Why is SunSwitch Weathersafe™
heat so comfortable?
SunSwitch Weathersafe™ heaters emit
virtually all of their heat energy at the short wave, infra-red
end of the electromagnetic spectrum. Which means all of its radiant
energy heats objects (like us) and is not wasted heating the air.
This is exactly the same way the sun heats the earth, and it feels
every bit as natural and comfortable. Unlike other types of radiant
heater, hardly any of the heat from your SunSwitch is aborbed
by moisture in the air. In consequence it is much more efficient
as a heat source, and will cost only 8-10 pence per hour to run.
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How does SunSwitch Weathersafe™
compare with gas patio heaters?
Gas heaters produce most of their energy
at longer wavelengths than quartz-halogen heaters and so tend
to be less efficient. There are a number of efficiency losses
associated with gas burners, by-products such as carbon monoxide
and water, and their performance diminishes through time. There
are no by-products associated with SunSwitch Weathersafe™
heaters, no gas bottles to mess around with – you simply
switch them on.
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How many SunSwitch Weathersafe™
heaters do I need?
One SunSwitch Weathersafe™ infra red
electric heater mounted at a height of 2.2-2.5m will generally
serve a patio area with a table and seating for six to eight people.
In theory, in perfectly still air with no parasol or awning, your
SunSwitch Weathersafe™ should be comfortable to sit under
with temperatures as low as 8° C. However, air is rarely still
and we find that the heaters work very effectively from about
12-13°C - what you might expect on a cool spring or autumn
day or a summer evening.
For a bigger but cooler zone, your SunSwitch
heater should be mounted higher up. If you have a long thin patio
you may want to position one every 2-4 metres. The best way to
find out is to install one roughly where you think it should go,
and try it out.
See our installation
guidelines for further information.
Where do I get a replacement element?
We supply replacement elements for SunSwitch
and many other heaters. For prices telephone the number at the
top of this page.
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How safe is it?
Because SunSwitch Weathersafe™ has
a sealed enclosure, the fire risks associated with exposed elements
and burners are not present. Like all heaters, SunSwitch Weathersafe™
heaters get hot - so they should always be sited out of reach.
You cannot get a sun tan from SunSwitch products - short wavelength
infra-red is as far away from harmful ultra-violet rays as you
can get.
We have a bungalow. Will SunSwitch Weathersafe™
be suitable for our patio?
Yes! As long as you allow sufficient air
space between the top of a SunSwitch Weathersafe™ and your
wooden soffit board/eaves board, there should be no problem. N.B.
take extra care if you have plastic soffit or eaves boards. See
our for clearance diagrams and further information.
What sort of guarantee do I have?
SunSwitch products are supplied with a 12
month warranty against defective materials and manufacture. This
does not affect your statutory rights.
How long will my SunSwitch Weathersafe™
last?
The enclosure is a tough, powder coated
diecast alloy, and the front is tempered safety glass. Designed
for permanent installation outdoors in all weathers, it should
last for many years. The element is manufactured by Philips and
is rated in this product for 3000 hours use. We stock replacement
elements which can be delivered to your door.
Does SunSwitchWeathersafe™ give
off any light?
Yes. It will glow red for about a minute
but then the light will become much whiter. SunSwitch Weathersafe™
has a very useable light output - though a few candles will still
help to create that romantic atmosphere!
