Best position for a heater?

[Else]

I have a convection panel heater (no fan) that can be used on wheels or wall-mounted. The warm air rises from the top of the heater, not the front, & the front panel gives off radiant heat.

I also use the fan on reverse mode to push the warm air back down. 

I'm working out the best position for the heater. 

Putting it under a window seems to be popular advice but I've also read that placing it against an internal wall is good, as the internal wall warms up & retains the heat for longer. 

Does anyone have any thoughts/advice? 

[JacobZ]

Hi @Else,

Putting the heater under a window works well if there’s cold air coming in because warm air rises from the heater and helps stop that chill from sinking into the room. It’s a common spot for a reason, especially in older houses or with single glazing.

Mounting it on an internal wall is better for keeping heat in the room longer. Internal walls don’t lose heat like external ones do, so it can be more efficient, especially if your place is well-insulated and you’re not getting cold drafts from the windows.

Since your heater also gives off radiant heat from the front, make sure it’s facing into the room, not into furniture or a wall. And if you're using a ceiling fan in reverse, that’ll help spread the warmth around no matter where you place the heater.

If the room gets cold near the window, go with that spot. If not, an internal wall will probably be more efficient. Just keep it clear and let the warm air do its thing.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

[Else]

Thanks Jacob, that's really helpful.

If I wall mount the heater & plug the cord into the wall socket, I'm guessing that the cord shouldn't be behind the heater itself ... but the cord is quite long. What should I do? 

[JacobZ]

Hi @Else,

Yeah, it would be best not to put the cord behind the heater.

You could just bundle the excess cable and tie it off with some Cable Ties , then sit it beside the heater.

It will look neater, and it won't be a trip hazard.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[Else]

Thanks Jacob 😊

[R4addZ]

Hi @Else 

Much as I hate to contradict @JacobZ This is a major no no. Coiling up a cable in this way when drawing the amount of power that a heater draws can cause the cable to overheat (due to something caused inductance, buts lets not get too technical). It is for this reason that wind up extension leads have a warning on them not to use unless fully unwound. There are a lot of to and for arguments but the following web page should give you an Idea of the potential dangers''''

https://electronics.stackexchange.com/questions/192923/why-is-it-dangerous-use-a-coiled-extension-co...

[R4addZ]

Hi @Else 

I should have added that the best option is to have an electrician in to shorten the cable.

[Else]

Thanks R4addZ.

Does how the coil is wound up have any impact -i.e.  whether it’s tightly or loosely wound up?  I'm guessing the more tightly wound up,  the greater the risk but was curious... 

And does the risk vary with cord type/thickness? Not that I'm going to experiment! I was just wondering for example, whether a coiled extension cord is a greater risk than a USB cord? 

And finally, I'm guessing that cutting the cord may void any warranty but if the cable is shortened, can a longer cord be added if needed at a later date? 

[Dave-1]

Good Afternoon @Else 

I actually prefer those style of heaters to be on wheels/feet so they can be moved around as required. As you move around your place why not take the heat source with you is the thought process.

I did not know about the under window explanation that @JacobZ has mentioned, nodding to myself on new thing learnt for the day.

As to the cable length being too long, it is perfectly safe to coil it. High current devices are generally not within a home so pretty much most things are not on the worry meter. I would use spiral wrap 20mm or D-Line 2.5m Ø10-40mm White Wrap Cable Tidy Organiser to wrap around your coiled cable. I have done this plenty of times.

Dave

[EricL]

Hello @Else 

Let me tag @R4addZ to make them aware of your questions. 

Eric