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How the Parabolic Heater Can Help Save Energy
The parabolic reflector focuses heat output, like a satellite dish concentrates TV signals, so it requires less energy than convection
electric heaters to deliver all the warmth you’ll want.
It provides super concentrated heat to keep you much warmer than 1500 watt convection heaters. Yet, because it uses just 1000 watts,
it costs a third less to operate and could help you save money on electric bills.
A parabolic heater, coupled with other conservation measures, will help save energy in your home. For example, energy savings may
be realized by keeping the thermostat on your central heating system at a lower than normal setting and thereby decreasing the average
room temperature. Personal comfort can be maintained at these lower room temperatures by using a parabolic heater.
How the Parabolic Heater Works
An automatic control switch, or thermostat, is built into the heater to control the heat output. The control knob (Fig. D), located on the
top of the heater, is used to adjust the thermostat. This thermostat works like the control for a burner on an electric stove by cycling
the heating element on and off to regulate the amount of heat produced. At the highest setting, the element is on 100% of the time.
At lower settings, the element will cycle on and off, automatically producing a lesser amount of heat. The lower the heat setting, the
longer the element will remain off during the cycle. This is normal. Additionally, like the power control switch for any electric device,
this thermostat may produce a small spark or flash of light each time it opens or closes to cycle the element on or off.
While this
visual flash is normal for any electric switch, it may be more noticeable in the heater, particularly if the room is darkened. Likewise,
you may hear a slight humming sound at lower settings as the thermostat turns the element back on and the unit heats up. This is also
normal.
Safety Features
The heater has three safety features:
an automatic safety switch, a manual reset button, and a warning buzzer. The automatic safety
switch turns the unit OFF and the warning buzzer sounds (if the element is energized) whenever the heater is moved or is placed on a
non-level surface. The buzzer also sounds if the heater is turned on when in the storage position.
Although chiefly intended as a warning of tip-over, the switch shuts the heater off and the buzzer sounds as an additional safeguard,
for example, when a child or animal moves the heater.
The heater is controlled by a thermostat that shuts the heater off if it overheats, e.g., it is placed too close to furniture or to a wall or if
too much dust or dirt has accumulated on the parabolic reflector. To ensure that you are aware that an
overheat situation has occurred, the heater will turn off and buzz until you manually reset it. To reset,
press the red recessed POWER RESET button located on the top of the heater between the dish and
the control knob (Fig. D).
If you hear continuous buzzing,
confirm that the heater is on a level surface and not in the storage
position. If it continues, the heater has overheated due to incorrect positioning or dirt or dust
accumulation on the reflector.
1. Turn the thermostatic control knob dial to OFF.
2. Wait 5 minutes to allow heater to cool.
3. Press the red recessed POWER RESET button with a Phillips screwdriver or similar tool (Fig. D).
Holding the screwdriver at about a 45° angle, press until you hear a click. If you do not hear the
click, continue to press the button in. The click is an audible signal that the button has been reset.
4. Verify heater is correctly positioned (see positioning instructions below) and clean the reflector if it
is dirty or dusty, as instructed on pages 4 and 5.
5. Plug the heater back in and try it again.
Positioning the Heater
When positioned correctly, the parabolic heater will keep you toasty warm. Follow these suggestions for maximum warmth:
1. Point the front grille towards the area in which heat is desired and use the tilt feature to aim the heat right where you want it.
2. Check to make sure there are no objects between you and the heater. Such objects will absorb the heat and prevent it from
reaching you.
3. Place the heater at least 3 feet but no more than 10 feet away. The parabolic design of the reflector focuses heat at persons
3 to 10 feet away. Thus, for your entire body to enjoy the heat produced by the heater, it must be placed at least 3 feet from you.
Placing it closer will turn the heater into a foot warmer, rather than a body warmer. Experiment with various positions until you
find the one that is right for you.
Tilt
adjustment
screw
Fig. D
Cord wrap
Red power
reset button
Control
knob