Do Space Heaters Use a Lot of Electricity?

In most cases, space heaters are less efficient than central heating. They work best when used for comfort heat in a small space, but can quickly jack up your heating bill if not monitored closely. The US Energy Department estimates gas furnaces use 43% of the energy used by electric space heaters to heat the same area.

Are there battery operated space heaters?

Residential battery technology doesn’t support the energy load demanded by space heaters. Electric portable space heaters need to be plugged into a wall socket or generator.

Are electric space heaters safe?

Electric portable space heaters are known to be a risky heating option, but many models come with safety features. Look for portable heaters that have been tested, proven, and certified to meet specific safety standards. Important safety features include tip-over and overheat protection. Homeowners can reduce the likelihood of incidents by properly maintaining their heater, shutting it off and unplugging when not in use, keeping the heater away from water, and plugging it into outlets or power bars with sufficient power capacity. Refer to the wattage (or amps) of your heater and power source.

Can you leave an electric heater on all night?

It’s not a good idea to leave a portable electric heater on all night. Not only do you run the risk of overheating or overloading your power supply, the heater can also dry out your skin and sinuses. Look for heaters with the option to schedule operating times.

Are portable electric space heaters energy efficient?

The efficiency benefits of space heaters begin and end with their ability to delay the need to turn on (or turn up) your central heating system. They can be less than half as efficient as a furnace and are designed to provide comfortable heating in a very small living space. If you find you need a space heater in many areas of your home, try to locate where you might be losing heat in your home. Conducting an energy audit is a great place to start!

What are the benefits of ceramic electric portable space heaters?

Ceramic heaters are a type of convection heater that pulls air over a hot surface and blows it around the room with a fan. When compared to infrared heaters, ceramic heaters heat up more slowly but are better at heating large spaces and keeping them warm even after the unit is turned off. Smaller spaces generally heat more efficiently with infrared heaters.

In-Depth Product Guide

Electric Portable Space Heater

FAQs

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Electric portable space heaters can be moved around your home and are best used to heat small areas. There are four common types of electric portable space heaters: ceramic heaters, fan heaters, infrared heaters, and radiant heaters.

Ensure that any portable space heaters are safe from electrical shorting, the cords are in good condition, and that they are not used near flammable materials such as curtains.

Electric space heaters operate on electricity, so they are as sustainable as the source of electricity. They are also inefficient compared to other electric heating systems such as air or ground-source heat pumps. In a home with an older heating system with one or two thermostats, portable electric space heaters can be used to heat only the rooms that are needed. This type of operation can save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Electrical resistance heaters were developed in the late 1800s, and at the time some of them used light bulbs as a heating element. This shows what the original incandescent light bulbs mostly produced - heat!

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