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Archives for September 2019

Best Infrared Heater To Buy This Fall

turned-on heater

Featured Image: Unsplash

Cold can easily ruin your day. Even if you've got a good book, your favorite blanket, and a nice cup of tea, there is something enervating about having to deal with a constant chill in your home. Even though you do not feel like you are spending energy, your body has to convert your chemical energy into heat to combat the effects of the cold. You can actually buy yourself a more restful existence by purchasing one of the best infrared heaters.

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We set out to compare a shortlist of ten heaters that could conceivably vie for the title of “best infrared heater." We put together a rubric and scored each of these ten entries against each other to determine which model we consider the best buy for its price point. We will share these evaluations with you; but first, let us answer some of the most frequently asked questions we have received concerning the best infrared heaters around.

Quick Navigation
Product FAQ
How We Reviewed the Best Infrared Heaters
Overall Price Range
What We Reviewed
Dr. Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater With Humidifier
Duraflame Portable Infrared Quartz Heater
LifeSmart 6 Element Quartz Large Room Infrared Heater
Heat Storm Preston Portable Infrared Space Heater
Lifesmart Medium Room Infrared Heater
Ivation Portable Electric Space Heater
Homegear 1500W Infrared Portable Wooden Space Heater
Heat Storm Deluxe Infrared Wall Heater
Mr. Heater Buddy
Duraflame Portable Infrared Quartz
The Verdict

Comparison Table

Duraflame 9HM9126-O142 Portable Electric Infrared Quartz Heater, Oak
Duraflame 9HM9126-O142 Portable Electric Infrared Quartz Heater, Oak
  • 5,200 BTU heater provides supplemental zone heating for up to 1,000 square feet
  • Adjustable thermostat allows you to decide the temperature of your room
  • Overheat protection, heater will instantly shut off before overheating
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LIFE SMART LifeSmart 6 Element Quartz w/Wood Cabinet and Remote Large...
LIFE SMART LifeSmart 6 Element Quartz w/Wood Cabinet and Remote Large...
  • Dimensions: 13W x 16.25D x 17.5H in.
  • Heats up to 1400 cubic. feet with 5100 BTU’s
  • Produces natural, quiet, and efficient infrared heat
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Heat Storm Preston Portable Infrared Space Heater
Heat Storm Preston Portable Infrared Space Heater
  • This portable 1500 watt infrared heater has the power to heat up to 1000 sq. ft (w/supplemental heating) with its 5200...
  • Our patented heat exchanger with HMS Technology combines with humidity in the room to provide soft, safe heat without...
  • Small convenient size makes this perfect for any room in the house. Optional castors make it easy for you to move from...
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Lifesmart Medium Room Infrared Heater with Remote
Lifesmart Medium Room Infrared Heater with Remote
  • POWERFUL LARGE ROOM HEATER: 1500 Watt Infrared quartz element whole room heater
  • INFRARED HEAT: Designed with 3 superior wrapped quartz infrared tube elements that don't dry out the air
  • MULTIPLE POWER SETTINGS: Includes 3 adjustable heat power settings (high, low and eco) to provide as much or as little...
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Ivation Portable Electric Space Heater, 1500-Watt 6-Element Infrared...
Ivation Portable Electric Space Heater, 1500-Watt 6-Element Infrared...
  • COMPACT INFRARED HEATER – Multipurpose Space Heater Provides Supplemental Warmth for Any Indoor Space; Use in Living...
  • 6 POWERFUL ELEMENTS – Ecofriendly Infrared Quartz Elements Radiate Heat to Warm Area; Maintain Room Temperature With...
  • LCD CONTROL PANEL – Built-In Digital Interface Displays Set & Ambient Temperatures in °F/°C; Set Timer & Choose Heat...
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Homegear 1500W Infrared Electric Portable Wooden Space Heater Brown +...
Homegear 1500W Infrared Electric Portable Wooden Space Heater Brown +...
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Heat Storm Deluxe Mounted Space Infrared Wall Heater, White
Heat Storm Deluxe Mounted Space Infrared Wall Heater, White
  • EFFECTIVE HEAT - Our infrared space heaters warm objects instead of just the air! This will help your room stay warm...
  • SAFE TOUCH GRILL - That’s because our grills are made out of material that doesn’t burn skin. Our heaters also...
  • MODERN DESIGN - wall mount design means you don't lose floor space. Perfect for bathrooms, bedrooms, kitchens, offices...
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Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy 4,000-9,000-BTU Indoor-Safe Portable...
Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy 4,000-9,000-BTU Indoor-Safe Portable...
  • 4,000- to 9,000-BTU radiant heater for spaces up to 225 square feet. Approved for indoor/outdoor use; clean-burning;...
  • When operating the heater at altitudes over 7,000 FT above sea level the heater may shut off.
  • Auto shut-off if tipped over, if pilot light goes out, or if detects low oxygen levels. Fuel Consumption/Burn Rate...
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Product FAQ

