What Is The Most Efficient Electric Heater?

Types of Electric Heater

1. Infrared Heaters – In general, these heaters have the lowest wattage for the amount of heat supplied.

2. Oil-Filled Heaters – These heaters are best-known for being long-lasting.
3. Ceramic Heaters – Ceramic Heaters provide energy efficiency and are often the cheapest option for all up-front costs.

How Does An Infrared Heater Work?

An Infrared Heater emits a heat that isn’t visible to the naked eye—very similar to sunrays. This heater is best-known for heating directly to the skin, clothes and hair. Infrared Heaters vary in design, style and output levels. This is why you’ll often see gas powered Infrared Heaters at outdoor functions, or electric Infrared Heaters positioned in bedrooms or bathrooms.

How Much Does An Electric Heater Cost To Run?

Three types of Electric Heaters identified in a CHOICE 2021 case study include Fan Heaters, Oil Column Heaters and Panel heaters. In this study, CHOICE researchers tested the heaters based on peak hour times, and off-peak times over the course of 9 hours per day during a 12-week period.

Based on these factors, CHOICE experts found that the cost of a Fan Heater is $0.63 an hour. In off-peak times, it’s recorded at around $0.37 per hour. If the heat output of your unit is around 2100kW, 3 months of winter use will cost $278.00 overall.

CHOICE researchers measured Oil Column Heaters consumption. These units are measured at $0.51 per hour, with off-peak times costing just a fraction of that price, at $0.30. If the heat output is sitting at around 2400kW, the winter months will cost $223.00.

Finally, the CHOICE report weighed in on Panel Heaters. The cost per hour was $0.60, with off-peak times almost halved at $0.35. The researchers at CHOICE concluded that a 2100kW unit will cost $264.00 for the cooler months.

What Are The Different Types of Space Heaters?

The three different types of residential Space Heaters include: radiant, convection and combination. While these heaters are a small investment in an up-front cost ranging from $20.00 to $300.00, the most important factor to consider is energy consumption. Why? Because most of these Space Heaters use anywhere between 500-1500W of power—this is the real difference between a $100 energy bill and a $500 energy bill!

Radiant Heaters:

Radiant Heaters are used for emitting direct heat onto the skin and clothes. They’re ideal for bathrooms, bedrooms, and small spaces because they tend to heat up almost instantly—and the warmth is often high-powered.

Convection Heaters:

Unlike Radiant models, Convection heaters are often used to warm up a large space. The heat emitted is gradual and circulates around a room. So, if you have high-ceilings—this is the heater for you! Think of a Convection Oven—the heat rotates, gradually warming the entire space.

Combination Heaters:

You might have guessed by the name—but Combination Heaters are well-known for being the perfect combination of Radiant and Convection Heaters. These models use a fan to disperse heat around a large space.

Which Heater Is Right For Me?

Before choosing a portable heater for your home—you should first ensure that you’ve heat-proofed your home! What is heat proofing you might ask? Heat proofing is making sure that the rooms you want to warm are better equipped for the chilly season ahead.

Insulated walls/ceilings:

Having the correct insulation in your walls and ceiling could be the difference between a bearable winter and very, very cold season ahead! If your home is not properly insulated from the inside-out, you could be wasting money on cranking those portable heaters on the highest setting, while your home is still cold. It’s best to speak with your local builder or handy-person to discuss installation costs to weigh up your potential insulation costs.

Curtains:

For quick insulation that won’t break the bank—fabric curtains are the perfect option! They instantly insulate your room, ensuring that your portable heater can do its job—at a fraction of the price!

Blocking old chimneys:

If you live in a character home, you might also have a chimney or fireplace that’s no longer in use. A huge cool draught often flows from these small chimneys, so make sure to seal them before winter arrives! Now that your home is well-insulated, we can discuss what heater is right for your home! While this varies depending on the structural elements of your home, (if you own a double-brick home, wooden framed home, steel framed home), the best heaters for warming an entire space are without a doubt Combination or Fan Heaters. These models are perfect for large spaces, and do not have exposed elements—making them perfectly safe for whole family and furry friends. Wants to know more? Get More Home Guides at Allhomeguides.com