Just ran across a two-page spread in the Sunday paper for the Heat Surge Roll ‘n Glow portable electric fireplace which set off a red flag alert in my blog-addled mind. The company HeatSurge, LLC has a website amishfireplaces.com where you can enter a code to presumably get 2 free heating units during this special offer by purchasing the accompanying Amish-made mantle, you just have to respond within a 1-800-ripmeoff-ish 48 hours.
The headline for the ad reads “Amish man’s new miracle idea helps home heat bills hit rock bottom” which would indicate that an Amish man (traditional Amish sects disavow the use of electricity, phones and mechanized stuff) invented this product. The small print states that the heating technology itself was actually invented by an “engineering genius” in China. The Amish are making the handcrafted wooden mantle. Some consumers have taken issue with the company’s claims, with the most comprehensive evaluation appearing on Yahoo! Answers here.
The other claim in the ads is that the unit consumes less electricity than an electric coffee-maker (I believe that is if they are on for the same amount of time) while producing over 5000 BTU’s of heat and that you can save amazing amounts of cash on your home heating bill by moving the unit from room to room. (The Paul Harvey endorsed, EdenPure, makes similar claims). In both cases, though, turning the heat down in the rooms you’re not currently in, is not normal home owner behavior. ConsumerReports.org has a post on space heaters and lower heating bills. The Heat Surge units do appear to create a nice fireplace-like appearance, don’t require a chimney or flue, and can be rolled around the home. Checkout ConsumerSearch.com or pick-up the October Consumer Reports for a closer look at space heater ratings.
A better way to conserve heat might be to add some insulation to your home and get programmable thermostats that can regulate your home heating by zone and time to enable you to turn the heat down when you’re not home or in a particular room. Do your research before jumping to throw money at a ‘miracle’ offer that appears to be too good to be true. Also consider safety issues concerning space heaters. Portable space heaters cause thousands of home fires each year.
Anyone who has purchased one of these units or done additional research on the Heat Surge product, please chime in.
Related: Space Heater Alternatives to Heat Surge and Heat Surge Update
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Used our fireplace for the last month. It was a early Christmas gift from my parents. Even though it did a great job heating our bedroom at night . . . we just got our electricity and our billed TRIPPLED from $170 to $585. Don’t buy one!!
My mother purchased a heat Surge unit two years ago and I thought the feeling of warmth was an illusion since you could see the flames. It didn’t take me long to realize it is a very effecient way to heat her den which is 12×20. She is on a fixed income and this Heat Surge is exactly what she needs to heat the room where she spends most of her time. It was an execllent purchase, as with any product, there are many good ones and a few lemons. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy another Heat Surge.
Young, MS
Don’t be fooled by their misleading advertising!
The below URL is an industry standard Electric Watts to BTU Converter. It shows the Heat Surge heater performs the same and costs just as much to operate as other electric heaters of the same wattage. Check it out before you buy the heat surge.
http://www.borino.com/GYC/wattsbtu_calculator.htm
I purchased a Heat Surge fireplace late in 2008 and used it almost exclusively to heat my livingroom. My heating bills were very high the winter of 2008/2009, but we had an unusally severe winter, so I’m not sure if using the Heat Surge contributed to my high energy costs or if they would have been the same using another heat source. My ‘gripe’, thus far, is that the unit quit working for aparently no reason … it was working fine, I turned it off one evening, went to bed, and when I awakened in the AM and turned it on, nothing happened: no lights, no flames, no heat, no sounds ~ nothing ~ nor has there been a spark of life since! The reset button in the back, when pushed, was limp and offered no help whatsoever. I changed plug-ins, checked the power cord … plugged a light into the plug-in where the heat surge had been plugged and the light worked fine. I contacted Heat Surge via email and they wrote back (after the weekend), promising to send me a pre-paid UPS shipping label by which I could return the unit and receive a new one … well, it’s been almost two weeks and all I have gotten so far are polite emial responses but no action ~ no ‘prepaid UPS shipping label!’ I finally called their 800 number and, am waiting, as I write this, for a return phone call … we’ll see. I paid a small fortune for this heating unit and have used and enjoyed it up until now, but it’s working slightly over a year (it sat unused for most of the summer) doesn’t please me in the least … AND, I’m not overly happy about what I perceive as being ‘put off’, repeatedly, with regard to honoring their initial response of a prepaid shipping label. If I could ‘fix’ the unit following their troubleshooting methods, fine, but those listed on their website have proven fruitless. I want the unit fixed or replaced … that’s not too much to ask given the amount of MONEY paid for this unit … and given that Heat Surge guarantees satisfaction. I’m not very satisfied at the moment. I’ll respond further when/if I hear from Heat Surge and see how they follow-through on this matter.
