Table of Contents
Electricity Consumption of Space Heaters
The quickest way to get ourselves and our homes warm when it is super cold outside is to turn the furnace up to full blast, but this is not cost-effective at all. It is also bad for the environment because so much natural gas is used.
Instead, many people decide to use a single room electric space heater which, yes, is effective for heating one room, but they are far from being cost-effective. Instead, they use an enormous amount of electricity which is not normally something users consider.
There is a way to use space heaters in an eco-friendly and cost-effective manner, though, which you will be particularly grateful for in the winter months. But what do you need to take into consideration to find a space heater that does not use a lot of electricity and does not cost the earth to run? Best of Tools has found the best ways to save you money and save the planet while keeping you warm.
The Consumption of Power
The process of turning electricity into heat is what requires the most electricity. It has actually been found that it can be more effective to run small space heaters than a combustion heater even though it runs on a different fuel type. On average, a portable heater can use 750 to 1,000 watts of electricity which is the exact same amount as the average toaster or coffee machine.
This is ridiculous when you think of the time period that a toaster or coffee machine may be on for to do their job in comparison to that of a space heater which you would need on for much longer.
Crunch The Numbers
It is important for you to know exactly how much money it would cost you to run your space heater. To help you with this, the Department of Energy simplifies the process, but we will talk to you briefly through it now. Start by identifying the wattage of your space heater, which could either be within the user manual or on the box.
Once this has been located, multiply this number by the average number of hours you would have your space heater on for, before you divide the final number by 1,000. To get the overall total of how much your space heater will cost for you to run, multiply the last figure by the kw/p rate that you are charged by your utility company and you have your answer. Is it worth it?
Are Space Heaters Efficient?
Gary Foreman from The Frugal Life, states that space heaters are much more efficient than a standard furnace because all of the heat they give off is done so within the room you are wanting to heat, unlike a standard furnace which loses a large percentage of its heat at it moves its heat through the pipes around your home. Therefore, space heaters are much more efficient than you may initially think and may give you a good reason to use one.
Space Heater Pro
The main pro towards space heaters is that they do not require the venting of gas, unlike other types of heater. You do not want to have carbon dioxide or other deadly gases in your home if you can avoid it.
Use Your Heater Well
To get the most out of your electric space heater, the best thing to do is to use it in an enclosed space, a smaller room and only use it when you really have to. It is advised to only use a space heater when you are in the same room to make the most of the heat it is providing but also so that the space heater is not left unattended which could be a fire risk.
