Electrical Heating Option for Toddler's Room
We have steam heat in our house but our 2 year old doesn't have a radiator in her small (140 sq. ft.) upstairs room and it's too cold during winter. Looking into adding some hard wired electric heat but have no experience with these types below and are not sure what is the best option:
- Stelpro 1500w Radiance Cover Heater: Nice to have it up high for space and out of our kids way but not sure if it's going to feel like being under a tanning bed.
- Stelpro 1500-2000w Mirage Convector Heater:
- Smart EnviMax 1000w Convector Heater: Claims to heat 350sqft rooms but was under the impression that 10 watts per sqft is a good rule of thumb and not sure if it will be powerful enough for the room. It does have wifi though which is a nice perk.
Does anyone have experience with these brands or types of heating? Any thoughts would be really appreciated!
Comments
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Compared to selecting a proper cast iron radiator and having an experienced steam pipe install it, Electric wires are easy! Operating cost will be somewhat higher. And since you are already paying to heat the steam boiler, that difference can be substantial in the colder months. But this is only one room and therefore affordable. Just don't get the bright idea to do the hole house and scrap the steamer…
And I remember back when my parents were raising me, if I happened to touch a hot radiator and get a burn, out parents would say, "I guess you wont do that again"
So I would consider the parenting style of today and recommend the one that is high on the wall. By the time the toddler is tall enough to reach that hot radiator, hopefully they have learned to keep their fingers away from hot things.
Since it is an "up stairs" room, I would assume that the floor has a warm room below it, and the radiant value of the high on the wall radiator will work perfectly in your case. As far as how one works in comparison to the other, The rules of physics don't change from one radiator to another. One kWh of electricity will make 3412 BTUs. Can't change that.
Edward Young Retired
After you make that expensive repair and you still have the same problem, What will you check next?
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I have installed cove heaters is a room that got little heat from the central system.
The lady could not tell when it was on, but she was comfortable, but would notice it if it was not running because of the tstat being turned down.
Or at an adult height walking near one, you might feel some minor heat on your forehead. Nothing near the tanning bed.
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@Mr_Brown , is there a steam pipe going to that room where a radiator should be?
All Steamed Up, Inc.
Towson, MD, USA
Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
Oil & Gas Burner Service
Consulting0 -
A1500 watt plug in oil filled heater should be fine. Less chance of a fire if something falls on it.
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No pipe, just an air vent down to the first floor. Here’s the ceiling underneath:
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Easier than hard wiring. Probably the 700 watt option suffices. I retired many 1500 watt oil filled radiators with 400 watt models.
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That dates back to the wood-stove days. This must be a very old house.
All Steamed Up, Inc.
Towson, MD, USA
Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
Oil & Gas Burner Service
Consulting1 -
Thanks, are these safe in terms of fire hazard?
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much better!
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Awesome, that’s great to hear. Did you install the stelpro ones or different company? Did you notice any sound when they got hot? That’s one complaint I heard. But if the lady couldn’t not tell when it was on, as you said, that bodes pretty well.
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The brand, IIRC, was Qmark/Marley. The hangers go into slots on the back to allow for minor sliding from expansion/contraction. Maybe a slight click or ping as they operate. Quieter than a CI rad as it heats.
High mount so the wire can come down thru ceiling to top of heater. Heater could be on inside wall but exterior wall recommended.
Wall tstat, recommended versus unit mount, can go under heater. 240 volt heaters.
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Just make sure it is wired to an adequate circuit.
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Was the air vent common? That isn't where a steam pipe used to be? Have you checked to see if there's a capped riser in the basement?
Was this room not always a bedroom, or not part of the original structure? It seems weird that there was never a radiator in there.
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» High mount so the wire can come down thru ceiling to top of heater. Heater could be on inside wall but exterior wall recommended.«
Yes about high mount. Regarding recommendation; wall opposite exterior may be better for dealing with condensation on window?
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