Waterbed Heater - How to Choose and Use A Waterbed Heater
Waterbeds tend to need a variety of waterbed accessories supplies to maintain and extend their life and to improve the comfort factor they can provide. Of all the accessories a waterbed heater is perhaps the most optional.
Your decision to purchase a heater will in the first instance be governed by the type of climate you live in. If your living in a colder area of the world or an area that can suffer from colder nights then purchasing a heater would be a wise decision.
Unfortunately water conducts cold temperature from its surroundings effectively. In colder climes this can mean your bed is going to get cold and probably uncomfortable on some occasions. A cheap waterbed heater will eliminate this problem and leave you snug and warm on winter nights.
As well as obvious comfort benefits there are health benefits to be considered. If your bed is comfortably warm it will help improve circulation and blood pressure and soothe tiredness and aches while you sleep.
What is a waterbed heater pad? How does it work? Well simply put its a little like a kettle filament. The heater will consist of a set of coils electrically powered that are encased in plastic. The heater set is usually supplied with a sensor arrangement and thermostat for temperature control. Ideal temperatures for a comfortable nights sleep are around 28 degrees which is roughly similar to your normal body temeperature. Thanks to thermostatic controls you can reduce or increase the tempertaure to your own preferences.
Generally there are three standard waterbed heater designs. These are standard cap and bulb heaters, solid state heaters and softside waterbed heaters. Solid state digital heaters are generally the most efficient design and are usually control by computer chip making them useful energy savers. Standard cap and bulb heaters may be cheaper to purchase but are generally older technology with poorer efficiency relying on an ethyl gas design within a copper wire. Softside heaters are specifically designed for soft side mattresses. They are low energy users.
If you do opt for a heater be aware that you will have to monitor the temperature carefully to avoid making to much impact on your electric bill. During warm weather consider reducing the heaters settings.
If you do opt for a heater or decide that it is absolutely necessary remember to exercise care. Electricity and water is a dangerous combination so carefully read instructions and follow all the manufacturers guidelines. If the heater pad unit looks damaged or begins to become temperamantal whilst in use isolate the unit avoid using and seek advise from the manufacturer bearing this in mind it probably best not to purchase a used waterbed heater but opt for a genuine new item from an established or recognised retailer.