1. What Is an Infrared Heater?

infrared heater in the living room

Image via Amazon

An infrared heater is an electronic device that plugs into your wall and produces infrared radiation to heat your room. Most can do the job of warming up a space without taking up too much space themselves. They can be contrasted with older technology like oil-filled coil radiators. The best infrared heaters can use a relatively small heating element to transfer their heat to a room and its inhabitants easily.

2. What Is Infrared?

Infrared radiation is electromagnetic radiation on the same scale as visible light but at a slightly lower frequency than the red light we can see. Just as ultraviolet radiation is radiation at a higher frequency than violet, infrared similarly sits just outside the spectrum of visible light.

If you've ever eaten chicken that has been left out under a heat lamp, you have seen an infrared bulb. Heat lamps use a concentrated form of infrared radiation.

3. Is Infrared Radiation Safe?

Don't be concerned with the word “radiation.” In this case, it has more to do with radio waves and light than it does with nuclear waste. You will not register on a Geiger counter after bathing in infrared.

In fact, there are thousands of studies which show that red light and infrared light provide a whole host of health benefits. The therapy based around red light (known as RLT or “red light therapy”) has controversially been cited as the cure to everything from chronic fatigue, to acne, to cancer. The studies are really quite promising, and these benefits are worth a Google for those who are interested in the cutting edge of health. Buying one of the best infrared heaters can be a great way to start on a red light therapeutic journey.

How We Reviewed the Best Infrared Heaters

man inside the tent with infrared heater

Image via Amazon

After we had separated the wheat from the chaff, we further evaluated each of our entries to find out which model represents the best infrared heater on the market. Each of these ten finalists were scored according to their features, their price point, their pros, and their cons. We listed a place to buy each of these items, if our descriptions so inspire you. Considering these scores, we were able to choose the best from our list as the winner.

Overall Price Range

You can expect to pay around a hundred to a hundred and fifty dollars to secure one of the best infrared heaters for yourself. In our review process, we found that heaters that asked for about double this price rarely offered features that warranted the price hike. Similarly, those that asked less than half this price point did not seem to work very effectively at all.

What We Reviewed

  • Dr. Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater With Humidifier
  • Duraflame Portable Infrared Quartz Heater
  • LifeSmart 6 Element Quartz Large Room Infrared Heater
  • Heat Storm Preston Portable Infrared Space Heater
  • Lifesmart Medium Room Infrared Heater 
  • Ivation Portable Space Heater
  • Homegear 1500W Infrared Portable Wooden Space Heater
  • Heat Storm Deluxe Infrared Wall Heater
  • Mr. Heater Buddy
  • Duraflame Portable 

Dr. Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater With Humidifier

Dr. Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater with Humidifier, 1500-Watt

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Features

We've all been in the situation where you need to up the heat but you end up drying out the air in the process. It seems like a Faustian bargain. You want to avoid the cold, but it seems like you have to sacrifice your throat and skin moisture to the process. Luckily, that is not the case with the Dr. Infrared Heater Portable Space Heater, because it comes with a built-in humidifier. We loved how easily this model heated up a room and kept it from drying out at the same time.

