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In order to become fully aware of the EdenPURE infrared heater and it's companion line, the Sun Twin, we need to familiarize ourselves with the company and it's background. These products are built and marketed by Biotech Research, a subsidiary of The Saurez Corporation of Canton, Ohio. Saurez is a direct marketing corporation having been started in 1968 by Benjamin Saurez and became primarily involved in health products for the individual and home.
They created the Biotech Research division in the year 2000 which, in turn, developed the EdenPURE and Sun Twin infrared heaters. These two lines appear to be identical except the Sun Twin line is produced in several different wooden cabinet finishes. One of their earlier creations which remains a best seller is an infrared heating pad.
Both heater lines are fairly new and have suffered from growing pains in the form of a number of bugs in their engineering or production procedures. Some of their claims sound better than one can expect, although they are factual under the proper circumstances. When they say you can save up to 50% on your heating bill, you have to understand the proper process. They are not saying these heaters produce twice the heat of others of equal size. Here is a paragraph that explains how they mean it:
First, the EdenPURE GEN3 and the Sun Twin GEN3 uses less energy to create heat than other sources, but that is just part of why it will cut a person's heating bill. The EdenPURE GEN3 and the Sun Twin GEN3 will heat a room in minutes. Therefore, you can turn the heat down in your house to as low as 50 degrees, but the room you are occupying, which has the EdenPURE GEN3, will be warm and comfortable. The EdenPURE GEN3 and the Sun Twin GEN3 are portable. When you move to another room, it will quickly heat that room also. This can drastically cut heating bills, in some instances, by up to 50%.
Their new lines for 2008, (photo above shown with remote control) which they call the Gen 3 model (indicating the third generation of both lines of their heaters) promises considerable improvement in the areas of most complaints such as thermostat, heat lamps and fan.
The prices of these heaters are much higher than your ordinary Nichrome wire coil, convection heaters. These heaters are produced in three sizes, 500 watt, 1000 watt and 1500 watt. The model 1500 which indicates 1500 watts of energy consumed, produces about 5,000 BTU of heat. One must remember that this is very little heat. If you buy one expecting it to do wonders, you will be sorely disappointed. The company claims one will heat up to 1,000 square feet. It is a wild stretch of the imagination to expect one to heat any normal home space of 1,000 square feet. It possibly would be able to heat that much space if it were heavily insulated and otherwise very tightly constructed. But for a normal average home, if expected to be the only source of heat, 200 to 250 square feet would be maximum. But this is true of all heaters of this wattage. Most 1500 watt portable electric heaters, regardless of their design, will produce only about 5,000 BTU of heat. And most houses with a furnace or other total heating system will require from 35,000 BTU and up, depending upon the size of the house and severity of the winter weather. These heaters are intended for single rooms or supplemental heat.
There have been a number of complaints by consumers as to the quality of the heaters. In comments left in response to articles about them, most are from unsatisfied owners who had early problems with the operation of the product and also a number have been dissatisfied with the response from customer service concerning their complaints. However, there are reasons to question the ultimate validity of this indicating an inferior product. Most satisfied owners, do not take the time to comment on their highly regarded heater while those who have been dissatisfied are often seeking an outlet to vent that dissatisfaction. Considering the fact that the company has sold thousands of these heaters, as compared to the number of complaints, it appears that there are probably no more defects to them than most other electrical items. It is more probable that the price of these items creates more hostility when a defect is found.
These heaters are beautiful and can blend with virtually any decor. They produce soft, pleasant feeling heat, the cabinet is cool to the touch and it is almost impossible for a baby or animal to be burned by one. If the cost, a 1500 watt price is around $450+ but often is discounted to about $350, is not too much of an issue and if you don't expect performance of a furnace from these room heaters, you will love them. They come with a 30 day money back guarantee and a 1 year limited warranty. Any appliance purchased from some distance away, is expected to be more hassle if it has to be returned or repaired. But this too, is inherent with mail order products.
The law prohibits the manufacture of portable electric heaters that operate on 120 volts which are larger than 1500 watts. The amount of heat produced by them varies due to the efficiency of each model or style, but it will be somewhere around 5,000 BTUs. This includes Infrared or Nichrome coil conventional heaters. So never expect a 120 volt heater to produce more heat than this. The major difference in these infrared heaters and the conventional type is price. The EdenPURE and Sun Twin are almost ten times as expensive as the conventional heaters. In exchange for this extra charge, you have a beautiful piece of furniture, safe around babies and pets, plus soft, pleasing warmth. I believe it is safe to say that they will not heat any more space than conventional heaters even though the room may feel warmer due to the overall smoother distribution of the heat.