Thanks for all of the feedback about Heat Surge.
I want to encourage you to check out http://www.heatsurge.com to learn more about the fireplaces.
In addition, we have a Facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/heatsurge and our Twitter site at http://www.twitter.com/heatsurge
Sincerely,
Chris Pugh
Heat Surge
The front falls off, the parts are put together with staples, and the thing can smoke.
Received first heater on November 3, 2009. sent back on 11-13-2009. The cord was getting too hot and the front of the fireplace looked like it had been stained by someone who knew nothing about staining furniture. Received the second heater on 12-04-2009. Had sent the remote back but one didn’t come back with the heater. Turned on fireplace and it sounded like it was falling apart. Called heat surge, and they very nicely told us how to fix it. Did well until the next time we turned it on. Sent back with the remote on 12-16-2009. Was credited all but $67.00. $49.00 was for return shipping and $18.00 was for the remote they said we didn’t return, which we did. Now what use would we have for a remote that only works with the fireplace? Should not have had to pay for shipping since both fireplaces had manufacturer’s defect. Wish I had listened to the bad reviews before I ordered.
we have hade our heat surge for 2 years. it quit blowing heat. there is no reset button on ours now what i called the 800 number she said it could be the heating element and for139.00 we can get a new one any ideas
We purchased a unit just before Christmas. Love the look. We plugged it in and heard a noise. Called Heat Surge and they talked me through pulling off a panel and adjusting a roller that gets jostled with shipping. Noise went away. We run it 24/7 except when we are out. We turn thermostat DOWN for oil furnace and move unit from place to place with us. First electric bill, covering 2 weeks with HS, plus 4 weeks with all Christmas lights and new bigger frige was $30 higher than last one. Temps overnight in house are 62-65 but our bedroom is toasty. During day, we put it in large room open to stairwell, kitchen, living room and dining room and hallways. The furnace kicks on and off, but unit reduces oil use. We love our Heat Surge. Looks beautiful. Probably should have gotten two for when other people are here in different areas of house.
Weigh the pros and cons…Yes, I think Heat Surge overdoes it with the Amish emphasis and some of it doesn’t ring true, but I believe the Amish put the mantles together. Yes, it is not a real flame, but they tell you that and it looks great. Yes, the mechanics are probably made overseas. Yes, it can make a noise and you may need to adjust the roller that gets jostled in shipping to fix it. Yes, a cheaper unit will heat the same, but I very much enjoy the look of the cabinet and the flame. It IS REAL WOOD, not particle board as some have stated. It seems to be well made. It does not cost a lot to run and can save you money if you turn your oil thermostat down and move unit from room to room with you. We like ours very much.
We are hearing some bad things about this product:#1 not made by Ohio Craftsmen, but in CHINA, not a surpise. #2 just plain does not work as stated with LIGHT BULBS and the Heat Turbine is a farce.
I see the infomercials and can not believe what I as seeing. Craftsmen working in Amish environment, using primative toos (clamps, a level (what purpose would a level serve?) planes for triming wood,buckboard being loaded with a few boxes containing the Heat Surge, bearded Amish people??
Well, we are going to try to visit the Ohio facility to see these mantles being made; could you give us the address?
Terrible, terrible customer service. Can’t get through, must leave message for call back and once they return call…hours after promised, customer service reps have been awful. It’s probably because they get so many complaints and unhappy consumers calling for refunds, replacements, etc. YES, it is particle board…look again to those that don’t see the real wood stapled or glued on top. Do not back up product or offer help if more than a year old…no way to get it fixed. Unfortunately for landfills! This is a SCAM! Don’t fall for it, like we did…stupid us.
I have had this “heat surge” for only a few days now and am not happy with the function ( or lack thereof ) of the heater. It doesn’t heat well. And, it turns off for no reason at all. It is a loud sound for the blower and I had been told it was really silent. Also, I had been told it heated really well an area of 400 sqft. and then I was told by another representative that it only heated a 325 ft. area. Now ,which is the truth???? And, customer survice is really very lousy. You can call and and be told to get a “call back” and it might happen 6 hours from when they say One hour and you won’t lose your place in line. Yeah ,right. And , the only thing that is kinda nice about the whole thing is the fake flames.
