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?
Most Definitely. If the heater is used as it is intended (as supplement/assist heat), it should cycle
on and off, allowing for it to heat a total of approximately 8 out of the 24 hours of the day. Using the
national average of approximately 10¢ per kWh (look at your bill for exact cost per kWh--will vary
per state), your average heating cost (add a few cents just for having it plugged in) should be less
per day compared to your main furnace. The costs will increase if it is used as the single source of
heat, or if heat somehow escapes the room being heated, 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 SND Products, although it is not recommended (unless you are a
certified heater technician or authorized directly by SND). All parts may be purchased through SND
PRODUCTS if your product is out of warranty. Note: If you feel that the elements are definitely
faulty right out of the box, contact SND Products Tech Support first (for troubleshooting). Contact
your place of purchase second.
Once I plug the unit in and turn it on, how long will it take to heat my room?
Typically it takes about ½ hour to feel a temperature change. Please remember that with any type
of heating process, there are many variables: Location (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.