Author Biography: Joel Hendon was born near Gadsden Alabama. He attended public schools in Cherokee County, Alabama and after serving a tour of duty in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, attended Jacksonville State University, majoring in Business Administration. He became a Christian in 1948, and although he followed secular work as a career and retired from Allied Signal Aerospace, he is an avid student of the Holy Bible and related works as well as biblical history. He has an extensive website of conservative religious and political articles plus an extensive online shoppers mall. http://hebronics.org/index.html or http://hebronics.org/shoppers.html
I'm considering these units as a replacement for my 1970's-era electric resistance baseboard heaters. Although not very energy-efficient, these heaters apparently never need maintenance or replacement.
I question the hidden cost of repairs which may happen after the brief infrared heater warranty expires. Might this expense negate much of the initial cost benefits?
A case in point is the computer printer, often sold cheaply, but then becomes profitable for the seller when overpriced print cartridges make the owner a captive return customer.
Thanks for reading my article and the comment. I doubt seriously that the defective heaters are built that way to hopefully create future revenue. Firstly, they are priced high enough that they should make a good profit from their initial sales. And secondly, many of these failures come during their warranty period so it is surely costing them from that angle.
I am eager to see how much more longevity they get from these new Gen 3 heaters, where they have supposedly replaced the parts, which were failing, with improved ones.
They have only a one year warranty. This new company producing the Comfort Zone brand offers a 3 year warranty. I am also watching them.
» left by casey from Philadelphia, MS (1 year 41 days ago.)
I purchased a Comfort Zone, "Cherry Wood' $479. less $30 discount on 12/1/08, received it on 12/10/08. I used it from 5:30pm and woke up to a burning smell around 1:30pm. I had the heater less than 8hrs. Comfort Zone AKA Earthwise Technologies request to return and wait over three weeks to get this heater fixed and return to me. I had already waited nine days. This was a christmas gift. This company did not want to re-ship another one. I decided I wanted my money back and Earthwise told me I am responsible for shipping it back to them. At this time, I have been back and forth responding to Earthwise through the Better Business Bureau. If I had known this, i would never have ordered this product and the hassle I have to go through. I see now, these heaters are not as they claim to be. My financee's mother purchased "EdenPure" 1500, one a month ago, it broke down. Now they are telling her to wait over a month to get it fixed and return. My future mother in law believes the advertising are lying to customer of claims to save %50 on electricity and enticing through advertisment. She is 87 years old. The risk to purchase these infrared heaters is high for the consumer. It may end up costing you more in shipping cost. I have notified the Attorney General's office as well. I am requesting shipping costreinbursement to return their Comfort Zone AKA Earthwise Tech defective product.
For public awareness. This is a way for me to share my experience with Comfort Zone, AKA Earthwise Techonolgies before you buy. I will not buy another infrared heater from any company. It's no different than a $30 heater. It heats a small room.
Hi Casey, thanks for commenting. I can understand your feelings. My EdenPURE 1500 lasted two years which certainly isn't enough to justify the cost. I'm going to try to get mine repaired. I am seriously considering buying a plain cheaper model of infrared heater such as the one pictured in my other article which you can find on Searchwarp also, Article # swa411005. It is not the heat bulbs that gives so much trouble but rather the fan, switches and thermostats, etc. The plain ones are not so expensive either.
» left by Cindy from Marysville, OHio (1 hour 1 minute ago.) New Comment!
I work for an electric company and we get a lot of high bill "inquiries" in the winter. A good majority, and unfortunately I dont have percentages on this, has an Eden Pure or two in their home. People have been douped into thinking these are going to use very little electric. Save your money and buy a $20 heater at Walmart if you really need a space heater.
» left by Joel Hendon (19 minutes ago.) New Comment!
Thank you Cindy. I agree with you. It doesn't matter how much good luck one has had with them, a 1500 wat heater is not going to produce more than 5,000BTU of heat. And you're right, a cheap nichrome coil heater will do the same work. It may not be as pretty, and the heat may not be as evenly spread in the room, but it still heats the same.
» left by Ken from Rural South Dakota (1 year 35 days ago.)
My name is Ken and I'm from South Dakota. The winter weather here is bitterly cold. I completely agree with Casey from Philadelphia, MS... These infrared heaters aren't nearly worth the hype being promoted about them. I bought a Suntwin 1500E on October 11 and it melted its plastic front panel around the switches on October 25. It is now Dec. 30th and the issue still isn't resolved, eventhough I've spoken to the Attorney General's Office about it. Also, at Thanksgiving time I bought a Sun Heat 'Fireplace' style infrared heater. Just earlier this evening it up and quit. I've got power to the outlet it was plugged into; the heater itself went bad. I've had it with these infrared heaters. I've lost right at $1,000.00 buying these infrared heaters that only last 2-4 weeks. I'll never buy another.... You still can't beat the reliability of a good concealed combustion wood stove. I very much regret that I didn't invest my $1,000.00 in one of those, instead of these 'too-damn-good-to-be-true' infrared heaters...! They are obviously an expensive rip-off! The good people of this country can't afford to be ripped during this terrible economic crisis by such 'other-than-honest' people who are pushing these infrared heaters off onto the public.
