Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI Infrared Wall Heater
- Voltage110 Volts
- Mount typeWall Mounted
- ControlWi-Fi, touchscreen, remote
- Safety featuresTip-over shut off, cool-to-touch grill
- DesignCord hidden when installed over outlet
- Wi-Fi enabled for remote temperature control
- Wall mount design saves floor space
- Tip-over safety shut off and cool-to-touch grill
- Digital thermostat with touchscreen and remote included
- Not suitable as primary heat source for large rooms
- Feet not included, only wall mount
- Limited to 110 Volt power supply
As winter approaches, finding an effective and efficient heating solution becomes essential. The Heat Storm WiFi Heater claims to offer convenience through smart scheduling and efficient infrared heating technology. But does it live up to the hype?
Key Specifications
| Voltage | 110 Volts |
|---|---|
| Mount type | Wall Mounted |
| Control | Wi-Fi, touchscreen, remote |
| Safety features | Tip-over shut off, cool-to-touch grill |
| Design | Cord hidden when installed over outlet |
What the Heat Storm WiFi Heater Does Well
The Heat Storm WiFi Heater offers two power settings, 750 watts and 1500 watts, to match your heating needs and energy use preferences. It can effectively warm rooms between 150 and 400 square feet, depending on insulation quality. This range suits bedrooms, offices, or small living areas where zone heating is preferred.
Its patented HMS dual-wall infrared technology heats objects and people directly, not just the air. This method delivers a more comfortable and consistent warmth without drying out the air. The infrared quartz bulbs inside provide steady heat output, which feels natural and cozy.
You control the heater remotely through its built-in Wi-Fi using a smartphone app. The app supports precise temperature adjustments and scheduling, letting you warm a room before you arrive or manage heat from another room. It is also compatible with Alexa voice commands, adding convenience for smart home users.
A digital thermostat on the unit offers accurate temperature control. This helps maintain the desired room temperature without overshooting and wasting energy. The front grill stays cool to the touch during operation, improving safety for homes with pets or children.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Power settings | 750 W and 1500 W |
| Room size coverage | 150 to 400 sq ft |
| Heating technology | Patented HMS dual-wall infrared |
| Wi-Fi control | Smartphone app and Alexa compatible |
| Thermostat | Digital for precise control |
| Weight and size | About 8.5 lbs; 19 x 4 x 16 inches |
Limitations and Trade-Offs
Installing the Heat Storm WiFi Heater can be tricky. It requires mounting on a wall with studs aligned properly and an outlet close enough for the power cord. Some users report needing to adjust outlet placement or add extension cords, which complicates installation.
This heater does not oscillate, so it sends heat in a fixed direction. That limits heat distribution, especially in larger or irregularly shaped rooms. You may need to supplement it with other heating sources or reposition the heater for better coverage.
The heater emits a faint clicking sound during thermostat adjustments. While quiet overall, this sound may bother light sleepers or those sensitive to noise. It is not loud enough to interfere with normal activities but is noticeable in very quiet environments.
The Wi-Fi connection remains stable once set up, but initial setup can challenge users not familiar with smart devices. The app requires a reliable internet connection to function remotely. If your internet drops, you lose remote control until it reconnects.
Running Costs and Energy Efficiency
The Heat Storm WiFi Heater has two power settings: 750 watts and 1500 watts. This flexibility lets you adjust energy use to match your heating needs and save on electricity when full power is unnecessary.
At its highest setting of 1500 watts, running the heater for 8 hours a day consumes 12 kWh daily. At a typical US electricity rate of $0.17 per kWh, this adds up to about $0.68 per day. Over a 30-day month, that totals roughly 360 kWh and $61 in electricity costs.
| Appliance | Watts | Per hour | Per day (8 h) | Per month (30 days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heat Storm WiFi Heater at 1500 W | 1,500 W | 26¢ | $2.04 | $61.20 |
The heater’s eco mode reduces energy consumption by automatically adjusting power output to maintain the room temperature. This mode prevents constant full-power operation, which lowers running costs compared to standard heaters without adaptive controls.
