Name: Envi High-Efficiency Electric Panel Whole Room Heater
Price: $107.95
Rating: Recommend+*
One of the most difficult challenges faced during colder months is finding a heating solution which meets five requirements: quiet operation, moderate energy consumption, heats effectively, easy to install/use, and possibly the hardest requirement to meet, looks good in the home. There are a few heaters out there that meet some of those five characteristics, but rarely all five. The Envi High-Efficiency Electric Panel Heater is a passive heating solution which seemed to have the makings of winner in all respects; we've just finished a month-long test run with the Envi and report our findings below...
Unboxing and Mounting: Packaging for appliances like heaters don't normally catch our interest, but we have to give credit to eHeat. The packaging for the Envi heater box was obviously designed with some forethought which aids in both unpacking and installation. The flat shaped square box is easily, but securely packaged to protect the unit from damage before it reaches your doorstep, while also revealing a template to use for exact wall mounting; two guide punch holes are included in an interior cardboard insert.
Wall mounting hardware is included, which requires a screwdriver at minimum, but a common light task power drill is recommended, especially if you live in an older apartment or house. The wall mounting kit seems primarily designed for newer drywall construction, so you may require additional hardware to secure the Envi.
Performance: we talked at great lengths with eHeat founder and president, Mark McCourt, about the Envi and how it works. The Envi was designed to improve on the function and form of the flat panel Econo-Heater / Eco-Heater solution, utilizing a protective case around the panel heating unit, maximizing the fanless performance with a dual-stack convection setup within which lets the natural flow of cold-to-warm air rising do the work, all the while improving energy efficiency while maximizing the warmth factor. After less than a minute on, users can feel a current of warm air emanating up from top, drawing from the colder air from your floor at the bottom of the unit, creating a circulation effect which helps warm a room without the need of loud fans.
The Envi is specifically aimed at heating specific rooms of an apartment or house, modeling in many ways after Victorian-era heating, where a fireplaces were strategically placed in rooms where doors could be shut to maximize heating effects. When used in bathrooms, small bedrooms, or in our case, the home office, the Envi can heat up modest sizes spaces more than several degrees, making this especially a great heating solution for renters who live in apartments in areas like San Francisco, Chicago, New York and other cities with smaller spaces.
Our experience with the Envi is it requires a little more patience than the automatic heat blast of typical space heaters; it is not an instant-on solution, but more akin to floor heating in its use and effectiveness. The heater only requires between 150-450 watts of power, the variable power tuned by an easy-to-use dial at the top of the unit, so we'd leave it on a few hours before we needed to be in the room, close a door, then return to find the room comfortably warm instead of unnaturally hot or ineffectively cold (about 10-15 degrees). Goldielocks would have undoubtedly been pleased. Hook this up to a timer device, and you could further manage the heater's effectiveness and energy use to a specific schedule.
The Envi does require a properly insulated space, as we noted our drafty home office could sometimes erase the warming effects of the Envi if a chilly draft pushed into the room. No fault of the heater itself, but it does illustrate the limitations of the unit which passively heats a room. Also, placement of the unit will affect how much heat will be felt. Think of Envi as a small, warm fire; the closer you are situated, the more apparent the warmth. Our unit sits just behind us, warming our seated torso, but hardly felt by our feet.
What We Liked: we love the slim profile design and the sturdier quality of this improved design. The Envi operates quietly, heats up fairly quickly, and operates cool to the touch on the side panel, making it a safe choice for parents and pet owners. Installation was a 10 minute affair, and the economical operational costs are appreciated in a time when electrical costs during winter months can make a big dent in our budgets.
What Needs Improvement: the additional of a small fan option would make this unit that much more useful in our opinion. We love the quiet operation, but to be honest, when you're cold, you're likely an impatient grump. Adding something akin to a quiet PC fan to push some of that precious warm air at the start of operation would be a welcome addition for quicker heating.
Summary: if you're an apartment dweller, renter, or live in a small house with modest sized rooms, a couple of these Envi heaters are an excellent choice. If you live in a modern sized home with large open rooms, this sort of stacked convection heating device is not ideal (we tested a second purchased unit in a suburban bedroom, and the effects were negligible). Also allergy sufferers will like a heating solution which doesn't kick up dust and allergens, while parents and pet owners will feel safe having the unit warm rooms without burn hazards to worry about. We liked the Envi so much, as noted above, we purchased a unit for ourselves after testing the review unit; a recommended heating solution if you consider the limitations.
