Dimplex 2309 Review

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Easy installation
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Clean air filter option

Low efficiency relative to heaters employing a liquid heat transfer system

Electric space heaters have been around for a long time. I remember an ancient enameled version from my uncle's cabin by the lake which routinely cranked out enough heat to both dry our winter boots and put a warm glow to our cheeks.

Historically, electric space heaters have been more expensive to operate than combustion space heaters, but they are the only unvented space heaters that are safe to operate inside your home. Although electric space heaters avoid indoor air quality concerns, they still carry hazards of potential burns and fires, and should be used with caution. For convection (non-radiant) space heaters, the best types incorporate a heat transfer liquid, such as oil, that is heated by the electric element. The heat transfer fluid provides some heat storage, allowing the heater to cycle less and to provide a more constant heat source.

Today however, a new breed of electric space heaters designed as elegant home remodeling fixtures have revolutionized the industry with an out of the box, do-it-yourself project, that can bring added heat to your home, as well as a touch of designer decor.

The flame effect developed for these newest breed of electric heaters is provided by 2 or more lamp sources. One lamp varies its brightness intermittently to create a glowing ember effect, while another lamp produces a patterned flickering flame projected onto a glass sheet suspended midway between the glazed opening of the fire box and its back wall. While most agree that the flame is not entirely realistic it does mimic the orange red flames of a cozy fire with a mesmerizing effect.

The thing to remember when considering an electric fireplace is that while the unit, no matter who the manufacturer is, will provide heat and ambient light safely to any indoor environment, it is not going to be an efficient source of heat compared to whole house gas or electric systems. What these new breed of space heater fireplace units provide moreover is an aesthetic and warming interior element. There is nothing more comforting than a warm fire on a cold night and the security it brings to home and hearth.