Space heaters are appliances that provide localized and focused heat, most space heaters use gas or electricity. But, the big question that comes to your mind is, are these space heaters energy efficient?
You may not be aware that space heaters are efficient in the consumption of energy than a fireplace. If you are looking for a product that is energy efficient, then a space heater is the best option.
With your space heater, energy is conserved. You can plug it into any part of your house that is being used at that moment. It can be your bedroom, living room, garage, home office, or baby’s nursery.
Once it is plugged in, you can set a specific temperature and speed when the heat is emitted out. A continuous temperature will be maintained while you enjoy a warm atmosphere in the room.
When your desired temperature has been reached, you can unplug it and take it to another room. This action enables you to conserve energy.
The space heaters are also the best heaters for the cold season. Trying to heat or warm every part of your home during winter might be quite challenging and tasking. The availability of the space heater will limit the chances of these challenges. This limitation is because of its efficiency.
All you need to do is heat some selected areas in your home that you will be using during the period. You can heat your basement, office, garage, or camping with your family.
The space heater is very suitable and energy-efficient as long as home heating is concerned. You can plug it into a room, fix the temperature, and let it do the work. Once the room reaches your desired temperature, the space heater turns off. This depicts the heater as being energy efficient and capable of conserving energy.
Also, space heaters are generally environmentally friendly. They pose no threats to pets and children. They again cool down very quickly when you are done heating or when you need to put them away. They are also portable. Thus, they can be easily moved from one place to another.
Generally, space heaters have a high energy efficiency rate due to their ability to turn all their energy into heat. They are relatively easy to install and use. Their efficiency also brings comfort to the user.
Do Space Heaters Save Money And Electricity?
The rate at which heaters consume electricity and are expensive to get and maintain has prevented many individuals from installing them in their homes.
However, your fear should be little because the expenses incurred on space heaters largely depend on the areas you are using.
The larger the area, the higher your costs. The rate of electric power consumption also depends on the type of space heater you intend to get.
If you intend to warm one or two rooms, space heaters will use a low amount of energy considerably. A situation whereby you put a space heater in every room in the home will amount to more expenses.
The type of space heater also determines the money spent on space heaters. Some space heaters are relatively lower in price when compared with other types. However, whenever you are opting for a space heater, endeavor to get the right type. If your concern is just to heat part of a room, it is recommended that you choose a radiant heater. This type of space heater emits infrared radiation, which warms up whatever is close to it.
However, if you intend to heat the whole room, a convection heater is the most appropriate. This heater warms up the air and emits heat consequently.
The type of space heater you choose will determine your expenses. The radiant and convection space heaters are comparable in price—their price range from $30 to $130.
Some types of space heaters consume less amount of energy than others. The Eco-heater, for instance, uses less energy when compared with other types. It uses energy as low as 400 watts, compared with the convection space heater, which uses about 1500 watts. Therefore, the Eco-heater saves more energy than the convection heater.
Also, more energy or electricity is used by space heaters meant to heat larger spaces or areas. Thus, if the room you want to heat is small, you can get away with a less powerful heater. Therefore, the size of the space you intend to heat will determine the extent to which the space heater saves energy.
More so, bear in mind that you will lose a large amount of money if your house is not adequately insulated. Proper insulation of your home will reduce your expenses on space heaters significantly. Ensure you read the safety instructions very well before using any space heater. This is because of the Hugh risks of fire hazards that are often associated with space heaters. Carelessness with space heaters can result in a fire outbreak, which will lead to more expenses.
Are Space Heaters More Efficient Than Central Heating?
Keeping your home warm is a fundamental priority, especially if you live in areas with cold temperatures. The cold is usually more severe during winter than in other seasons. Therefore, it is vital that you become familiar with the most efficient and effective method of keeping your home warm during this season.
Several people have been wondering which method is the best and more efficient between the space heater and the central heating. Energy efficiency is crucial during the winter season, especially for those who need to heat their home frequently.
