in color. Typically, such devices are available in white or dark brown.

Popular models of Polaris micathermic heaters

Korean manufacturer Polaris produces a wide range of household appliances. There are not only heaters and air conditioners, but also kitchen appliances from a refrigerator to a mixer, audio and video equipment, medical and cosmetic devices, sports equipment and much more. The company has been operating since 1995 and today 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 climate control equipment. These devices are popular because of their affordable prices - they are affordable for buyers with average incomes.

Each segment has an extensive model range with a variety of functionality, so choosing a device that suits your requirements will not be difficult.

But this barrel of honey also has its own fly in the ointment. Or rather, there are two of them. The first is the relatively short warranty period for the products. The company deliberately takes this step, since a developed network of service centers allows it to repair products without spending money on their complete replacement. And the second spoon is the lack of a branded online store. Polaris products are sold in online markets, but not every city has their representative offices. For some reason, the website of this company is not being improved to meet the immediate needs of consumers, so it is not particularly popular.

Now let’s turn specifically to Polaris micathermic heaters and consider the most popular models in this segment.

Micathermic heater Polaris PMH 2095 – at the peak of popularity

This device has a power of 2000 watts and can heat a room of 24 m². It is installed on the floor, has a universal design and an anti-tip system. Available in black and silver, it has power adjustment in 2 levels. The cost of the product (all prices are as of July 2021) is 4,999 rubles.

Polaris PMH

Video review of the Polaris RMN 2095 micathermic heater.

Model Polaris PMH 1594 – customer opinion

The Polaris PMH 1594 micathermic heater can be purchased for an average of 4,000 rubles. It differs from the previous model with a lower power of 1500 W and, accordingly, a smaller heating area. Like other floor heaters, it is equipped with an emergency shutdown when tipping over.

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

The micathermic heater with target=»_blank» rel=»noopener noreferrer»>convector heating Polaris PMH 1596 rcd has electronic control with an LED display and a 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 area. The unit costs about 5,200 rubles.

Polaris PMH

Heater Polaris PMH 2085 for home and garden

And last on our list, but not the least in quality, is the Polaris PMH 2085 micathermic heater. Simple, with mechanical control and all protective functions, it is perfect for a country house or city apartment. It runs on 220 Volts, moves easily on wheels and has a light indicator. It will cost only 4,500 rubles. Here's what customers write about it.

Polaris PMH 2085

Last question: which is better - a micathermic heater or a convector

There is no point in comparing these two devices in terms of cost - it is approximately the same. The situation is the same with functionality; all modern devices are equipped with the necessary protection and convenient controls. Then what is different? But the heating principle itself differs: a convector heats the atmosphere, a micathermic battery warms the objects in the room. The convector quickly heats the room, but all the hot air rushes upward, according to the laws of physics. This means that your feet will be cold for the first time. But the IR battery only heats those objects that are in front of it, and it turns out that if you turn one side towards it, the other will freeze. What is the conclusion from this? Yes, the simplest one is to buy devices that combine these two types of heating. You really can't go wrong.

If you still have good advice on this issue, write in the comments!