How to choose a micathermic heater: overview of types and selection tips

Science is constantly evolving. A variety of technical innovations enter a person’s life with enviable regularity, making his life even more comfortable.The family of electric heaters is constantly expanding with progressive varieties.

More recently, mica devices have appeared, attracting attention with their efficiency and economy. We will tell interested fans of technical innovations how to choose a micathermic heater. You will learn which criteria must be taken into account and which are not of decisive importance.

The list of leading manufacturers in the segment that we have presented will greatly facilitate the solution of the problem. Our valuable recommendations will help you operate the device.

What is a micathermic heater?

These devices can be considered a novelty on the heater market. They appeared thanks to developments in space technology. The basis of the micathermic device is an innovative heating element. Its peculiarity is the use of mica, which is why such equipment is also called mica equipment.

Today, there are two varieties of such a heating element, respectively, and two types of heaters.

The micathermic heater uses an innovative heating element with synthetic mica. This allows you to significantly increase the efficiency of the device

Initially, the device was a nickel heating plate covered on both sides with layers of mica.The latter performed two functions at once: they insulated the heating element and transferred heat.

To increase the efficiency of the device, additional ones made of a special alloy were subsequently added to the main heating element. Thus, second-generation devices have a multilayer design.

In them, internal and external additional layers are placed between mica plates and a nickel heating element. The function of the first is heat reflection. Thanks to this, the most complete release of infrared spectrum radiation into the surrounding space is achieved.

The second layer provides increased thermal flow. The result is a more efficient heating element.

The operating principle of the device is very simple. When the device is turned on, the nickel plate begins to heat up. It transfers heat to mica plates.

The latter, in turn, evenly distribute the energy and transmit it in the form of infrared radiation to all nearby objects that begin to heat up. The process goes very quickly. After turning on the device, the effect of its operation begins to be felt within a few minutes.

The peculiarity of mycatemic heaters is that they transmit most of the thermal energy, about 80% of the generated, in the form of infrared radiation. The remaining 20% ​​comes from heating the air around the device.

The latter value is quite small, so mica heaters can be safely classified as devices operating via infrared radiation.

The latest generation of micathermic heaters are distinguished by a multilayer heating element. Additional layers located in front of the mica enhance the reflection of infrared rays and distribute them extremely evenly

Infrared heater: dangerous or not?

Micathermic heaters are essentially infrared devices. Many doubt their safety and for this reason refuse to purchase. We must admit that this is unreasonable.

If you compare the effects of an oil heater and an infrared heater, the difference immediately catches your eye. The first increases the temperature in the room, transferring heat to the air surrounding the device. It heats up, rises, and is replaced by a cooled one.

Thus, the process of heating the room will last quite a long time, until all the air present in it is heated. Infrared equipment works differently.

Radiation does not heat the air, but heats the surfaces to which it is directed. This could be large furniture, walls, floors, etc.They heat up very quickly and begin to release heat into the air.

It is clear that this way the room will heat up much faster. But is infrared radiation safe for humans? Advertisers cite the example of the Sun and claim that it emits rays of the infrared spectrum, which are very useful for humans.

This statement is true only to the extent that infrared radiation comes from the Sun. But we must understand that it has a completely different wavelength.

The diagram clearly shows the fundamental difference in the operation of conventional and infrared heaters. The latter heat objects located in front of them, evenly distributing heat throughout the room.

Main advantage infrared heaters is that they transfer energy directly to the object with minimal dissipation. This is only possible for waves from the mid and short wavelengths of the infrared spectrum.

For humans, the safest is the long infrared wave. It turns out that an infrared heater can be not only useful, but also harmful.

It all depends on the characteristics of its emitting surface. From its so-called degree of blackness. The most severe harmful radiation comes from a heated black body.

If the source infrared radiation enclosed in a mica body, the wavelength increases significantly. Synthetic material not only reduces the intensity of radiation, but also distributes its flow evenly over the entire surface.

Thus, the radiation emanating from a “correct” micathermic heater is completely safe for humans. The equipment heats up the walls and furniture in the room, which allows it to remain warm for a long time.

It does not go away even when the room is ventilated.Like any other device, a mica heater can be safe and even useful for humans, or vice versa. It all depends on the correct choice of device.

Micathermic heaters are compact and lightweight. This device easily fits into the design of any interior.

In addition to micathermic devices, popular infrared equipment includes carbon heaters, the principle of operation and varieties of which are discussed in the recommended article.

Why choose mica heaters?

