Review Of The Innovative Honeywell HZ-817 Electric Heater
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Posted: Monday, October 26, 2009
by Joel Hendon
http://hebronics.org/index.html
I retired from Honeywell, so I can tell you in advance that I am prejudiced toward their products. Any product where I have a reasonable choice as to what I want, I will choose Honeywell. And, it is not merely that I worked for them and part of my sustenance is yet from their coffers, but folks, you cannot find more quality for your money in anything that I have used from them.
So, one may wonder what makes this heater different to others, and will it save on your electric bill. It is referred to as a "smart heater" and I can understand why it can be considered such. The new innovations are primarily in the controls. And it has more possible settings than most do.
(1) First of all it has regular manual controls which can be easily used as other units normally have as the only controls. But in addition to this, (2) it has an LED temperature indicator which gives the ambient (room) temperature allowing easy setting to maintain your desired level of warmth. (3) The manual controls include a heat-setting thermostat. When your room gets to the temperature you prefer, simply turn the control back until the heater shuts off. Leave the knob at that setting and the thermostat will automatically keep the proper temperature in the room. (4) Energy Smart Mode: Choose a setting on this control of 65F, 70F, 75F, or 80F, and when the temperature reaches it's level, the hater automatically reverts to a lower wattage usage and produces less heat to maintain the proper temperature. This not only, saves on wattage, but offers a much more even room temperature.
It has multiple safety features which includes an automatic shut off before reaching a dangerously high temperature. It has, as most heaters do, a tip-over switch which shuts the unit off if accidentally tipped over. It has a heavy duty power cord and 3 prong grounding plug to insure against electrical shock and also has, in addition to the high temperature switch, a circuit breaker which will shut the power off for any electrical short, or overheating. It also has a SafeGuard Alert Badge which changes from black to red when the grille is hot to help avoid burns. User reviews as well as the manufacturer reports this unit to be exceptionally quiet, almost silent.It is contained in a beautiful, small cabinet which measures 29.76 in. W x 6.69 in. D x 13.23 in. H which is as modernistic in appearance as is the heater functions in usage. It is an ideal unit to have for a bedroom where you desire to maintain a low temperature, but not too low. When properly set, it will maintain a room at your preferred temperature, using less energy than 1500 watts. It weighs only 11.73 pounds and can easily be moved from on room to another. And, it has a 3 year warranty.
Be careful where you buy this heater. I have found prices ranging from $69.99 plus $3.95 shipping, up to $104.95, free shipping. Also, check to be sure which model you are seeing. Honeywell makes at least 3 models which look alike (and are alike except for the electronic control features). You can find at least 2 other models from Amazon, one with simple manual controls for around 20-25 dollars less.
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Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)Sounds good to me - is it safe around pets and small children? MarijoAbout as safe as most electric heaters, though the grille does get hot. They get hotter than the real expsensive infrared heaters but cost so much less and last so much longer. Thanks for reading Marijo.When my dad worked for the light plant in Rochester he was in love with Honeywell back in the 50s and 60s(were they out of Mlps in MN?) MarijoI don't even know where their headquarters are. They are so big, they have offices like headquarters all over, even in foreign countries. You see, I worked for Allied Signal Areospace in Anniston Alabama for several years when they were taken over by Honeywell. and I retied from Honeywell.But their products are outstanding. We have a floor stand fan, which we have had for years now and it is as quite as a mouse and has a remote control, etc. We also have a humidifier built by Duracraft, owned by Honeywell.
Beware KAZ ALMOST BURNED DOEN MY HOUSE...I purchased 2 units like this one, both from KAZ.They both had the exact same problem, the thermostat quit working on them both causing them to overheat.Kaz asked me to send them back to them for money back. Kax would not respond or take blams so I called FTC. When the Fed Trade Comm asked them to produce the parts I sent back for their review, they conveniently said they were already disposed of and could not send them!Hi Roger, I am disappointed that have had such problems, and surprised. Were these heaters Honeywell brand or just some other ccompany building one to look like theirs? If you had been dealing directly with Honeywell, I don't believe you would have had to get the FTC in on it.I may have too much confidence in Honeywell, But I have a number of their products and find them of the highest quality.I bought this heater from KAZ also, through amazon, a Honeywell hz-817. and it too has thermostat problems. it shuts the heater off, even when its set to the warmest setting. I can't get a small well insulated room up to 72 degrees. I can tap the thermostat, and it will start again, only to shut off shortly after. This problem exisited right out of the box, another honeywell heater that has disappointed me.
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