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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ’S)
My heater emits a “strange” odor when I first open the box/when I turn the heater on for the first time.
Why?
These are both normal
. This heater is treated with a special heat safe/resistant coating. This
odor will sometimes be present when the box is opened, and may be compared to a heaters
version of “new car smell.” Also, similar to all hearth appliances (woodstoves, etc.), the coating,
exposed to heat, will produce this particular odor during the first few hours of operation. This will
dissipate after the break-in period.
If you are sensitive to odors, you may want to pre-burn the
unit in a garage with the door open until the initial odor dissipates.
If my heater runs on approximately 1500 watts, how many BTU’s is that? Is that a lot of heat?
At 1500 Watts, your heater will use approximately 5100 BTUs. 5100 BTUs, compared to your
home furnace, is a very small amount of heat. It may take several minutes, to several hours to heat
your area, depending on various factors (
see Heater Placement
).
Can my heater really operate on less money per day? What are my operating costs?
Yes.
If the heater is used as it is intended (as supplement/assist heat), it should cycle on and off,
allowing for it to heat a total of approximately 8 out of the 24 hours of the day. Using the national
average of approximately 10¢ per kWh (look at your bill for exact cost per kWh--will vary per state),
your average heating cost (add a few cents just for having it plugged in) should be less per day
compared to your main furnace. The costs will increase if it is used as the single source of heat, or
if heat somehow escapes the room being heated, since the “on” cycle will run longer.
The Formula
: To determine the cost of this or ANY 1500 watt appliance, multiply 1.5 X your cost
per Kilowatt Hour to determine approximately how much it costs you to run the heater. You can find
the cost per KWH prices for your state at:
http://www.eia.doe.gov/fuelelectric.html
What is the life expectancy for the Heating Elements? Can the heating elements be replaced?
The life expectancy of the heating elements is typically 25,000 hours. Heating elements may be
replaced by obtaining parts from the Manufacturer, although it is not recommended (unless you are
a certified heater technician or authorized directly by SND). All parts may be purchased through
SND PRODUCTS if your product is out of warranty. Note: If you feel that the elements are
definitely faulty right out of the box, contact a Discovery Tech Support first (for troubleshooting).
They can then direct you on the next step.
Once I plug the unit in and turn it on, how long will it take to heat my room?
The heating process in the heater begins immediately upon setting the desired temperature above
the ambient temperature and powered on. A change in the the actual room temperature will vary.
Please remember that with any type of heating process, there are many variables: Location of
heater (in the home), floor plan and size of the room, how well the room is insulated, how many
doors/windows, how much bare concrete (acts as a heat sink with any type of heating), the
opening and closing of an exterior door, long hallways, high ceilings, etc. Customers with smaller
rooms experience quick heat changes. Others with larger and open floor plans can expect up to 24
hours to heat up.
