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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), in a well-insulated room, it
should cycle on and off, allowing for it to heat in increments. Please note that the costs will
increase
if it is used as the single source of heat
,
in a poorly insulated room, or in an area where
heat can escape
,
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. You can find the cost per KWH 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 LIFESMART Products, although it is not recommended (unless
you are a certified heater technician or authorized directly by LIFESMART). All parts may be
purchased through LIFESMART PRODUCTS if your product is out of warranty. Note: If you feel
that the elements are definitely faulty right out of the box, contact LIFESMART Products 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. 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.
I don’t have a grounded outlet; can I use adapters, a 2-prong power strip, or remove the ground
prong from the cord?
Definitely NOT!
If you don’t have a grounded outlet, contact a certified electrician for advice.
Removing or altering any part of the heater’s original design or intent (including the power cord) will
not only void the warranty, but will make you liable for any unexpected or hazardous results.
