Infrared Heater FAQ

How much can I expect to save on my electric bill?

Unfortunately, there is no one right answer to this question. Basically, an infrared heater "reduces" your electric bill in the same way that any other space heater does - by allowing you to turn down your whole-house thermostat and heat just the room(s) you're using (a technique known as "zone heating"). Because of its unique heat distribution properties, an infrared heater can do this job far more efficiently than a space heater. In the end, however, the major electrical savings will depend on how far you turn down your central heat.

How many square feet will an infrared heater handle?

Once again, a generic answer to this question is difficult to supply. Generally the maximum is considered to be 1000 square feet when used as a supplemental heat source. However, variables such as ceiling height and insulation, as well as individual perceptions of comfort, can substantially affect this figure. The only way to be absolutely sure if an infrared heater will perform satisfactorily in your particular situation is to try it - something we make as easy as possible with our 30-day return policy.

What is the heat output in BTU's?

Like every other 1500 watt electric heater, the SolarFlare puts out approximately 5,000 BTU's. This is a fixed scientific relationship - no electric heater can put out more than about about 3.4 BTU's per watt. The key to the efficiency of the SolarFlare is that it distributes the heat evenly throughout the room, where plain-vanilla space heaters waste it all on one hot spot. A more complete explanation of this concept can be found on our heat distribution page.

Come on, are they really made in America?

The heaters really are 100% made in America (unless you count the switches, fans, and other small electrical components, which are high-quality brand names but made elsewhere). As shown in our video, there is an actual factory near Buffalo, Missouri (about twenty miles from our office), where sheet metal, components, and wood go in, and finished infrared heaters come out.

What's the difference between the three models?

All three SolarFlare heaters we sell have exactly the same heating unit on the inside. The differences between them are found in the cabinets and controls. You can ready about this in more detail on our infrared heater model comparison.

What about replacement parts such as elements?

Availability of replacement parts is excellent with our infrared heaters, as a good stock is always kept on hand at the factory. The six quartz elements - theoretically the only consumable part of the heater - are rated to last about 15,000 hours, and can be changed by any reasonably adept repairman. The elements are covered by the heater's 3-year warranty. Beyond that, they currently cost $10 each.

Are remote controls available for any of the heaters?

Unfortunately, no. While the factory has had some requests for this feature, they have concluded that it it not possible to add it cost-effectively to a USA-made unit. Competing brands that offer remote controls are usually made in Asia, where electronic components can be built and installed much more cheaply. The downside to this feature is that it provides an additional point of potential failure that would be difficult, if not impossible for the user to diagnose or repair. By contrast, the SolarFlare's simple, straightforward design makes it relatively easy to work on for anyone with basic mechanical skills.

Is it okay to run the heater unattended?

While appropriate caution should be exercised when running any electrical appliance unattended, a cabinet infrared heater properly plugged into sound house wiring should not present an undue hazard. This is why our infrared heaters have thermostats; you can set the desired temperature and let the heater cycle on its own, even at night - just like your central heat.

Can I use the heater with a plug-in timer?

Yes, you can. As opposed to some heaters with digital controls, the SolarFlare has a standard mechanical on/off switch, and will come back on automatically after a power outage (which is effectively what a plug-in timer induces). In addition, the USA-made digital thermostat that comes with the Standard and Deluxe models has a memory feature, so you won't lose your temperature settings. (The Economy model has a dial-type thermostat, so of course its setting would not be affected by a loss of power.)

How quickly can you ship?

Unless a temporary backlog is conspicuously mentioned on our site, you can expect your heater to ship within 1-2 business days of payment. Orders received before noon Monday-Friday often ship out the same day. Whenever your order ships, you will receive prompt notification via email with a UPS tracking link you can use to monitor your heater's progress all the way to your door.