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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Very unsatisfied customer who can’t seem to find a phn # to talk to anyone at the company. My heat bill INCREASED A LOT!! They claimed the heater would cut my heat bill “drastically’….. they said I could return the heater if I wasn’t satisfies yet can not seem to get any info that is correct I guess because the #s I have called are non working #s. SCAM??? I wonder. If anyone has returned on e of these and can get me the correct info I would be so grateful. Email me at duffyzhope2 at yahoo.com
One of these heaters was given to me to have if I can fix it. Well, I did fix it. It only works on low, but it works. If anyone can advise me on how to make it work on High please let me know. Until then, Im probably the only one with a nice Marshall amplifier incased with a nice Amish Mantle.
I loved my first Heat Surge fireplace so much that when they came out with the dark oak I bought one of those too. Gave the first one to my daughter who loves it. Now I have ordered the media unit for it as we have the flat screen on top. Have the fireplace on everyday and love the look of it. I guess its “to each his own” but I would buy them again in a heartbeat.
I have acquired a heat surge fireplace. It has a very nice looking oak cabinet but works only on the low heat setting. I suspect that only a small heat sensor needs to be replaced but:
1. So far I have not found how to get the heater out of the cabinet.
2. I just spent over 5 min on hold waiting to talk with someone from the company. Finally hung up.
3. From the comments I see,I am not optimistic that they will be helpful.
4. The cabinet is so nice I would rather repair the unit than scrap it out. Anyone ever had one apart?
I purchaed this unit in 2010 along with the warranty. My mistake. My unit quit working and I contacted Heat Surge for information to return it. I returned it and they sent me a unti that didn’t fit my cabinet. I sent it back and received a “reconditioned” one that was dirty and scratched. I have spent more time on hold trying to fix the problem than the unti has actuall ram. Would never purchase another one. Again, as a cimsumer, I feel powerless to receive the service I was promised.
I have bought one in 2008 , replaced the heater box 2010 and now that died would not buy another
I love mine. We have central propane heat and with the rising cost of fuel, we have been able to reduce our heating bill significantly. We have our Heat Surge fireplace in the livingroom. We also use 2 Eden Pure heaters – one in the basement and one for our girls’ bedrooms. Our elecricity bill is only slightly higher than it was using just our forced-air propane furnace, but our fuel bill is WAY lower. We went all last winter without refilling our fuel tank – and it was cold in SD last winter! Would buy another in a heartbeat.
Stay away from this place of business, they are a rip off and a joke to deal with, when a faulty heater is sent back the consumer gets one thats re furbished. NOT NEW REPLACEMENT, stay away stay away!!!
Obviously central heat is better and cheaper. As a space heater this style of heater is the safest and best. They are not hot to the touch. They will not cause fires through the heating element. The fires would be through a short which is as likely as a short in ant thing else with a cord. As far as their ads, what are companies main objective, to sell. Yes they are the best area heater but no they are not cheaper than central air and proper insulation. We read probably the same article that was misleading, but if you read past the headliner that does not claim to be free it claims residents are set to receive. So any person that has half s brain will no better. Use common sense.
My heat surge is in my livingroom and allows me to
turn my the thermostat down to 63 degrees.
I have saved alot on my gas bill and had very
small increase in my in my electric bill.
I love mine!