Got the shivers from winter’s chill? Are your energy bills through the roof? It can be expensive to heat a whole house. But what if keeping warm didn’t mean throwing out your savings? A budget space heater could be exactly what you need. You can keep heat to just the room you’re in. The right one makes all the difference! You want to save energy, not expend it.
All About Space Heater Efficiency
What Makes A Space Heater Use Less Energy? Everything hinges on how it converts electricity into heat. Some do a much better job than others of this. That translates to more heat for each dollar spent, which is what efficiency is all about.
Common Space Heaters and Their Efficiency
There are primarily three types: radiant, convection, and fan-forced. Radiant heaters directly emit heat waves toward you. Think of the sun. Convection heaters heat the air around them. Some heaters are fan forced, which blow heat out into the room.
Radiant or convection heaters are usually the most efficient for small spaces. Convection heaters are suitable for larger spaces, but take longer to heat. Fan-forced heaters circulate heat quickly but may use more power. Choosing the correct kind of type depends on your needs.
Important Factors Influencing Energy Consumption
Wattage is a big deal. Lower wattage equals less energy used. It also helps to pay attention to thermostat settings. Don’t crank it up too high! Room size also plays a part. A coattail heater will be ineffective in a big room.
The right balance is a must. Plenty of heat without burning up electricity. Here are a few to maximally optimize your heater.
Energy Star-Rated and What It Represents
See that Energy Star label? It’s a sign of efficiency. The Energy Star program can help you identify models that meet stringent guidelines. They consume less energy than standard models. Keep an eye out for that label when shopping. You’ll save money and do your part of saving the planet.
Best Space Heater Models for Money
Let’s look at some top picks. These models also tend to be very budget friendly. They generate a powerful heat and don’t suck dozens of electrical watts.
Lasko 754200
It doesn’t take much room up, but the Lasko 754200 is powerful. Includes two heat settings and adjustable thermostat. Ideal for a small office or bedroom. It is inexpensive, efficient, and only uses 1500 watts. It’s priced very well, generally at $30-$40.
PELONIS PHTPU1501 Ceramic
Programmable thermostat: PELONIS PHTPU1501 Ceramic Heater You can program it to power on and off at specific times. Overheat protection is also featured on this heater. A safe and efficient option. Expect to pay around $45-$60.
Vornado AVH10 Vortex
The Vornado AVH10 Vortex Heater circulates that heat evenly. It warms the whole room. It has several heat settings and a cool-touch exterior. You should plan on spending about $70-$90.
How to Get the Most from Your Space Heater
The placement of your heater is important. How you do so makes all the difference! Here’s how to get the most warmth for your buck.
Motor Technology: Outfitting Your Tankless Heater
Do not place the heater in a corner. Put it somewhere that the heat can radiate out easily. Stay away from anything that can burn. Never leave it unattended.
Programmable Thermostat Use
Programmable thermostat averts wasting energy. Program it to lower the heat when no one is around. This reflects a huge amount of savings from this. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, a timer can also do the job.
How to Insulate Your House to Reduce Heat Loss
Seal those windows and doors! Drafts let heat escape. Fill in gaps with weather stripping or caulk. Even a basic door draft stopper can help. The heater won’t have to work as hard if you insulate.
Use Caution When Using Space Heaters
Safety first! Space heaters can be unsafe when not used properly. Be aware of the risks and stay safe. It is not worth the chance of a fire or injury.
Common Space Heater Hazards
Fire is the biggest risk. Never place a heater next to curtains or furniture. Another danger is carbon monoxide — if the heater isn’t vented properly. You can get burns if you touch a hot surface.
Safety Features to Look For
Always note that should safety features The heater has a tip-over switch that shuts the heater off if it tips over. Overheat protection stops the heater from overheating. Its cool-touch housing prevents the exterior from becoming too hot to touch.
Safe Usage Guidelines
Keep flammable stuff away. Never use an extension cord. Make sure the area is well ventilated. Never leave a heater on when you leave the house. Follow these simple steps to stay safe.
Deriving the Real Cost of Space Heater Usage
Wondering how much that heater will actually cost you? Let’s do some math. It’s easier than you think.
What Is Your Electricity Bill Telling You
First, look at your electricity bill for how much you pay per kilowatt-hour (kWh). It’s typically ranked toward the top. This figure will help you calculate your heater’s energy consumption. Know what you’re being charged for every unit of energy consumed.
How to Estimate Energy Use of a Space Heater
Formula: (Wattage / 1000) x Hours Used x Cost per kWh = Daily Cost Say a 1500 watt heater is used for 4 hours, it will cost $0.90 per day ($0.15/kWh). Keep watch on this, because it will tally up.
Case Study: Space Heater vs Central Heating Costs
Space heaters heat one room. Central heating heats the entire house. If you only need to heat one small area, it may even be less expensive to use a space heater. For the same duration, central heating is typically more efficient for warming a whole house. Take your time to consider the balances and trade-offs.
Conclusion
Inexpensive space heaters can help keep you warm, without gigantic bills. You need to choose wisely. Think about efficiency and safety, and how it will be used. Staying warm this winter doesn’t have to be a bank-breaking endeavor.