This might be a pressing issue that keeps disturbing you, but we have got you covered. In the subsequent paragraphs, we will be looking at the two methods: the space heaters and the central heating and determine which of the two is more energy efficient.
You must be acquainted with the differences that exist between these two types of heaters. While central heating is supported by a furnace and can be used to heat an entire home, a space heater is a mobile unit used to heat a room. The space heater is portable and can be carried anywhere, but the central heating is installed in a home.
The answer to this question is not far-fetched. It depends on the size of your home you intend to heat. If you are heating a relatively small area, take, for instance, one or two rooms, you can consider opting for a space heater. However, if you are heating an entire home, it is more energy-efficient to use the central heating than running several space heaters.
As regards energy per heat output, central heating is better at energy efficiency than space heaters. This is because putting space heaters in several rooms in the home and turning them on will result in energy waste. Thus, central heating is more energy efficient when large spaces are involved.
Do not forget that space heaters are often associated with fire hazards. They are responsible for a large number of deaths at home today. Hence, it is unwise to leave space heaters on without checking them. These types of heaters are not also suitable for older apartments and homes. This is due to their tendency to cause breakers to flip when they drain electric power.
If your intention is to go with space heaters, ensure you are familiar with their safety tips. Read their safety instructions very well before use.
Usually, central heating is more energy-efficient than space heaters, but you can get a space heater as an alternative if you can’t afford central heating. Space heaters are often used as extensions to central heating if you intend to heat individual rooms.
Do Space Heaters Use A Lot Of Electricity?
From the chilly seasonal weather to the winter’s cold temperature, a space heater can make a lot of differences. But how much electricity does a space heater use? The answer to this question is quite simple. The amount of electricity used by a space heater is determined by its type.
To find out how much electricity your space heater uses, it is important to know the wattage of the space heater. In most cases, the wattage is printed on the space heater or written n the manufacturer’s manual. The space heater wattage shows how much electricity is required to power it. Therefore, it is advisable that you read the owner’s manual to know the wattage of your space heater.
The range of electric power used by space heaters is from 1200 watts to 1500 watts. Most space heaters use 1500 watts. The more powerful a space heater is, the more electric power it consumes. And the more electric power it consumes, the more the electricity bill.
However, you should know that a space heater’s amount of electricity does not determine its efficiency. For instance, a lower wattage space heater can be more energy-efficient than a high wattage space heater if used correctly.
How Do I Know If My Space Heater Is Energy-Efficient?
Heating is considered one of the reasons for the spike in electricity bills, especially during the winter season. Therefore, it is very important that you have a space heater that is energy efficient and will not cost you too much. This births the question that “how do I know if my space heater energy efficient?”
The most effective way to know if your space heater is energy efficient is by looking for energy efficiency ratings. These ratings usually come with the space heater. They are stars placed on the heaters. The more the stars, the more efficient the space heater is.
An airtight test can also be taken to know if your space heater is energy-efficient or not. This process involves the use of caulk or sealing tape to prevent the cold air from outside from entering the room through the windows or any other opening. This will prevent the heat from escaping and ensure the room is heated up faster. With these steps, you can determine if your space heater is energy-efficient or not.
What Causes Space Heaters To Catch Fire?
Recent research has shown that space heaters are the second-leading cause of fires in the home across the world today. These have caused the death of several people. However, there are several underlying factors that cause these fires.
More than often, it is not that the space heaters are not safe. The primary cause of space heater fire is the placement of the space heater too close to items that can burn. These flammable items include clothing, curtains, paper, bedding, mattresses, or furniture. A fire outbreak can quickly occur if a space heater sparks ignition.
Conclusion
Space heaters are the commonest type of heaters in every home. They are used to heat up tiny rooms particularly during cold seasons such as during winter. Compared with central heating, they are more energy-efficient if used in small areas or rooms.