Electric heaters

	Model CH -1 from Ningbo Yongjiang is a carbon fiber heater featuring a cool-touch plastic housing. It has overheat and tip-over protection, and a 2hr timer.

China suppliers are releasing space heaters that are more energy-efficient than earlier versions. Such products boast an array of safety features as well.

Some companies are incorporating carbon fiber elements in place of quartz components, which were previously popular. The newer parts can shorten the warm-up time from 20 to about 10 minutes.

Many current models have a thermal efficiency of 98 percent, thereby reducing power consumption by 30 to 40 percent.

Minimal energy usage is said to be relatively easy to achieve at lower output rates. For units that generate 2,000W, however, high-precision manufacturing processes must be accomplished in order to keep the energizing element stable during operation.

To ensure safety, the majority of the latest releases incorporate tip-over switches and thermostats with overheat protection. These meet CE, GS and RoHS standards, and can also be made according to ETL, SASO, EMC, LVD, IP54 and SAA requirements on request.

Compared with convection and radiant units, oil-filled models are currently experiencing lower demand. This is due to their relatively longer warm-up time. Such releases necessarily utilize metal frames that inhibit portability because of their weight.

Suppliers of high-end space heaters are boosting R&D to increase distinctiveness. Performance and appearance are the key areas of concern.

For the former, makers are improving the comfort and health characteristics of their products. Many versions now come with oscillating functions and cool-touch housings. Some can even emit anions or infrared light at 8 to 14 microns.

In addition, companies are releasing units in old-fashioned shells. Models come in black, white and gray. This is a shift from designs in novelty shapes and bright colors, which were previously popular.

Low-end and midrange space heaters are between 800 and 1,000W, and have a fixed power rate or two temperature settings.

The majority of models is of the radiant type, and can be equipped with quartz or halogen tubes.

Inexpensive products make up the bulk of exports at small and midsize enterprises. These are primarily for OEM orders.

Regardless of size, most China suppliers in the line are specialists. Some offer electric fireplaces as well. Such models utilize plastic or metal as the housing material. Resin is used to simulate the appearance of coal. Lights are built in, and have variable luminosity.

Many of these releases come with remotes that control power and output. Wall-mount and floor-standing types are available. Prices average $70.

Ahead of anticipated demand, many makers are offering space heaters that have a longer warranty. Such guarantees may be for four years instead of two.

These products are typically priced $5 or $6 more than regular versions.

To boost competitiveness further, a growingnumber of manufacturers are reducing shipping time from 15 to seven days.
Guangdong models feature better quality

North America and Europe remain the major markets for China’s space heaters. Only a few makers have begun to ship to areas such as Brazil and Russia. This is because demand in alternative destinations is still low.

Products from Guangdong province boast advanced technology and better quality than models made in other hubs.

Low-end and midrange units account for the bulk of output of suppliers in Zhejiang province.

While companies in Jiangsu province do not offer space heaters as sophisticated as those from Guangdong, the labor costs there are 5 to 10 percent less, positively impacting prices.