Pros

  • Comes with a built in humidifier
  • Provides overheat protection
  • Provides tip-over protection
  • Middle price range

Cons

  • Weighs 23 pounds
  • Some report problems with heating below 40 degrees Fahrenheit

Duraflame Portable Infrared Quartz Heater

Duraflame 9HM9126-O142 Portable Electric Infrared Quartz Heater, Oak

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Features

Duraflame has been working in the heating game for a long time now. If you envision support and a solid warranty as a reason you select one of these models as your personal best infrared heater, this may be the choice for you. We found that the Duraflame Portable Electric Infrared Quartz Heater did an excellent job with large rooms. Its auto-shut-off system is an essential protection.

Pros

  • Provides 5,200 BTU of heat heater
  • Effective up to 1,000 square feet
  • Handsome light oak finish

Cons

  • No humidifier
  • Can be difficult to find in stock

LifeSmart 6 Element Quartz Large Room Infrared Heater

LIFE SMART LifeSmart 6 Element Quartz w/Wood Cabinet and Remote Large...

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Features

The modern household is quickly moving toward automation. When human beings learned they could change their TV channels with a remote device that emitted radio waves, the convenience revolution began. Now even heaters participate. You can remotely control your heater if you purchase the LifeSmart 6 Element Quartz w/Wood Cabinet.

Pros

  • Can heat up to 1400 cubic feet
  • Provides 5100 BTU's of heat
  • Infrared produced is natural and quiet
  • Remote control has raised buttons for easy use
  • Comes with a one-year warranty

Cons

  • Weighs about 25 pounds

Heat Storm Preston Portable Infrared Space Heater

Heat Storm Preston Portable Infrared Space Heater

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Features

The heat storm does not look like any of the best infrared heater candidates that we have presented so far. Whereas the others usually rock a wood-and-stainless-steel “Amish fireplace” sort of vibe, the Heat Storm Preston Portable Infrared Space Heater looks like something that might heat Darth Vader's meditation chamber. We find it as slick looking as it is efficient at providing infrared heat.

Pros

  • Possesses the power to heat up to 1000 square feet
  • Heat output measures 5200 BTU
  • Patented heat exchanger HMS Technology keeps the room warm and well humidified
  • Sci-fi aesthetics

Cons

  • Some prefer a more classic look

Lifesmart Medium Room Infrared Heater

Lifesmart Medium Room Infrared Heater with Remote

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Features

If you need a lot of heat in a small package, the Lifesmart Medium Room Infrared Heater could be the best infrared heater for your needs. The remote access really cannot be overstated in terms of convenience. We did find that this unit struggled with larger rooms, and it does tend to heat itself up more than other competitors. However, it is about as cheap as one of the best infrared heaters can be purchased for. And, after all, it does call itself a "medium room" heater. It's a bit much to ding it for not being able to heat large rooms when it never claims to be able to.

Pros

  • Can be set to 3 distinct heat settings
  • Includes a 500 watt “Eco” setting
  • Comes with an automatic 12 hour start and stop timer
  • Compact design makes for easy transportation
  • Budget price point

Cons

  • Struggles with larger rooms
  • Can rack up high bills for big spaces

Ivation Portable Electric Space Heater

Ivation Portable Electric Space Heater, 1500-Watt 6-Element Infrared...

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Features

We found the Ivation Portable Electric Space Heater to be among the most attractive models out there in the classic vein. The dark cherry oak looks great and the LCD screen is easy to read and use. Add to that 6 eco-friendly powerful infrared elements and you've got yourself one of the best compact infrared heaters for a reasonable price.

Pros

  • Compact design means that it fits into any room
  • 6 eco-friendly heating elements
  • Easy to read LCD panel
  • Comes with a remote control for convenience
  • Dark cherry finish looks great

Cons

  • Still weighs about twenty pounds
  • Some find it too loud

Homegear 1500W Infrared Portable Wooden Space Heater

Homegear 1500W Infrared Electric Portable Wooden Space Heater Brown +...

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Features

There's not much to distinguish the Homegear 1500W Infrared Portable Wooden Space Heater from the rest of the crowd. However, this does not mean it is not a solid heater. It ticks nearly every box you would need from a heater of this price. It will do a great job heating a room, but it does not come with some of the extra features you might want, like a remote control or a humidity control feature.

