There are three main Infrared heaters on the market that have a proven track record of time. Solar Comfort, Edenpure and Sunheat. Although many know of Comfort Zone, which is now CZ heater and again now changing to Comfort Furnace, it has only been around since 2007. From research the CZ heater is not in good financial standings. Therefore, I am not going to review it in this article.
Solar Comfort has been around since 1980's, Edenpure about 2001 and SunHeat around 2003.
Lamps or bulbs? Solar Comfort uses 4 high grade 375 watt Infrared lamps that are the same as those used in the food industry, saunas and farming. This is a screw in style lamp. These lamps are higher quality and wattage than what you will find in Home Depot, Lowes, etc. However, you can find this lamp outside of Solar Comfort. Each lamp averages about $9 to $15.00 each outside of warranty. In my opinion and testing, these type of lamps are safer.
Most other Infrared heaters are using Quartz Infrared bulbs. These bulbs are similar to a halogen bulb. They are a glass tube with a wire heat element. The Quartz bulb also averages betweem $9 to $15 each. Both the Edenpure and the SunHeat are near identical internally and use 6 of these bulbs. The bulbs are typically hard wired in place with electrical connectors. The less mechanically inclined may find it difficult to change. From my research, Edenpure does not allow you to change their bulbs without voiding warranty. You will need to send it back to the dealer.
The SunHeat suggest that you change the bulbs or other parts on their heater and not send it back to the company. In changing a bulb you should not touch them as the oils from your hands can cause for premature failure. This was not the case on the Infrared heat lamps that Solar Comfort uses.
Warranties All of the units are now boasting a 3 year warranty which includes the lamps or bulbs. So basically they are bumper to bumper. However, I do know people that have had long wait times for their Edenpure heater replacement. Also if you do need to send your Edenpure back, you will likely get a refurbished heater in return. Not necessarily a bad thing, just something to note.
If you have a warranty card be sure to send it in.
Features Both the Solar Comfort and the SunHeat pride themselves in being more simple. They don't have digital electronics. Solar Comfort uses a Honeywell mechanical thermostat while the SunHeat uses a generic brand mechanical thermostat. The Edenpure has a digital remote and digital thermostat.
Although the digitals may prove to be more accurate, my personal concern with digital Infrared heaters, are the length of time that the digitals will last, especially around heat. If you have had a dvd player break down, you know what I mean.
Wattage and Heating Coverage All three are 1500 watts and about 12.5 amps. Although Edenpure and SunHeat claim 1000 plus square feet I believe Solar Comfort is more realistic when they state 600- 800 sq. ft.. By my experience, Solar Comfort has a more realistic claim. Keep in mind that these are all supplemental heaters. They are all basically the same wattage and amps and putting out about the same 5000 btus. Therefore, each heater is going to be closely related in their heating capability regardless.
Filters Each unit has a long term filter in the back. The quality of the filters are drastically different in quality. Edenpure's is more like a flexible fiber cloth. The SunHeat and Solar Comfort are similar looking but the poly filter on the Solar Comfort far outways any Infrared heater I have tested.
Although the SunHeat was a better filter than the Edenpure, I did not like that SunHeat did not fully seal their filter. They use a magnet system. However, it leaves major air passages for dust and and other particles to bypass the filter. The Solar Comfort's filter was fully sealed with a material like velcro.
Although filter qualities may be different, each are simple to remove and are washable. However, one important tip if you buy a Quartz Infrared heater is to make sure that your filter is kept clean, especially if you have pets. The reason is that the Quartz bulbs get hot and if you do not keep the filter clean, it can not get proper air flow to get the hot air out. This has been shown to lead to failure.
Housings Most Edenpure models are ABS plastic encased. The SunHeat and the Solar Comfort have a wood housing. Solar Comfort is a modular unit whereas you can opt for their powder coated metal and add a wood case at time of sale or later.
Each unit is fairly easy to move around as they are on casters. This makes them zoneable to the area that you need them. However, if you think you will be moving them from room to room on a constant basis, you will get tired of that the first day! They can be fairly heavy.
The Solar Comfort is a bit larger than Edenpure and Sunheat, but also looks more like furniture with the wood case. If you opt for the powder coated case, the Solar Comfort is nearly the same size.
The Insides As mentioned earlier, the Edenpure and the SunHeat both are nearly identical internally. I am actually surprised that SunHeat can make their unit as the Edenpure was around longer. I could not tell a difference. Both have 3 circular coffee can style canisters for their chambers. I believe they are not solid copper but copper plated. The Quartz tubes are inside of these canisters which heat them. They have 2 bulbs per canister.
The Solar Comfort has four lamps that heat a large furnace style heat exchanger above them. The only Infrared heater that I found that has a furnace style exchanger. It has a bunch of hollow tubes that the hot air forces through and also the heat attaches to.
I like that the Solar Comfort paints the entire inside of the heater with black high temp paint. This is said to help heat better. The Edenpure and SunHeat have raw sheet metal. In my testing, I found that the Solar Comfort heated up to 5 minutes longer when the lamps were off and only the 14 watt fan was running. This makes it obvious how effective their heat exchanger is.
In conclusion, I found that all of the units heated well. The main differences were more in the quality, the style of bulbs or lamps and in digitals or non digitals. I felt more comfortable with the Solar Comfort heat feel, it felt softer. The Quartz also seemed to put out a slight hot air smell. So if you are sensitive smells you may want to do more research.
The prices of each heater vary up to about $50 of each other. However, in my testing so did the quality of each unit as well. Keep in mind that price is only one part when purchasing a product. Otherwise we would all be driving a Hyudai.
Keep your expectations realistic no matter which unit you choose and do your research. This is an investment and not a $60 purchase. Also although celebrities, etc. may promote a specific product, keep in mind they are being paid.
Great information Charles. Thank you for sharing this piece. Now, I know which one to buy, on time for the winter chilly weather. Welcome to Searchwarp. ~Nenita~
Thank you Nenita for the welcoming. Looks like you have been around for a while. Glad I found the site and hope to give people a better understanding of Infrared heaters and other topics.
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