Pros: Most decor friendly 2" deep slim-line heater in the domestic market (made in the USA); very quiet operation; low energy use; cool operational temperature; auto dimming power light; 3 year warranty.
Cons: not super expensive, but priced more than cheap space heater; mounting hardware needs improvement; not a quick heating solution, requires planning and understanding about convection heating for optimal effect; designed to be most effective for 130 sq. ft. and smaller rooms.
Our Ratings:
Strong Recommend
Recommend+ (Strong Recommend for small space dwellers)
Weak Recommend
Don't Recommend
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my question is how does it connect to a power source? In one picture I see a cord and the other I don't. Can it be wired directly and plugged in to an outlet?
Bonus: it's made in the USA! I'm getting one of these for the bedroom, and cranking down the thermostat at night! A real plus in Chicago!
I saw one of these in a Gaia catalog and the text stated that it could be hard wired or used plug in style
uppergeorgetowner: the unit is plugged into an outlet hidden below and underneath a bookcase. I wish we could hardwire it, but we're renters.
Could you turn it upside down and put it under a drafty cold window? Since the cold air goes straight down it should push through the heater and hot air comes out the bottom? Lol. Just a thought.
What's the difference between this one and the other model-
Econo-Heat Electric Panel Heater (0602 White)?
http://www.eheat.com/compare/34/26
The "compare" feature on the site isn't offering much.
chrisciever: the newer design has a plastic encasement to protect the heating element from chips, dings, or other damage. Also the new design allows for better and more variable heating (including a lower setting that only uses a fraction of the 400 watts the Econo panel uses).
thanks Gregory :)
The majority of complaints against heaters such as these have always been too little heat for too much money, or just plain too little heat.
As far as too little heat goes you have to temper your expectations with the fact that all you’re getting is a 450 watt heater, despite any new technology used to enhance its heating capabilities.
Addressing the problem of too little heat for too much money is much simpler to resolve. At the current sale price of $110, the 450 watt Envi Heater costs 24 cents per watt.
This is in comparison to 3 1/2 cents per watt for a standard 1,500 watt space heater with an average price of $52.
Hello, I work for Conservetec the manufacturer of the envi heater and I’d like to take an opportunity to answer a few of your questions posted here and clear up any issues.
While the purchase cost per wattage (dollars per heating capacity) may be a factor to some in selecting heaters it is one that we have rarely (maybe never?) encountered in the past. When looking for an economical car, a hybrid vehicle may not be the cheapest solution compared to say a high powered SUV but it is the best solution. Both cars are great, but they are purchased for different needs. High wattage, heaters are designed to heat a room quickly, regardless of running costs. Most people have to leave them on medium to high settings because these heaters are fan forced and do not effectively circulate the warm air in a room. The envi heater when mounted to the wall, is designed to draw cold air from the floor and using the patented, “Stack Convection Technology”, then circulates the heated air all over the room, using a minimum of energy.
What we have found, is that with home heating costs soaring, more and more people are becoming concerned at “lifetime costs” rather than upfront installed costs. One of the most important things our customers are looking for in a heating solution is, “What is it going to cost me to heat my home over the long term and how can I save on my heating bills?”
We designed the envi heater to answer that question from our customers. They were asking for a low cost, safe and effective way to slash their heating bills and the envi heater delivers. Our customers can purchase a heater for around $100, install it themselves and start saving on their heating bills. They are so easy to install that someone with “two left hands” (as one reviewer wrote) can mount it to the wall, plug it in and start saving. In addition they save the expense of hiring contractors or expensive furnace and ducting upgrades. In our opinion, using the envi heater to save money on heating bills is the most cost effect solution on the market, both in upfront and in lifetime running costs. Just turn down the thermostat and heat the areas of your home where you want it, when you want it! In addition to the low installed cost of the envi heating system, the lifetime repair and replacement costs are negligible. Other heaters use fans that break down or fall apart after a couple of years so they have to be replaced. Not so with the envi heater. With no moving parts and a durable, crack resistant construction it will provide years of problem free service but if there is a problem we provide a 3 year warranty (3 times the standard) and industry leading customer service.