Pros

  • Uses a dual heating system to heat even large rooms
  • LED display makes for easy monitoring
  • Comes with ETL certification
  • Eco power mode available

Cons

  • No remote
  • No humidifier

Heat Storm Deluxe Infrared Wall Heater

Heat Storm Deluxe Mounted Space Infrared Wall Heater, White

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Features

Heat Storm really brings the heat when it comes to aesthetics. The Heat Storm Deluxe Infrared Wall Heater is no exception. Whereas the previous Heat Storm model we considered had a “space villain” sort of vibe, the Heat Storm Deluxe Infrared Wall Heater rocks more of a “Apple utopia” sort of look. On top of that, it does an excellent job heating a room while remaining safe to the touch.

Pros

  • Grill is safe to the touch
  • 1000 watts of power
  • 3100 BTUs of heat
  • Can easily heat up to 500 square feet
  • Compact design is ideal for bedrooms, kitchens, offices and more
  • Sharp aesthetics

Cons

  • Design may be too modern for certain rooms

Mr. Heater Buddy

Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy 4,000-9,000-BTU Indoor-Safe Portable...

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Features

If you are tired of all these heaters that look like they came out of carpenter's workshops, you will be refreshed by the Mr. Heater Buddy. This infrared heater looks like a piece of industrial equipment and performs like it, too. Instead of a wooden cabinet, this baby is housed in a steel, plastic, and nickel encasing that comes with a handle to make it easy to transport.

Pros

  • Intense, industrial looks come in two color options
  • Provides 4,000 to 9,000 BTUs of heat
  • Effective for spaces up to 225 square feet
  • Approved for indoor/outdoor use
  • Clean-burning
  • Nearly 100 percent efficient
  • Will automatically shut off if tipped over

Cons

  • Heater can shut off when running at altitudes over 7,000 feet

Duraflame Portable Infrared Quartz

Duraflame 5HM8000-O142 Portable Electric Infrared Quartz Oscillating...

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Features

Not everyone needs a compact solution to their heating troubles. Some people just need the cold eliminated and want to bathe themselves in the healing warmth of infrared. If space is not your concern, you will be hard pressed to find a better infrared heater than the Duraflame Portable Infrared Quartz. This model covers much more vertical space by being larger, making it ideal for large rooms.

Pros

  • Multiple wood finish options
  • Provides 5,200 BTU's of heat
  • Effective for spaces up to 1,000 square feet
  • The heater itself stays cool to the touch
  • Comes with an oscillation feature to distribute heat effectively

Cons

  • Not a compact model
  • One of the more expensive entries on this list

The Verdict

Ultimately, the heating needs of one's space will determine which is the best infrared heater for them. Some will be swayed by the aesthetics, as some rooms call for more “science-fiction” appliances, and others will want wooden finishes so that they will blend in.

However, in terms of overall features and price point, nobody could compete with the LifeSmart Large Room Infrared Heater. We declare this model to be the best infrared heater on today's market.

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How Do I Know If My Air Ducts Need To Be Cleaned

two air condition units

image source: pixabay

Air ducts are one of the essential components of your home's HVAC system. They are the metal conduits that carry heated or cooled air throughout your home. Unfortunately, they can also carry dust and allergens to all the corners of the house. And, they can be difficult to clean, as they are hidden away in basements and behind sheetrock. It can even be difficult to tell if and when air ducts need cleaning. In case you've started wondering how do I know if my air ducts need to be cleaned, there are some warning signs.

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Inexplicable amounts of dust indoors, the presence of mold in and around your air conditioning and heating systems, and allergies and respiratory problems caused by poor indoor air quality are all signs that your air ducts need cleaning. Regular air duct cleaning can help to improve indoor air quality and also the energy efficiency of your HVAC system.

Quick Navigation
How Do I Know if My Air Ducts Need to Be Cleaned?
5 Signs That Your Air Ducts Need to be Cleaned
How Do Air Ducts Get So Dirty?
Signs That Your Air Ducts Need Cleaning
Dust Around Air Vents and in the House
Your Heating and Cooling Bills Spike Suddenly
People in the House Start Developing Allergies and Respiratory Problems
Mold is Found in the Furnace or Air Conditioning System
Signs of Rodent or Insect Infestation
Should You Clean Your Air Ducts Yourself?
Conclusion

How Do I Know If My Air Ducts Need To Be Cleaned?