Infrared HMS technology contributes to efficiency by warming objects and people directly instead of heating all the air. This can feel warmer at lower thermostat settings, reducing the total energy needed.
Monthly electricity costs depend on usage and settings. Running the heater at 1,500 watts continuously costs about twice as much as at 750 watts or eco mode, which roughly halves energy use.
Safety Features of the Heat Storm WiFi Heater
The Heat Storm WiFi Heater includes several safety features designed for home use. It has a tip-over safety shut-off that cuts power if the unit is accidentally knocked over, preventing fire hazards.
A child lock feature on the control panel prevents unintended changes to temperature or settings. This is useful in homes with children or pets who might interact with the heater.
The heater’s exterior stays cool to the touch during operation, thanks to its design and materials. This touch-safe grill reduces burn risks and makes it safer to use around pets and kids.
Because it mounts on the wall, the heater avoids common tripping hazards associated with floor models. Despite this, the tip-over protection remains for added safety during installation or maintenance.
The digital thermostat and controls are sealed behind the panel, protecting internal components from dust and moisture. This enhances durability and helps maintain safe operation over time.
The Heat Storm WiFi Heater meets common safety standards for electric heaters. It suits homes with children and pets when used as directed by the manufacturer.
Comparison with Alternatives
The Heat Storm WiFi Heater stands out among infrared heaters mainly for its smart control and efficient heating. Compared to the Heat Storm HS-1000-WX-WIFI, the HS-1500-PHX-WIFI delivers a higher output of 1500 watts versus 1000 watts, allowing it to warm medium-sized rooms up to 400 square feet rather than just small rooms. However, this higher output requires more electricity and a dedicated circuit to handle the load safely.
The HS-1000-WX-WIFI suits bedrooms or offices under 150 square feet, offering a lighter power demand and a smaller footprint. Both models use patented HMS dual-wall infrared technology, which heats objects and people directly, improving comfort without drying the air. This infrared approach is more efficient than traditional convection heaters that warm air alone.
Alternative electric heaters often lack Wi-Fi control or rely on less efficient heating elements. Some do not include a digital thermostat with precise temperature adjustment or features like child lock and Alexa compatibility. Many portable space heaters also do not have the wall-mounted design that saves floor space and reduces tip-over risk found in the Heat Storm models.
Smart control via smartphone app and voice commands is a key advantage here, allowing users to schedule and adjust heat remotely, which many competing heaters do not offer or implement less reliably. The Heat Storm WiFi Heater maintains a stable connection after setup, making it more convenient for ongoing use.
Who Should Skip the Heat Storm WiFi Heater
The Heat Storm WiFi Heater is not suitable for everyone. Homeowners needing to heat large or poorly insulated spaces will find it inadequate as a primary heat source because its maximum 1500-watt output is designed for zone heating up to about 400 square feet under good insulation conditions. Large rooms or drafty basements require more powerful or multiple heating units.
Those who prefer traditional heating methods, such as convection or forced-air systems, may not appreciate the infrared heating technology. Infrared heaters warm objects directly rather than the surrounding air, which can feel different and may not match the quick air temperature rise some expect.
If you need a heater with an oscillation feature to distribute heat evenly across a room, this model is not ideal. The Heat Storm WiFi Heater is wall-mounted and does not oscillate; it relies on infrared radiation and room layout to spread warmth. Users seeking a fan or oscillating heater should consider other options.
Skip the Heat Storm heater if your room is larger than its effective coverage, if you want warm-air convection heating, or if you need oscillation to spread heat. It works well for efficient zone heating with smart controls in small to medium rooms.
Alternatives Worth Considering
Heat Storm HS-1000-WX-WIFI Infrared Wi-Fi Heater
- Infrared heating warms objects for lasting warmth
- Safe touch grill and automatic tip-over shut off
- Lower wattage limits use to smaller spaces
Heat Storm 1500 Watt Electric In-Wall Heater with WiFi
- Selectable 750 or 1500 Watt output
- Wi-Fi control with custom heat schedules
- Requires in-wall installation, less portable