Energy Efficient Space Heaters
When it’s cold outsider, I’ll be using my energy saving space heater. I’m going to turn down the thermostat and just heat whatever room I’m in at the moment. After all, I’m only going to be in one room at a time – right?
Do I have a space heater in my home? Absolutely. My favorite heater type is a model with a fan. A good fan can be felt several feet away and really does a quick job of heating the room. Mine also has a thermostat so it will turn off when the room reaches the perfect temperature. Great on those cold mornings!
But what kind of space heater will suit your needs when there are so many types of heaters? Hopefully this site can assist you in making that decision.
(Picture purchased from jjfast.com/graphics-mega-pack-2-0)
One of My Favorite Space Heaters
Lasko 6435 Designer Series Ceramic Oscillating Heater with Remote Control.
4.5 out of 5 stars (363 Customer Reviews)
The oscillating feature of this model is very unusual in a space heater and I really like that. It will give you maximun coverage in a small package.
Raters say that it will heat your room very quickly and is able to heat a medium-sized room with only 1500 (average for space heaters) watts. This heater will quickly pay for itself!
Other Features:
Adjustable thermostat with 7-hour timer to automatically shut the heater off.
Ceramic element with automatic overheat protection and is ETL safety listed.
Compact size comes fully assembled
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What Are The Different Types of Space Heaters
There indeed are many different space heater types, but basically they fall into two categories.
Convection Heaters which work by blowing air across the heating element inside the heater can heat a whole room quicker than a radiant heater. The fans better circulate the air within the room and are good for a chilly bedroom or den – your smaller rooms. Convection heaters are inexpensive and you can get one rated up to 5,000 BTU s for less than $50. They use a variety of heating elements such as quartz or ceramic.
Some convection units are oil or water filled and these are the most energy efficient models. They resemble the old radiators.
Radiant heaters which are most efficient at heating the space they are aimed at, but not the air in the room. You in your easy chair or at the computer? In other words, radiant heaters simply “radiate” their heat and are good for chilly spots within the room. They are generally priced at less than $70. Radiant heaters use 750 to 1,500 watts depending upon the model. Many radiant heaters use propane or kerosine making them truly portable indoors or out.
An interesting new type of radiant heater is hitting the market. These are the flat-panel heaters which can be mounted on the wall and do a pretty good job of warming a small room. They are about $50 to $100.
Whatever your personal preference is, be sure to check the Safety Tips below. In all honesty, space heaters have, if improperly used, caused house fires.
Convection Heaters
This first group is the convection space heaters. Convection heaters generally have higher customer ratings and satisfaction due to their ability to circulate the air around the room. These are my personal favorite and I do have a convection heater with a nice strong fan.
Some of these models also use propane or kerosine so you can take them outdoors or along with you on your next camping trip.
All of these models are rated 4.0 or better at Amazon and have at least 15 customer reviews.
Vornado VH110 Whole Room Vortex Heater. Great circulation with thermostat.
4.0 out of 5 stars (107 Customer Reveiws)Check Today’s Price
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Radiant Heaters
These are all radiant space heaters and include the panel type as well as the very portable propane models. Take the propane heaters with you camping or just in your backyard.
For safety, there is also a ceiling-mounted heater. Very good for families with small children or pets!
Radiant heaters make good foot warmers. A small model on or under your desk can make you a lot more comfortable.
All of these models are rated 4.0 or better at Amazon and have more that 15 customer reviews.
DeLonghi Mica Panel Heater.
4.2 out of 5 stars (184 Customer Reviews)Check Today’s Price
World Marketing/Kozy World Model # KWN321 Wall Heater – Natural Gas/Infrablue Vent Free ~ 30,000 BTU’s.
4.7 out of 5 stars (46 Customer Reviews)Check Today’s Price
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What Size Should Your Heater Be?
What size should your space heater be to be energy saving and still be adequate for your needs?
Generally space heaters require about 10 watts of heating power for every square foot of area to be heated. That means that the average 1,500 watt heater should heat up to 150 square feet – about the size of the average bedroom or den. For a smaller area, the 700 watt heater will work very well.
How much will that cost to operate?
The average 1,500 watt space heater costs about 10 cents per hour to run. Much less than central heating. A smaller heater is of course a little less. Utility rates are different in different areas and 10 cents is the average. Check with your utility company to be sure.
A good way to keep costs down is to purchase a heater with a thermostat which automatically shuts down when your desired temperature is reached. Overheating a room is an unnecessary expense.
The above figures are about the same for the radiator looking oil units as the oil container is sealed and you are only paying for the current to run your heater.
Should Your Heater Be Electric or Oil?
Should I be looking at electric or oil Space Heaters?
The electric fan operated space heater does heat a large room better and quicker, however it only produces heat when it’s running.
On the other hand, the old-fashioned radiator looking space heater, which is filled with dense mineral oil, continues to produce heat after it switches itself off. It does however take longer to heat a room. The units are sealed and are heated – not burned so there are no fumes.
Both draw about the same amount of current to operate.
What is the bottom line?
If you are heating a larger room, the electric convection type heater with a good fan will be the most efficient. For a smaller room or space, the oil radiator may be a little bit cheaper as long as the room is well insulated.
Safety Tips For Your Heater
- Never leave your heater unattended
- It is important is that your heater should not have exposed heating elements. Most of today’s heaters do meet that requirement.
- Your heater should have overheat protection shutting the heating element off if the heater reaches an unsafe temperature.
- You will also want tip-over protection which turns the heater off if it is tipped over.
- Families with small children should consider heaters that are cool to the touch on the outside.
- Check to be sure your heater has a UL, ETL or CSA label.
- Be sure your heater is in a safe level place with no combustible material near.
- Locate your heater away from room traffic.
- Plug your electric heater directly into the wall. If you use an extension cord, be sure it is the heavier duty 14 gauge or more.
- Do not run your electric cord under the carpet.
- Not required, but a plus is a remote control
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Disclosure Statement
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in this site are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. The price you pay for the product is in no way affected by my affiliation. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials.”
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