Air ducts are part of your home HVAC system, but most of the time they remain out of sight and out of mind. They do need regular cleaning, however, and neglecting this important task can lead to all kinds of problems, from higher energy bills to allergies and respiratory problems among the residents of the house. In fact, these are some of the warning signs which tell you to call in the professional air duct cleaners.

This is why it's important to learn the answer to how do I know if my air ducts need to be cleaned? You may also have a related question: how do I go about cleaning them? Below, you'll find a list of things to look out for if you think your air ducts may be due for a cleaning. But, when it comes to cleaning them, it's a task best left to the professionals. They have the right tools, equipment, and training for the job.

5 Signs That Your Air Ducts Need To Be Cleaned

four white air condition units

image source: pixabay

Your HVAC system is the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system for your whole house. It circulates air through all the rooms, keeping them warm or cool according to the season. Ironically, even though the HVAC system is responsible for keeping your home comfortable and ventilated, it can do the opposite if neglected. Dust, allergens and other particles collect in the air ducts and can cause all kinds of problems.

How Do Air Ducts Get So Dirty?


The HVAC system is essential for any home, but it's also one that is usually neglected. An HVAC system that's functioning efficiently doesn't get much attention from homeowners. This means that very few people actually get their air ducts cleaned on a regular basis. This lets the dirt inside the air ducts build up to the point where it begins to cause noticeable and serious problems.

When your home HVAC system is installed, the air ducts are sealed to keep the heated or cooled air from leaking and to prevent dust and other indoor air pollutants from entering the air duct system. But, over time, dust, mold, dander, and other indoor air pollutants manage to creep into the HVAC system, which then carries these contaminants throughout the whole house.

The HVAC system is essential for any home, but it's also one that is usually neglected.

Another way that dust and other harmful particles get into the air ducts is if you've had any construction or renovation projects done in the house. Even if the workmen take great care to seal off rooms and to clean up after themselves, the HVAC system is not airtight, and some construction debris will end up there. Many construction materials use chemicals that can be harmful and even dangerous to breathe, and if they enter the air ducts, they can circulate through the whole house.

Eventually, the dirt, dust, and debris in the air duct will begin causing problems that you will notice. If you're wondering how do I know if my air ducts need to be cleaned, here are five of the warning signs that you will see.

Signs That Your Air Ducts Need Cleaning


interior design of a living room

image source: pexels

It can be difficult to tell if the air ducts are dirty because they're so inaccessible. But, there are some signs that you can watch out for, and the five most important ones are shared below.

1

Dust Around Air Vents And In The House

If you notice dust and debris around the air vents in the rooms, it indicates that there are contaminants in the air ducts. These may eventually start blocking the flow of air through the air ducts and causing allergies and respiratory illness in residents of the house.


You may also see the dust on surfaces all over the house, even if you clean very often. If you remove a vent grill, you may see dust and dirt adhering to the inside. This is one answer to your question, how do I know if my air ducts need to be cleaned.

2

Your Heating And Cooling Bills Spike Suddenly

There's another important sign that will tell you how do I know if my air ducts need to be cleaned. When dirt, dust, and allergens begin to accumulate inside the air ducts, they block the flow of heated and cooled air. This means that the furnace and air conditioner have to work much harder to achieve the right temperatures. The extra effort will show up on your bills as increased energy consumption.

3

People In The House Start Developing Allergies And Respiratory Problems

With all the dust, dander, allergens, and other contaminants circulating through your house, you may notice that people start developing allergies and respiratory problems. These may include unexplained sinus problems, asthma, or other respiratory problems. In extreme cases, you may also notice red and itchy eyes, sneezing and breathing difficulties.

4

Mold Is Found In The Furnace Or Air Conditioning System

Homeowners are advised to get the furnace and air conditioning system cleaned twice a year. These service visits can also help HVAC professionals to discover the growth of mold if and when it occurs. If they do find mold, chances are that it has also made its way into the air ducts.


Mold can cause serious health problems, such as respiratory illness, eye and throat irritation, rashes and itchy skin, and infections in people with compromised immune systems or chronic lung disease.

