I recently saw some very interesting ads both on TV and in the newspaper advertising a the new Heat Surge Fireless Flame Fireplace. The product makes a lot of big claims such as reducing winter heating bills, making less mess that traditional fireplaces and being easy to operate. However, one of the most interesting things is that it is made by Amish Craftsmen. I find this claim especially interesting.
I certainly do not claim to know much about Amish society. However, from what I do know, the community tries to avoid technology and electricity. Given that background, it seems odd that they have developed this new technology for heating homes. However, I’m certainly not prepared to accuse them of anything “funny” at this point. I’ve read other reviews out on the web that that question the accuracy of many of the Heat Surge’s claims.
The purpose of this new blog is going to be to explore the claims made by the Heat Surge. At the same time, we are going to try to find other reliable ways to more efficiently heat our homes and reduce our energy bills. Please visit this site often to read what new information we discover. And, if you have any thoughts or experiences with the Heat Surge, please write a comment below.
I also saw that commercial and was curious. I don’t think there’s anything miracle about the “Heat Surge Miracle Heaters”, but it is probably just like any other heater, but with added visual effects. You really can’t change the laws of physics or thermodynamics.
I found an unofficial spec for Heat Surge from eBay:
* Two speed heat settings – 1500 watts and 750 watts
* 2559 BTU’s / 5119 BTU’s
* Dimensions 31.875″w, 25.5″h, 11.875″d, Weight 57lbs
I just checked my Presto HeatDish and it is 1000 watts, similar energy consumption as Heat Surge. If you don’t have young children or pets, then HeatDish or similar products might be good enough and you just want the heat.
The Heat Surge does looks good and the visual impact might be worth it, depending on your situation.
Don’t buy into it.
Amish communities don’t necessarily avoid technology, but they have rules against using technology that promotes luxury or vanity such as cars, TVs and remote controlled rolling fireplaces with fire-less flame technology. Since they avoid connection with the outside world, they don’t use outside power lines as means of electricity, therefore would not have an electric bill to know what it would cost on your bill.
The only claim I could believe to be true is that the mantle itself is made by the Amish. They do have to make money somehow right?
I would just like to read the reviews before I purchase one for my self.
I also saw the segment on tv and wondered if this is the same as the Edenpur. Using 1500 watts sounds like alot of electricity if used for a number of hours. I could see using a heater like this if you live on one floor, and maybe used a fan to distribute the heat. I need more proof.
i would still prefer to use the traditional log based fireplaces compared to electric firepalces*~”
Pondering purchaseing one of these heater brings me back to the life-time proverb of ” if it sounds to good to be true, then it probably is “. Question: Where has this technology been for so many years? I need much more information on this product before I purchase it.
Ive my HeatSurge heater and this is the third winter I’m using it with no complaint. They even sent two extra replacement bulbs free and the ones that came wth it are still working. We put it in the living room and don’t use it during spring and summer. Then during the winter , we move it to a smaller area near the kitchen and family room where we spend most of our time.
I think the room design and climate may be factors to consider (We live in the desert). We never leave it on overnight.
during winterrtime, we move it to a smaller area near the kitchen and family room.
I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS HEATER VERY HIGHLY .IT DOES AN EXCELLENT JOB AS A SECONADARY HEAT SOURCE . VERY QUIET AND BEAUTIFUL . LOOKS LIKE THE REAL THING . GO AHEAD AND PURCHASE IT .YOU’LL BE GLAD YOU DID
To the comments about the Amish and the Technology thing, you folks do understand that the Amish Craftsmen only make the MANTLE and not the heating element or the fan.
I just ordered this HEAT SURGE. I saw the ad on TV and remembered my elderly neighbors had one. I called them and they both raved about it. They have had theirs for 2 yrs and love it. So.. I went ahead and ordered one. My neighbors are in their late 70′s and we all know how frugal this age can be. So I say, if it works for them and they are this happy with it, then I for sure will try it.