The advantages of using micathermic equipment are obvious. These include:

• Environmental safety. During operation, the device emits electromagnetic and infrared waves that are in a range that is safe for humans. The synthetic mica with which the heating element is coated does not emit toxic substances.
• High heating speed. In the room processed by the device, the set temperature is reached extremely quickly. This literally takes a matter of minutes.
• Economical. The heating efficiency of the device, when compared with traditional devices, with equal power is much higher, therefore, the equipment consumes 30% less electrical energy.
• Safety of use. Even with prolonged operation of the device, its body does not heat up above 60C. Therefore, it is impossible to get burned by accidentally touching it.
• Versatility. The device can be used in closed and open spaces. An example of the latter is a terrace, balcony or veranda. Can be used as a system to prevent icing on the staircase.
• Quiet operation. The manufacturer selects the thickness of the mica plates so that their thermal expansion coincides with the thermal expansion of the core. In this case, the unpleasant clicking noises that are inevitable when operating other electric heaters are completely eliminated.
• Light weight. This quality allows us to produce not only mobile floor-standing, but also wall-mounted models of various sizes.
• Availability of various additional options. These can be built-in thermostats, various timers and air ionizers. Models equipped with shelves or folding drying racks for clothes or shoes are convenient.
• Directional heating. Possibility of selective heating of individual areas of the room.

Despite a large number of advantages, micathermic devices, unfortunately, are not ideal. They also have disadvantages. These include directional heating. This means that the device only heats the area it is aimed at.

The further you are from the heater, the less you feel it working. This drawback is especially noticeable for devices with a small area that are capable of heating only small sectors of the room.

Mica heaters are very effective. With the same power as other heating devices, they emit more heat, which saves about 30% of electricity

Despite the fact that mica does not attract dust, the latter still accumulates on the device. This is especially unpleasant for models with a large number of holes. When you turn it on for the first time after a long break, the dust begins to burn out and an unpleasant odor spreads throughout the room.

Another nuance is the heating of the case. Its maximum heating temperature is low, but in some cases it can be dangerous.Some synthetic fabrics may melt and catch fire if they come into contact with the heater body.

There is a possibility that certain types of furniture may also “react” to the proximity of a heat source. It is possible that PVC film and various plastics may melt or ignite. Therefore, such flammable items should be kept at least one meter away from the device.

Despite the fact that the body of micathermic devices heats up little, for safety reasons you should not install the device close to flammable materials or hang clothes made of synthetic fabrics on its body

How to choose the “right” device?

The service life, safety and many other characteristics of a micathermic heater largely depend on the correct choice. When going to the store to make a purchase, you need to pay attention to several points.

Device power as a guide

Experts usually recommend choosing the power of the heater based on the area of ​​the room in which it will operate. In this case, the average value is selected, which is 1 kW for every 10 sq. m of premises. This technique is extremely simple, but has a significant drawback. It does not take into account the characteristics of the room and not only them.

For example, it is important to know exactly the purpose of the heater. That is, it is purchased in order to be the main source of heat in the room or just an additional one. In the first case, its power should certainly be higher.

Therefore, you will need to purchase a device with some power reserve. The same decision must be made in the case of significant heat loss from poorly insulated ceilings, windows or walls. For additional heat sources, on the contrary, the power must be reduced.

A micathermic heater can be used as the main or additional source of heat in a room. In the latter case, its power should be less. On average, for calculations you can take a value of about 60 W per 1 sq. m

When choosing a heater for a dacha or summer houses that will be used irregularly and only in bad weather, you need to understand that high temperatures in such rooms are not needed. It is quite possible that equipment will be sufficient for heating, the power of which is calculated based on the indicator 70-80 W per square meter of room.

With features of selecting heaters for apartments and houses read the article, which we recommend reading.

Design features of the device

Among the important points affecting the service life of the product is the thickness of the anodizing layer of the infrared wave-emitting plate. It must be at least 25 microns.

In this case, the device can operate for more than 20 years. If this layer turns out to be thin, problems will begin in just three to four years. You need to know that it is impossible to visually determine the height of the anode, so you can only rely on the accuracy of the information received from the seller.

To prevent excessive heating of the device body, an insulator can be built into it. It is made from various materials, but basalt can be considered the best option.

This is an environmentally friendly material that does not emit any toxic substances into the air. When purchasing, you should ask the seller what the insulator is made of and ask for a hygiene certificate.

Micathermic heaters with liquid crystal screens on which basic information is displayed are very convenient to use. It is very easy for the owner to obtain all the necessary information

It is optimal if it contains a mark stating that the heat insulator of the device is allowed to be used in the food industry. And a little about the device body. It can be made of different materials, but in this case steel is more reliable. Inspect the inside of the case as much as possible.

If traces of rust are noticeable, you should refuse the purchase, since traces of corrosion will certainly appear on the outside of the equipment soon.

Equipment installation method

Based on the mounting method, there are two types of micathermic heaters: floor-mounted and wall-mounted. The former are distinguished by their low weight and good mobility. Their body is usually equipped with wheels so that the device can be conveniently moved from place to place.

Floor structures are additionally equipped with special protection against turning over. This is a special sensor that turns off the device when its position changes.

Hanging heaters are most often mounted on the wall, but can also be raised to the ceiling. The latter option makes it possible to quickly heat a section of the room as large as possible.

Wall-mounted equipment is often used as stationary equipment; its permanent movement is not planned. Although it is possible. Such devices are compact and light in weight. Universal models are also available.