The second or perhaps even more important factor our customers look for in purchasing any type of heater is “how safe is this product to use around my family?” We have all seen in the news, reports of house fires caused by space heaters and the subsequent warnings by authorities for consumers to be careful when using space heaters. Many floor standing heaters come with tip over safety switches in case they are knocked over by pets or children, but would you risk the life of your family on an internal component that costs a few cents? In our opinion, the only true peace of mind way to use a space heater is to mount it on the wall where there is no chance that it can be knocked over. This is why we designed the envi to only be a wall mounted heater. It can be used no other way! We also eliminated the risk of burns by reducing the surface temperature to a “cool” 90 degrees.
Regarding the issue of heater efficiency, the envi heater was only designed as a 450 watt heater for a couple of reasons. First, because high wattage elements tend to “fry” the air or as you might know it, “dry out the air”. This is because the hot coils in high wattage space heaters and furnaces actually change the humidity of the air. In fact some high wattage radiators are designed for the user to pour water into a pan underneath the heater to help maintain the humidity levels. None of this is an issue with the envi heater, it doesn’t dry out the air and our customers love the soft, “velvet heat” that it provides to a room. While on the subject of healthier heating, the envi heater doesn’t use a fan so it doesn’t kick up dust and allergens and throw them around the room. Secondly, a 450watt heater is all that is needed to heat a typical sized bedroom room (120-140 square feet.). If you use a higher wattage heater you will most certainly use more energy and your heating costs will continue to rise. Using a low wattage heater like the envi is different than a high wattage unit that blasts out lots of heat to give you immediate warmth. The envi heater is designed to be turned on and left on so that it will run continuously or during the night hours when you are sleeping. We call this “tortoise verses hare heating”:) The vast majority of our customers understand the difference make the change to this type of heating practice. We have even had customers call in to complain that their rooms were too warm even on low setting, but in most cases you can expect to reach a comfortable 68-72 degree temperature range. In my own experience, my sons 200 sq foot bedroom was kept toasty warm during our recent 20 degree weather, with no other source of heat in his room, and it only cost about 4 cents per hour to do this!
One final point that another reader commented on above. We manufacture our product in the US because we made the decision a long time ago that profits were not as important as making America strong. And providing jobs for Americans makes us a stronger country. When you walk through our factory and speak to the workers you will see and hear the appreciation from them regarding this point. Most consumers browsing through big box stores, lined with cheaply made, imported heaters usually don’t think this is a big deal. But having a heater made in America is a huge deal for our factory workers who now have a job. We went out on a limb when we designed the envi heater with a goal to put Americans back to work but we are now seeing this pay off. It is true that we could offer a marginally lower cost product; one manufactured overseas but at what real cost? At the cost of more American jobs lost to China and other parts of the world. In this downturned economy and with millions of Americans unemployed, we are sticking to our guns and will continue to make the envi heater in America. Our engineers, designers, sales, customer service, tech support and manufacturing are all based right here in the good ol’ USA.
I hope this has been of some help, if you need to get in touch with our office, please call toll free (800)-807-0107 or email anytime. You can visit our sales site for purchasing at www.eheat.com and take advantage of our 60 day return policy and free shipping. Thank you for your time.
Mark McCourt
Conservetec International, LLC
I can't say enough positive things about this heater, and about this company. I purchased the older model heater a couple of years ago, to help warm up my younger child's room.
When the heater developed a short this winter I contacted the company, just to see if any repair was available in my area because it had worked so beautifully.
They immediately offered to send me a new model, only charging me the cost of shipping - around $10. I certainly didn't expect that level of service - our old unit was well out of warranty.
And the new heater works even better than the old one. Great product, great company.
i've been considering the Envi for my small house. its about 800-900 square feet with no doors between the rooms; space heaters are my only source of heat. Im in North Carolina and it does get cold in the winter. i would buy about three of these, do you think the Envi would be strong enough to be the only heating source through the winter?