A little physics = a lot of knowledge. Watts are a measure of electrical energy AND a measure of heat. Therefore a 1500 watt hairdryer, 1500 watt heater, 1500 watt air compressor and a 1500 watt Heat Surge have exactly the same amount of heat output; they have too. Believe it or not, a 1500 watt air conditioner produces, you got it, 1500 watts of heat OUTSIDE. 1500 watts = 1500 watts = 1500 watts of heat energy. I have degrees in Physics and Math, but this is pretty elementary math. Electric heat is NOT efficient. Looks like a pretty cute piece of furniture though.
I purchased an edenpure. Several hundred dollars later I have a piece of junk that sits on our shelf and doesnt work! Only worked for about 20 hours. Their customer service still hasn’t returned my call! I’m very pi–ed! Go to your local home depot or lowe’s they have very similar units and if something goes wrong you can look someone in the eyes!
good luck!
joel
Thanks for the comments from customers who have purchased the heat surge fireplace. I was contemplating buying one, but after reading all the comments, I am staying away from it! I guess this proves not to believe everything you see or read on TV (or in the newspapers). Buying a product in person, from a company with good customer service, is the best way to go.
Thanks for the heads-up!
I canceled my order within hours after further research and the company still took the money from my account 4 days later after receiving an email verifying my cancellation. I still have not been able to get my money refunded or any response from the company. The company’s lack of integrity and customer service shows that this is not the route to take if you like the heater or not choose another company not heat surge.
my mother was given a heatsurge for x-mas last year and it worked ok. on January 18th, I was giving my niece and nefew a bath when I smelled wires burning,went to see what it was and the heatsurge fireplace was on fire in our dining room! Unplugged it and rolled it outside as to make sure it was compleatly out. Now I am waiting for them to call me back so I can send it back to them. Not sure how long it will take, when I called they said I had a 2 1/2 hour waiting time for the next representative to be available. So I e mailed them and they said I would have a response in 48 hours so I guess it is a waiting game from here.
I like everyone else….was taken in by the info commercial and I almost bought one until I started dissecting the commercial. First off…..the emphasis is on the Amish and the quality of work producing this fireplace mantle/aka fireplace. However that’s all they produced…but that’s not the impression you’re suppose to have…..because they show an Amish man placing a heater inside the mantle…and the fine print below the screen says these heaters are from china. So why so much emphasis on the mantle….and the quality of work? Oh I forgot…..the heater is FREE! Got news for you….I have a friend who makes quality furniture for a living…and no matter who makes it….the box as he describes it….cost nowhere near the amount being charged for it. Remember the heater is FREE! Secondly about the heater—-do you really trust items from China? In the past 3 years, how many items were recalled because of problems and from reading a few of these post it seems these may be recalled too. One has to wonder if the heater (not the mantle) is such a wonderful piece of equipment,….why are they giving away two FREE? Thirdly….here’s something to ponder…..so you bought the fireplace with great expectations and then it quits working. Do you really expect to get your money back? Remember you didn’t pay for the heater….it was FREE. Unless the mantle is defective….you got what you paid for…..a mantle crafted by the Amish. I would hope for the amount of money charge for the mantle…..there would be some sort of design crafted in the wood so when the heater breaks down…..I could always install some shelves in the middel and make it a portable bookcase. Buyer beware!
Heat Surge – “an electrical device invented and manufactured by Amish people”. First clue. If a con artist wants to con you, the first thing they do is tell an outrageous lie and see if you are still agreeing with them. This is how con artists separate the mooches (stone-cold suckers) from people they cannot fool. They figure out if you are a mooch with a simple outrageous lie, upfront.
Heat Surge advertizes on “Fox News” on the Weekends. Second Clue. It is like the “Send in Your Gold” scam and the other scams which advertise on “Fox News” that sell to a reactionary, rather than thoughtful, audience.
Rush Limbaugh’s radio show advertizes “Spray-On Aluminum Siding”.
If you call about “Spray-On Aluminum Siding” or an “Electrical device invented and manufactured by Amish people” the company taking your call already knows they got you.
YOU already know Fox News and Rush Limbaugh are making hundreds of millions of dollars.
NOW you know who they get that money from: their Advertisers. And ultimately the people that buy their Advertisers’ products.