Like other infrared heaters, micathermic devices can be mounted on the ceiling. This option, unusual for many, allows you to heat a fairly large area of ​​the room.

Additional heater options

Micathermic devices are equipped with additional functions that make using the equipment as comfortable as possible. These include the ability to regulate the heating temperature.

It can be carried out using a mechanical or electronic thermostat. The first option is more reliable and durable, but less accurate and convenient. An electronic device is most often programmable.

This means that you can set the temperature that the device will maintain automatically. The Anti-frost system is also useful, which is designed to prevent the temperature in the room from dropping to negative values.

When +5ºС is reached, the heater automatically turns on. The device can be equipped with a timer that allows you to set the shutdown time.

Devices with remote control are convenient. With them you will not need to constantly approach the heater to make the necessary adjustments. It can be programmed without leaving the couch.

Interesting models of micathermic heaters have appeared on sale, capable of changing the operating mode. They function particularly efficiently and heat the room quickly.

Programmable micathermic heaters are especially convenient. The desired temperature that the device should maintain, or the time it should turn off in some models, can be set from the remote control without leaving your favorite sofa

Additional options include protection against moisture and splashes. Equipment with this option can be used to heat bathrooms. When choosing, you should pay attention to the built-in overheating protection. The device automatically turns off when a certain temperature is reached. The presence of this function guarantees long-term operation of the equipment.

Manufacturers of innovative devices

Micathermic heaters are among the technical innovations; a relatively small number of companies are currently producing them. Among them, AiC, Poliaris, Bimatec and VES stand out.

AiC is an Italian brand that has located the production of its equipment in China. It produces medium-power heaters with additional protection systems, a timer and a thermostat, which can operate in two heating modes.

The Israeli brand Polaris also located its assembly shops in China. Its micathermic equipment is highly powerful.

The line includes models capable of heating rooms whose area exceeds 20 square meters. m. Devices of this brand are equipped with touch control panels, electronic thermostats, additional protection systems and have two operating modes.

Products under the Spanish brand VES are produced in China. Its distinctive feature is affordable prices. The line includes interesting models that combine a micathermic heater and a convector. This symbiosis significantly increases the efficiency of heating the room.Most of the devices are produced in a waterproof case, have average power and additional protection systems.

It must be admitted that companies producing micathermic heaters produce devices with similar characteristics and functionality. Their only significant difference is the design of the case.

The Bimatek brand is Russian, but production is located in Turkey and China. It produces high-quality medium-power equipment capable of operating in three modes, with programming capabilities and functional protection.

It is difficult to say which brand of micathermic heaters is better. They differ little from each other in functionality and quality. The main difference lies in the design of the equipment.

Features of using micathermic devices

The devices operate on electricity, so they must be used with some caution.

There are several rules that should always be followed:

• Never plug in a device with visible damage. For example, with broken cable insulation or a torn wire.
• Do not allow operating equipment to come into contact with water. This is deadly!
• The heater cord must not be pulled or twisted. It is not advisable to pass it under the floor covering. It may look aesthetically pleasing, but it is contrary to safety requirements.
• It is prohibited to install heaters near flammable objects. The distance between them must be at least 1 meter. The same applies to materials that can deform under the influence of heat.
• The housing of the device must not be covered. If there are sliding clothes or shoe dryers attached to the device, use them only.
• You should not connect devices to the equipment that are not included in the equipment.For example, a timer or any other switches.

It is also very important to ensure that no foreign objects get inside the device. This may cause a fire.

The housings of some models of micathermic heaters have a large number of holes. This is quite inconvenient, since dust accumulates in them, which can burn out during operation of the device. It is important to get rid of it in a timely manner

How to care for a heater?

To extend the life of the device, you need to properly care for it. First of all, you need to understand that caring for a device and repairing it are two different things.

Under no circumstances should you disassemble the heater yourself or try to carry out any manipulations with it. For repairs there is a service center where you should contact. Care refers to the removal of contaminants.

You need to take care of it correctly. First, the heater is de-energized and its socket is removed from the plug. Now you need to wait a bit for the device to cool down completely. Then use a dry or slightly damp cloth to remove dust from the case.

If there are holes in the panels, you should take a vacuum cleaner and use it to clean them. The use of abrasive and aggressive detergents to clean the heater is prohibited.

To obtain complete information, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with all types of devices used in the device infrared heating country house and city apartment.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Useful tips for choosing mica heaters for your home:

Presentation of the technical characteristics and capabilities of the Ves MX5 micathermic heater:

Micathermic heater Polaris PMH 1594:

Micathermic heaters are practical and economical devices.Their main advantage is high efficiency with relatively low power. It is important to choose the right equipment, having first decided on its purpose. It will be an ideal option for additional heating, and if necessary, it can heat the room as the main one.

Please write comments in the block below. You may have purchased the latest model of micathermic heater. Share your impressions and photographs, tell us about the nuances of using the device.