Thanks for your comments Ken. I'm sorry you had such luck with the Infrareds, there seems to be an awful lot of people having such luck. I don't plan to buy another unless it is just the heater, less thermostat, less fan, etc. Simply like a sunlamp. And I may not even do that. I'm happy with my old regular heaters. I agree with you on the wood heat but man, they cost a lot to purchase and get installed. There is a guy here who has a wood burning outside furnace that heats water and pumps it through his house for heat and hot water.
» left by PHILLIP E FARMER from USA (273 days 1 hour ago.)
TO ANY ONE THANKING OF BUYING A BIOTECH HEATER, DON'T. I BOUGHT A GEN3 MODLE 1000 AND IN TWO MONTHS IT STOPED WORKING. THE WINTERS IN CALIFORNIA AREN'T THAT COLD. IT COSTS ABOUT 400.00
AND NOW 70.00 TO SHIP THE UNIT BACK TO THEM. I ASKED THEM TO PAY THE SHIPPING AND THEY WOULDN'T. SO BEWARE, THEY DON'T BACK UP THEIR CRAP.
My parents are completely sold on Edenpure. My father bought one about a year ago and just bought a second. He swears it has lowered his heating bill and will run his gas furnace as little as possible. His home is approximately 1000 s/f and uses 2 Edenpures. He purchased the second in order to heat the back bedrooms. Still not sure if I will buy one. Many negative comments online but as this article indicates, satisfied customers are less likely to 'vent' their satisfaction.
Thanks for your comment. I too, was very pleased with mine for two winters, but very disappointed when it let me down this year. If I can get the thermostat replaced reasonably, I'll be happy again. And I agree with you, those who have had a good experience with the heaters don't sound off about it as those of us who have had problems.
» left by Jerry from Nebraska (1 year 19 days ago.)
I had been considering buying an Eden Pure heater, but have decided against it. My brother and Uncle have them and like them. Both do say they will not save you as much money as advertised and are expensive to buy. Both gave $349 for 1000 square foot models. I have decided to stay with my ceramic heaters, possibly buy another that sweeps back and forth, has a remote for $65. None of the websites ever compare ceramic heaters to the Eden Pure or any of the other 4-5 companies out there. Ceramic heaters were introduced several years ago with about as much hype as the Eden Pure or Sun Heat heaters. They have the same features as the much more expensive heaters. They don't get hot enough to burn you, set them next to furniture on your carpet and aim them at drapes or other flammable items without setting them on fire. I still haven't figured out why anyone would be stupid enough to do that. The Eden Pure uses pcs of copper pipe they heat with Quartz heaters the ceramic heaters use sheets of ceramic they heat with resistance wire embedded in them like the smooth top kitchen stoves. Before spending hundreds of dollars for the Eden Pure, let me suggest you go to the local discount store and buy a $25-$30 ceramic heater and try it first. Don't buy the cheap little quartz infrared or resistance wire heaters, anything that glows or gets red hot. These can and have burned peoples houses down.
Thanks for the comment and information, Jerry. I agree with you that the ceramic heaters are worthy competitors. I have owned two of them in the past. I have nothing against them other than they each only lasted about 3 or 4 years. Of course, they are low cost, even a that.
But I have found that I get better service from the regular wirecoil/fan type heaters, which you can also buy for about $40. And, where there are no animals or small children, they are not very dangerous at all.
» left by Anonymous from Adrian, MI (1 year 12 days ago.)
I am very disappointed in this only partially factual article. You cannot take one distributor for a product and make them the norm for everyone's experience. It is true that BioTech is not a good company to work with. It is my understanding that they sell over 2000 products and read their product information from a cue card. Affordable Heat LLC. out of Adrian, MI prides themselves on good customer service and expert product knowledge. Yes, I am the top seller for the company Affordable Heat. Through my time selling these heaters, here is what I have found...Never once has anyone here at the call center ever suggested these heaters were meant to be a primary heat source. We have turned down countless sales to people that are looking for a primary heat source or told the people they could always try it and if it does not work, take advantage of our 30 day money back guarantee minus the 15% restocking fee. Eden Pure heaters are wonderful for maintaining heat, but the circumstances for me using it to actually heat up a room would be extremely limited.