This heater sounds like a winner all around for me. I have a small spare bedroom where the heating vent does not work well. Sometimes I have overnight guests and it can get cold in there during the winter months here in NYC. As i said it's small room, love the fact you can mount this on the wall. Going to purchase one right away. Glad to help support a good company too.
I continue to see references to a "thermostat", but I don't see any thermostat on the unit. Is there one, or do you have to purchase one separately?
I installed an envi in 1 area of my home. I have installed 2 - econoheat wall panels. I work in the electrical construction trade and get to work with many electrical heaters of all types. I am really disappointed with these heaters. for example: I have installed one of the panel heaters in an 84 sq ft new construction bathroom. The company says they can heat a 100sq ft room with good insulation. R-30 insulation in the floor/ceiling. R-19 in the ext walls. A total of 10 linear feet of ext wall. A WELL insulated room. I installed digital thermometers in the floor of the shower [no door/curtain to stop air movement] During a string of 31 degree days, the floor of the shower would not go above 55 degrees. The heater is 6' from the shower! Across the room, 4' above the floor is another thermometer. It did not get above 64 degrees; aprox 5' from heater. I closed the door so no heat would escape. I monitored the temps for days. No change. I could not recommend these heaters for any use. I spent over $300 for these heaters and they are a waste. I like the looks, but I need HEAT! I installed 4' baseboard heaters to heat the bath and they work great. [$43] Econoheat did contact me via an email response and asked for my phone number, which I supplied. Been 3 mos and still no call to my cell.
Top Quality, Design, Performance:
I purchased two (2) 475 watt 2011 models. Each mounted quickly, easily, and flush on the walls in two upstairs, end of the hall bedrooms. The cord can be hidden away inside the unit for a very clean install.
Each keeps the room at a very stable, uniform, and warm/temperate temperature. Considering the rooms are 275 & 325 SF, they are much larger then the recommended room size; but they keep the rooms comfortable and act like two separate zones for the upstairs.
At $109 with a 15% discount these are a great price. Huge plus made in the USA, as I would not have even considering purchasing otherwise.
These units also have great thermostats (I think both variable temperature/consumption and typical on/off control of the unit) which makes them efficient.
The two units replaced two inexpensive 1500 Watt units, which had poor thermostat control and consumed 3-4 times the power.
Great, smart, purchase for anyone.
@SpockMcKoy - I am not sure if Econoheaters are the same things as Eco Heaters, but I have the latter in my son's room and have had great luck with it. I am about to order another heater and am trying the Envi this time (because it is made in the USA), and I am looking forward to reporting back on my preference between the two.
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I just purchased and installed two units in my home.
We hope to gain a little bit of heat in our small bedrooms. Our thermostat for our forced hot air is in on the second floor and our bedrooms on the first. There can be a 15 degree difference between floors. The bedroom windows are large and aluminum framed and just suck the cold in. The forced hot air duct is in the ceiling, that are ten feet high. There is just not enough pressure to get the heat down and enough strength to overcome the aluminum framed windows. Every year we install patio door sized 3m film to the windows, draw the drapes sealed outlets and so on, this improved the temperature difference by ten degrees. Hopefully theses envi heaters can even everything out and work in combination with our forced hot air and our winterizing efforts.
Be warned the installation could go wrong if you follow the instructions. Our carpeted floors are not level and neither is the baseboard. Just tape the box to the wall, making sure it is level.
I will post a follow up to this review once it gets cold here in Boston.
We have 2 Rental properties...1 is a 974 sq ft 1977 single-wide mfg home with an electric forced-air furnace...we added 4 ENVI's...1 in the Master Bedroom, 1 at the living room/hall, 1 at the other end of the living room and 1 in the kitchen Dining Room. The 2nd is an 1840 sq ft 1951 cinder block home, with a wood stove and Oil forced-air furnace. We installed 2 in the LARGE Master Bedroom, 1 in the 2nd bedroom, 1 in the 3rd bedroom/media room and one in the living room (furthest from the wood stove. It is on a 4' thick slab...the interior wall are block as well. The heaters have been keeping the homes comfortable, all of our tenants are employed outside of the home, they report that the home is "comfortable" when they return from work...the temps have been lows of below zero with highs in the teens and twenties. I HIGHLY recommend these heaters .