5

Signs Of Rodent Or Insect Infestation

If you see any signs or notice bad smells that indicate the presence of rodents in the air ducts, these should be treated as a health emergency. Dropping and debris like this can cause serious health problems. You should call in certified HVAC professionals to clean the ductwork.

Should You Clean Your Air Ducts Yourself?

 All of these signs will tell you if your air ducts are due or past due to be cleaned. This is not a DIY yourself project, and for the reasons given below, it's best to call in trained and qualified professionals for the job.

Why Air Ducts Need Cleaning

Keeping the air ducts clean has several benefits for you and your house. First of all, it will lead to a big improvement in indoor air quality and, consequently, in your family's health. Next, it will improve the efficiency of the HVAC system as it heats or cools your house.

This will make the house more comfortable. When the furnace and air conditioning system have to do less work to function efficiently, their life span is extended. And finally, by keeping the air ducts clean, you're preventing major blockages and expensive repairs at a later stage.

Even though it's an important task, cleaning air ducts is not something you should do on your own. Specialized tools and training are needed, and there's always the risk that you may make things worse instead of better.

Why You Should Call In The Professionals

It may be tempting to treat this a do-it-yourself project, but this is definitely one of those cases where it's better to call in the professionals. Doing it yourself may well make the situation much worse. HVAC professionals know the details of each system, and they have the right equipment and training to clean the air ducts.

When hiring HVAC professionals to clean your home's air ducts, look for their NADCA certification. NADCA is the National Air Duct Cleaners Association, and their certification will mean that the job will be done correctly and safely.

When cleaning, the HVAC professionals may also re-seal the joins in the ductwork. This will keep more dust and dirt from entering the air ducts, and it will also keep the cooled or heated air in the ducts from leaking and being wasted. This will keep the air ducts cleaned and also make your HVAC system more energy efficient.

Conclusion

white walled room with tv

image source: pexels

With air ducts, like HVAC systems, a little preventative maintenance can prevent any major problems. It can help to maintain the indoor air quality in your home and keep the HVAC system functioning efficiently which in turn helps in lowering energy bills. Once you learn to recognize the signs that tell you how do I know if my air ducts need to be cleaned, the next step is to schedule a professional cleaning.

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Best In Flow: A Review Of The Polaris Water Heater

large sized grey water heater tank

Image by flickr

How much have you been spending on your water bill lately? It might be something you don’t even consider, or it could be one of those monthly notices you dread receiving.

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If you need to get a grip on your water heat usage, you might want to look into a new water heater by Polaris. You should be warned up front that is isn’t a cheap investment – it’s going to cost a bit up front. Once you understand this, you’ll be happy with the performance and how much you can save over time.

Quick Navigation
Why Choose a Polaris Water Heater?
​Which Model Is the Correct Polaris Water Heater?
​What Features Make the Polaris Water Heater Stand Out?
Heat Transfer
Using a Tank
Efficiency in Clean Combustion
Venting the Pipes
Modern Touch
Installation Rookie
Safety First
How Does the Polaris Water Heater Work?
Where Should You Put a Polaris Water Heater?
Taking the Plunge and Buying a Polaris Water Heater
Why Choose a Polaris Water Heater?
Which Model Is the Correct Polaris Water Heater?
What Features Make the Polaris Water Heater Stand Out?
Heat Transfer
Using a Tank
Efficiency in Clean Combustion
Venting the Pipes
Modern Touch
Installation Rookie
Safety First
How Does the Polaris Water Heater Work?
Where Should You Put a Polaris Water Heater?
Taking the Plunge and Buying a Polaris Water Heater

​Brand  

​Polaris

​Type

​Tank-equipped

​Power range

​100,000 to 199,000 BTU

​Number of models

​7

​Weight

​150-180 lbs.

​Warranty

​10 years

Why Choose A Polaris Water Heater?

Investing in a Polaris water heater is the same as making any other choice for your family’s home. You’re looking for something that will last for a while, not a disposable appliance designed for immediate replacement. As you comb through your choices of tank-equipped water heaters, you’re going to be impressed with everything Polaris has to offer.

American Water Heater, manufacturer of the Polaris brand, takes great pride in their domestic manufacturing. All of the research and corporate handling comes from Johnson City, Tennessee. They deal in residential and commercial water heaters. No matter what time of building you are working with, you can find a Polaris model to fit your needs.