My husband and I just ordered one , It seems to be an awesome buy . We have a propane tank that holds 100 gallons , in 1 month we went threw 50 gallons . With what the gas prices are as well as propane . We shall see , hopefully we’ll be able to save some money . Because if the price of gas keeps going up who’s going to be able to do anything except try to save enough for a tank full . About the Amish I believe they are building the whole unit , because if their not , and it’s a lie they won’t like the law suits they’ll be hit with for false information and sale’s of products they did not make . I know their not stupid and being their names being thrown out there saying it was built by Amish , then it was ………….
I have had one for a month…my gas bill was $91.00 as opposed to my mother’s 325.00 bill – and our gas company charges the same amt of gas that you use – they add that same amt as a delivery cost to your home ???? which is beyond me…they never used to do that – so basically my bills was only 45.00…My electric bill went up about 5.00 – that was it and my gas bill went down from 135.00…and it was very cold here in southern Indiana Middle of December to MIddle of January….I love it – I have left it on all night…and sometimes turn it off at night and turn it on when I wake up in the morning…I LOVE MINE!!!
can you just buy the heater and not the mantel?
No one here reads the FINE PRINT on the commercial! It says the “high-tech heat turbine” is “made in the PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF CHINA” Only the mantle is made by the Amish. Watch the commercial and when they show the unit with animated arrows pointing how the heat warms the room they have fine print that clearly states this.
This is also why they say your paying for the mantle but NOT the heater.
It doesn’t mean it wouldn’t work. I’m just cautious of anything made in China. We’re sitting here with a broken oil furnace and one working space heater in the middle of the coldest night of the year wishing we had something like this, so yeah, you can trust me! Enjoy your warmth.
I also want to say if we could afford it we definitely would buy one. Just wanted to clarify what was made where. I meant it when I said enjoy your warmth because I bet it works great. I might just skip a bill and buy one soon.
Just saw a commercial for the Heatsurge a couple of nights ago. Has anyone noticed that you are paying for the mantle and they are giving you a bonus remote and the heater for free? What if you want the heater without the mantle?
Need a dark mahogany finish. Is it available?
Quit Heating w/4months
Can anyone tell me what the total price was for the unit with the mantle? The TV & internet say that it is $298 with free shipping and remote, but when I ordered it, the total on the invoice was $338. I ordered the cherry wood mantle. Thanks
And I noticed that the Amish person that the interviewer kept talking to looked like Ben Stiller…. in a beard….
We have had two of them for a little over three years. They have run at times for days at a time without being turned off. Especially this year with the cold winter we have had here in Panama City, Fl. My claims that it saves us approximately 100.00 a month on our electric bill. We have set our furance thermostat to 62 and the only time it kicks on is if the temp drops to below 25. One heater heats our den, kitchen, and formal dining which figures to 1010sq ft. The second heats our master bedroom and bath approx. 400sq ft. We keep the formal living, bathroom, and 3 bedrooms doors closed. The furance thermostat is in the hallway by the back bedrooms, which needless to say stays pretty cool, but as I said earlier, theremostat stays set 62 and seldom comes on.
Just recently started noticing some rattleing noise from both. but doesn’t last very long and doesn’t happen very often. The cabinet is attractive and doesn’t need to be hidden during warm months.
Would and have highly recommend these heaters to friends and strangers.
I rarely rave about a product, but my Heat Surge fireplace is one of the best products I’ve ever purchased. It solved my heat problem that I had dealt with for eight years. My townhouse has 12 foot ceilings and my living room is 20 x 30 feet and the closest heat vent is at the far end of the room and in the wintertime the room is so cold — even when the central heat is on, no one can stay in the living room. I’ve tried a dozen portable heaters but none of them have been able to heat this large room with the high ceilings, and many of the heaters have activated the circuit breakers and won’t work for more than five minutes.
Then I tried Heat Surge! Not only does it heat the room to a toasty warmth, but my electric bill seems to be the same as before I had the Heat Surge Fireplace. Now I can’t live without my Heat Surge — it’s a life saver. If I hadn’t discovered Heat Surge I surely would have had to move out of my townhouse since there was no other way to bring heat into the living room.
I can’t thank Heat Surge enough for creating this fantastic heater.
All the best,
Bryan Michael