Candle Heater -- Space Heat from a Candle Flame
Date: Monday, November 13, 2006 @ 17:35:45 UTC
Topic: General


I have invented a tabletop heater powered by a jar candle. For most folks, this is going to be a regular wax candle, but a vegetable oil candle also works, as would, possibly, an alcohol lamp (like in high school chem). The unit is handmade (cottage industry manufacturing), has no moving parts, minimal maintenance, with care will last for ever (early models may become collector's items). And, it works. It works very well! The unit, when fueled appropriately, generates a continuous radiating (dry heat) surface temperature of 160-180 degrees fahrenheit (internal temperatures in excess of 550 degrees). Needs no electricity. Supplies ambient light. Collects soot. Works as a spot heater in a larger room. Can effectively heat a well-insulated small space (depending on weather extremes), and is certainly a valuable addition to a home readiness emergency kit. The candle heater is now going into its second year with a major improvement in the stand and several minor modifications. When "on" it is always on -- constantly suppling dry radiant space heat. www.heatstick.com for photos and more information.

Winter, colder weather, and power outages are on its way. Heating costs will be higher than last year and we will all be balancing staying warm with economic efficiency and our own impact on global warming. The candle heater is a low-tech available now contribution to help reduce energy consumption and provide a bit more heat in our home or office.

The functional and creative device consists of a multi-core steel and ceramic radiator suspended above the candle on an artistic naturally finished steel frame. The rising heat of the candle is captured and concentrated in the radiator assembly by a central solid steel core. After 20-30 minutes the outer ceramic surface radiates the captured thermal energy into home or office.

The solidly compact design (smaller than a Coleman™ lantern) adds heat to your space heating requirements because it is always on, not cycling on and off like a furnace. The heat transfer is constant as long as the candle flame is centered under the steel inner core. Another bonus is that the soot associated with burning candles is captured in the interstices of the radiator assembly and is easily brushed or vacuumed out.

J.O. of New York State had this to say: “I am happy to report that the heeter works as advertised. I had it on for about three hours last night . . . the room temperature had risen about 3 degrees (higher) than the rest of the house. The unit felt very warm to the touch and gave out warm ambient light with reduced candle soot odor. Kids loved it too and we spent the evening with all other lights out . . . Keep up the good work.”

The Kandle Heeter™ Candle Holder is priced at $25.95 and available from the manufacturer at www.heatstick.com. The website is informative with lots of pictures, testimonials, explanations, and informative mini video clips. This simple low-tech solution to space heating in a small environment has real potential to impact lives and the planet in an energy positive way. Certainly if you burn candles for ambience it is a “no-brainer” and if you have been using an electric heater for spot heating, but it is really just a bit too warm, you can burn a candle instead and cut that power bill significantly. And if the lights (and furnace) should go out one dark and stormy night we can cozy up together in front of the fire and stay a little warmer in the firelight.


[Even though OT, I find this invention very smart and practical ... I hope it works as claimed. Vlad]




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