The heaters in this review are gas-powered, and the condensing units contained inside each heater are capable of handling propane or natural gas. If you live in an area of the United States where your electric bill is high, you can take comfort knowing that your water heater will help reduce your utility bill. It won’t matter how large or small your building is, as Polaris is designed for all sizes.

Polaris particularly appeals to bigger families where the use of water is an everyday activity for multiple people. If you plan to have multiple sources of hot water running at once on any given day, this can be a lifesaver. How many times have you waited for a shower, only to find out that the hot water was out and you would have to wait?

Thanks to the recovery rate in hot water, Polaris remains one of the most sought-after names in heaters. With as much as 253 gallons per hour, a Polaris water heater will be one of the best gifts you can give your home. Hot water recovery in this range rivals that of a tankless heater.

Which Model Is The Correct Polaris Water Heater?

All Polaris water heaters can be found in two distinct sizes: 34 gallons and 50 gallons. Of the residential gas models used for this review, a total of 7 models were analyzed. The power in these models went from 100,000 to 199,000 BTU.

The 34-gallon models are lightweight and not as tall as their 50-gallon relatives. 24-gallon Polariswater heaters stand at 48.5 inches and typically weigh 150 pounds. Meanwhile, the 50-gallon variety is 64 inches tall and tips the scales at 180 pounds.

If your family has 4 or less people in the home, you can stick with the 34-gallon variety. Any families with 5 or more members will be better off with a 50-gallon version. One of the 34-gallon models, the PG10-34-100, can recover hot water for 179 gallons with Polaris’ First Hour Recovery feature.

Each model comes with a warranty that lasts for 10 years. You’ll find the Energy Star seal of approval on all of them, ensuring they are compliant with the necessary standards for American appliances.

What Features Make The Polaris Water Heater Stand Out?

​Thanks to the design innovation out of Johnson City, the Polaris line of water heaters outranks the competition in several key areas. You’ll notice how different they seem from other brands in the sections highlighted below.

Heat Transfer

tanks of water heater

Image by flickr

This might shock you, but one of the most important parts of a water heater is how well it heats water. Thankfully, you’ll have no performance issues out of a Polariswith its submerged combustion chamber. Along with the helical flue, the chamber creates a 96% efficient flow of water through the pipes and to your faucet.

The spiral design of the flue makes each tube longer and gives it a bigger contact surface. This way, the heat transfers to a greater amount of water in a shorter amount of time. The heat from the natural gas will directly transfer to the water in close proximity instead of being wasted on anything else.

You will get some condensation out of a Polarisunit, so you’ll need to be sure that a properly-installed drain line is available. Only 1% heat loss was noted during the evaluation of the heaters used for this review, and an extremely low exhaust temperature allowed for smaller vents.

Using A Tank

white water tank heater

Image by flickr

Even with the appeal of tankles water heaters in 2019, you won’t want to give up the Polaris brand. The tanks in each of the natural gas units are built with stainless-steel, all but eliminating the possibility of rusting or corroding in your basement. You also won’t need to put in any anode rods thanks to the material used.

Without the possibility of rust or corrosion, you can look forward to a water heater that lasts for at least a decade. No more routine maintenance calls because it just won’t keep up with the stress of everyday use. Furthermore, if you’ve become familiar with the smell of a rusty appliance seeping up from the bowels of your home, you can say goodbye to that scent.

Efficiency In Clean Combustion

close up look of water heater arrangement

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​The Polaris line comes equipped with a metal fiber burner. Not only is this as resistant to corrosion and rust as the rest of the tank, but it won’t wear down due to temperature or mechanical wear and tear. The burner contained inside the combustion chamber uses a high-intensity blue flame that produces clean, extremely high temperatures that will keep your home safe and minimizes emissions.

The gas burner comes paired with a brushless DC blower, which combines air and gas to produce quiet operation. You’ll never even know your water heater is running until you approach it to check for any necessary maintenance.  

Unlike most water heater models on the market, Polaris uses a hot surface igniter for its natural gas. This is much better than pilot lights that come standards on many other tanked water heaters. It also makes the ignitor more reliable and durable. It’s one less thing you have to worry about as the heater ages.