I agree the negative responses appear to be vastly due to people's need to vent. However, allow me to express my opinion as to why there are dissatisfied customers. 1) They order from the internet and have very little product knowledge. They are looking for our heaters to do something they were never meant to do in the first place. Had these people called us to become prequalified, we never would have allowed them to purchase (not from us anyways). 2) They call BioTech, who although they are known as the "manufacturer", have little product knowledge. I know this first hand as I once called them stating I had cathedral ceilings, a closed off floor plan, and bad insulation. The sales rep on the phone told me their heater would work perfectly in my home. Let me be the first to inform...these are the absolute worse conditions you could possibly have for the Eden Pure. They appear to be out to capture sales with little regard for further customer relations. Many people call our phone line thinking they are talking to BioTech and we get yelled at for their actions all the time...no i am not a fan of this company. 3) The main reason for people's dissatisfaction on our unit, my opinion only, is that they are just plain using them wrong. My job is to call back existing customers who have recently purchased. I make sure they have no questions as to how to operate the unit. I call approx. 100 people a day. Maybe 5 at best seem to be displeased with the amount of heat the unit produces. 100% of the time, these are customers that ordered over the web. As long as they actually meet the conditions we look for, I talk them through the process on how to operate the unit properly. I also tell them to call me back if it doesn't work and we will look into having the unit serviced. Only ONE time has someone actually called me back telling me my advice did not work.
As far as the inaccuracies of this article go, the ones that stand out the most are that 1) the Gen3 is the '09 model. They came out in the fall of '08, but so do cars. 2) the Gen3 1000 offers a 3 year warranty. The 500 model come with a 1 year. There were several other mistakes about this article, but I'm not trying to be petty. All are entitled to their opinions. One more thing, funny that this article discredits BioTech fairly well, but it is Affordable Heat's web address offered in the Google Ads listed in the middle of the article.
Friend, the article is accurate, we just didn't deal with someone who is not in the company's mail outs or, frankly, I had hever heard of. And the funny thing that Google's ads were there has nothing to do with us. Google places their ads wherever they select. And the fact that I said their new Gen3 for 2008 was only because that is when they came out, I did not mean they were 2008 models.
If you are such a good salesman and your company such a good dealer...more power to you. I was simply reporting on Biotech and their heaters.
The only critical things I said was that they were very expensive for a small heater and also that there were a lot of complaints. I even reported the heating capacity was as you are saying.
» left by william carroll from lawrenceburg,ky (1 year 11 days ago.)
i ordered one from eisenberg's better living in st.joseph mo they charged my credit card the next day but 11 days later it has not even been shipped they said they are waiting on tracking numbers that is bull they are slow as hell don't buy from eisenberg,s better living if you expect to use it this winter.
I am with SolarComfortHeating . I am sorry to hear all
of the comments of negative experiences that others have had with
Infrared Heaters.
I only represent Solar Comfort Infrared heaters for this very reason.
The plastic that most have that can emit toxins as well as potentially
melt. The Quartz bulbs that ALL others are using that have proven to
create problems. The digitals that will surely fail are sure cause for
doing your research.
Please don't think that just because some of these companies express
what I believe to be exaggerations such as "heat 1000 to 1500 square
feet", "Heat for pennies a day!" or even at the price of a coffee
maker, that all companies are like that.
If you stop buy our website, I am extremely confident that you will see
that we are COMPLETELY different, have integrity and are honest and
realistic about expectations. Please do give us the opportunity to be
of a better service and shed light on the safest, simplest and the
ORIGINAL Infrared heater.
Hi Charles, thanks for you comment. I had not heard of Solar Comfort heaters before, or, I may have passed over them looking for something else. I don't question your remarks about them. I am sure the quality of some of the integral parts of others could be of higher quality. But, the primary opposition I have to these heaters is the cost.
I cannot remember the exact price I paid for the EdenPure I purchased but I do remembr it was a 'non-special' special and it was well over $300. But after visiting your website, I see yours is priced at ONLY $649.
Unless it has a 10 year warranty, I personally would not consider it. I'm not trying to be critical here, but $349 (I believe that is what I paid +shipping) is far too much to pay for a heater which lasted me two winters. And $649. is completely unreasonable.
I have 5 - 1500 watt conventional coil heaters and 1 - 230 volt 3000 watt heater, all of which are over 3 years old and some as much as 8 years. I have invested in all of those, approximately the same money I put into the single EdenPure. They do an excellent job.
Besides, you can purchase a plain infrared heater for less than a hundred dollars, only not with the pretty case and other features.
We have had the 1500 watt heater for 6 weeks, and almost immediately it began a constant chirping noise. When we called customer service about it, they acted as though we were hearing things that weren't there, but said we could return it for a replacement (and have to pay the shipping of $70 or so.....). Is this chirping a part of the normal operation or is it a bad unit? We are able to stop the chirping for a short while by jostling the unit, but it always returns, and is intermittent. Drives us crazy.
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