I found edenpuresale.com to be good a place to ask questions about the heater
what the ???? run , run very fast, away from heaters made in “china” with wires that melt !!! thanx every one for opening our eyes
I have read the reviews on the surge heater and I appreciate them all. I guess the one review that turned the light on was from Suzy (thanks Suzy).The part that mentioned the heater was FREE and you are paying for the mantle. I don’t believe they will send us all a new FREE heater to slide in the mantle. Our heater stopped as well i.e. blowing cold air. We enjoyed it as long as it worked (2 seasons). We all should have known better, when are we going to learn. I am originally from upstate NY where there are many amish farms. They may be capable of making wheels for buggies and harness but don’t believe they are master craftsmen. thanks
Be careful this company has issues with customer service and their product. They have refused to refund me after cancelling an hour after ordering and receiving a cancellation acknowledgement they will not refund my money to me now. Can not get through on the phone or email.
I just watched the infomercial, the fake amish guy talking while avoiding the camera made me laugh out loud!
I just bought a space heater at costco for $40.00, when it quits, I will throw it away and get another one.
The only way I would buy this product is if I suddenly got a windfall of mondo cash, wanted to build a sex room for me and the missus, it would look nice next to the fake bear skin rug we would have to do the wild thing on :)
Do your research! This product competes with Solar Comfort by Sun Cloud (made in China) and Sun Twin(EdenPure) made in Mexico & Asia and Sun Aire (made in USA!) Research the heat source of each unit. The Sun Aire uses 3-500 Watt Halogen Lamps – 1500 Watts available at Lowes/Home Depot and a digital/programmable Thermostat. I did the research and have used the Sun Aire since Dec 2005. I use it 24/7 in the winters of Virginia. I am a home owner/consumer with no ties to any of these companies. Consider what you want a space heater to do. My number one consideration is safety. E-mail each company and ask how they handle replacement heating elements, etc. Then make your decision. There is a lot of hype out there. Don’t get ripped off!
ANOTHER RIPPED OFF CUSTOMER. BOUGHT A HEAT SURGE ON 12-13-09. IT CLANKED AND SQUEAKED. I COULD NOT GET THROUGH ON THE PHONE. WAITED A TOTAL OF 6 HOURS OVER 4 DAYS. BULLSHIT. THEN I SENT IT BACK. IT TOOK 3 WEEKS TO GET A NEW ONE. IT CAME PRETTY AS YOU PLEASE. THEN I GOT MY ELECTRIC BILL. 100% INCREASE. ELECTRIC BILL WENT FROM 19.70 TO 197.00. THIS IS NOT THE HEATER TO BUY. BESIDES THE AMISH BUILD THE CABINET, NOT THE HEATING MECHANISM.
FIRST OF ALL I AM SHOCKED THAT THE AMISH ARE INVOLVED IN THIS TYPE OR ADVERTISEMENT AS THEY DON’T USUALLY DISPLAY THERE LIFE ON TV. I LIVE NEAR THE AMISH IN PA AND FOR THEM TO ENDORSE SOMETHING THAT IS OBVIOUSLY NOT WELL MADE, BUT I LOVE AMISH FURNITURE AND HAVE AND WILL CONTINUE TO PURCHASE THEIR HAND MADE FURNITURE!! SO I THANK ALL OF YOU WHO HAVE COMMENTED BECAUSE I TOO WAS LOOKING INTO PURCHASING ONE OF THESE HEATERS AS WELL. OH AND THEY SAY GOOD HOUSEKEEPING SEAL WELL THAT REALLY DOESN’T SAY MUCH NOW DOES IT!!!!!!! THANK YOU
I bought one of these mainly for ambiance and it comes the closest to an actual fireplace. BUT!! The jury is still out as far as how heat and cost effective. I called for customer service before business hours and gave a call back time for ten a.m. The phone rang at EXACTLY 10 AM! No fooling. I had no problem with service. The heater makes a whirling nose that should be explained and shuts off after a while probably to prevent over heating.Their is no thermostat. If you are looking for the feel of a real fireplace(my wife loves it)spend the money.The oak is well made and looks great.The remote control is too expensive.So far so good.BUT! It’s only been one month.Also be advised where all these reviews might be coming from.. Could it be a competitor?
I bought one about 2 years ago now and it’s the best thing I’ve bought. I never noticed that much of an increase in my electric bill, it warms our living room nicely, mind you it’s an old house, very high ceilings, the room is the entire front of the house. It takes about 45 minutes to really warm it up, but it’s quiet, the flame is nice, the remote works well. It doesn’t heat like a normal gas fireplace. My cousin ordered one for her house and one for her summer house, she loves them so much she showed her friends and they bought fireplaces. So I don’t know why everyone seems to have problems. I for one LOVE it.
All heaters that use 1500 watts of power cost around fifteen cents and hour to use with KWN price of around a dime.