You’ll notice much less pollution thanks to the clean combustion of the entire heater. This will comply with even the strictest emission standards, including those that can be found in California.

Venting The Pipes

tightly gripped pipe

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With a direct venting system, no Polaris model will have to emit gas inside your home. Anything that comes out of the combustion process will be sent through its spiral pipes, away from the rest of your interior.

Thanks to this design choice, you can choose to hook up the Polaris heater to PVC, ABS, or CPVC pipes as long as 120 feet. You can feed these through an outside wall or run them along the roof. Using the inlets, all of the air needed for combustion is taken in through the house exterior.

One thing to note is the process of water heating used in Polaris. Because of its engineering, you won’t be able to use any Polaris water heater in a mobile home.

Modern Touch

huge grey water heater tank

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If you ever have a problem with your Polaris heater, chances are you can diagnose it yourself. The digital interface collects everything you need to know about the performance of the heater and tells you what’s happening on an LCD panel. In the event of a total failure, the processor will shut off the heater completely.

You or the technician you work with will have an easy understanding of what to fix should a problem arise. If you ever need to replace the control board inside, don’t worry. Each Polaris water heater comes with a unique control key that imports data to a new board.

Installation Rookie

big dog searching for something near the water heater tank

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A Polaris heater is put into your home in largely the same manner as any other unit. Provided you have the correct connections for your electricity, water hookup, gas, inlet, and exhaust all in place, you won’t need to make any other adjustments.

In case you need to make any repairs, all that’s needed is the access panel located in the front of the tank. This allows you to easily dig into the elements of the heater.

Safety First

warning sign

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Rest assured that American water Heaters has your family’s safety in mind when they designed the Polaris line. All Polaris models are compliant with “flammable vapor ignition resistance” standards, ensuring that open flames are only created inside the combustion chamber. You can easily check the temperature on the digital readout, and adjust it with the controls provided.

You will find two switches for the safe operation of the Polaris heater. They are blocked on the outlet and the intake switch. If the heater detects an obstruction in either an exhaust or intake pipe, or the blower stops operations, one of the switches will send a signal to kill any potential ignition. 

There is also the Energy Cut-Off switch, which automatically ceases any operation from the heater when the temperature gets too high. The value for the temperature is set by Polaris.

How Does The Polaris Water Heater Work?

Using the blower located at the bottom of the water heater’s tank, the Polaris will ignite to create a mixture of air and gas, which will be delivered through the blower system. Afterward, the hot surface ignitor fires the gas in the main burner.

If no problems are found in the combustion chamber, the blue flame is created. This flame evenly heats the burner, resulting in clean combustion and a minimal amount of emissions.

Where Should You Put A Polaris Water Heater?

The great part of a Polaris heater is its versatility in heating. Not only will it work as a water heater, but it multitasks as a space heater. This is due to its air and hydronic heating systems contained inside. Using the circulation pump and a recirculation system, you can bring hot water into a house or business even faster.

If you combine the Polaris heater with a solar setup, you’re looking at a massive return on investment after purchasing the unit. All you need is the initial heating process done through a Polaris gas heater and your solar backup system can take care of the rest.

Taking The Plunge And Buying A Polaris Water Heater

There are very few alternatives to a Polaris water heater that can stand head and shoulders with this brand. Yes, you’re going to pay extra at the onset, and the price tag might be intimidating depending on the size of the heater. What this doesn’t show you is the amount you will not be paying for repairs, heating utilities, and another heater within a few years.

Other companies should take their design standards and compare them to American Water Heater. After owning one of the Polaris models, you may wonder how you and your family ever put up with another unit. With incredibly low emissions, unparalleled energy efficiency, and a simple computer readout for diagnostics, you won’t be able to part with the Polaris in the future.

There are few better investments you can make as a homeowner than a hot water heater that stays reliable throughout the years. Nothing has the ability to make living a miserable experience than a lack of hot water, especially if you have a large family.

With Polaris, you won’t have to concern yourself with emergency phone calls to technicians during holidays. Look past the price tag and think of your family’s future when buying a Polaris water heater.

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