Ask the Energy Expert
The truth about electric space heatersBy Kevin Hurd, Manager of Member Services
You may have recently seen or heard ads, or received literature in the mail promoting expensive electric space heaters that claim up to a 50% savings on your home heating bill. The old adage applies, “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is!”
It is possible to see savings near that magnitude with the use of any electric space heating unit. You have to lower the central heating thermostat 15 - 20 degrees, heating one room at a time by taking the space heater with you. Depending on your heating system, you can see a savings of 1% to 3% on the heating portion of your electric bill for every degree you lower the central thermostat.
In theory, there is no need to keep your entire house comfortably warm if you and your family are most often in one or two rooms. However, convenience and comfort in the rest of the house may be sacrificed in order to achieve these “magic” savings.
Rather than spend money on one of the expensive space heaters recently advertised, you would be better off putting that money toward energy efficiency and weatherization improvements to your home, such as adding insulation, caulking, weather-stripping and buying a much less expensive heater that better meets your needs.
Most consumers typically use electric space heating to improve room comfort level where the central system is inadequate, or boost the temperature of a room used by those who are sensitive to cold. When used in properly insulated and caulked areas for a few hours of the day, these units can be a wise energy management tool instead of cranking up the central heating thermostat.
Most electric space heaters have heat output settings of 500, 750, 1,000, or 1,500 watts, with some models having a combination of two settings. A unit operating for one hour at the 1,500 watt heat output setting will use 1.5 kwhs (kilowatt-hours). With Cuivre River’s current average of 9 cents per kwh, every hour that the unit runs, it costs 13.5 cents to operate. If the unit operates 8 hours per day, the cost for a 30 day billing period is $32.40.
All electric space heating is 100 percent efficient (all the electricity used is converted into heat), so do not be influenced by packaging or ads that emphasize super-high efficiencies. With the maximum of only 1,500 watts of heat, one of these units will not heat a room more than 150 square feet on average.
Before buying an electric space heater, think about how it will be most often used to determine the best design and features to consider.
Most space heaters rely on convection (the circulation of air) to heat a room. This type of unit is most effective to heat a larger area. Oscillating units, baseboard units, and units with fans are common within this category.
However, one of the best convection models incorporates a heat transfer liquid, such as oil, that is heated by the electric element. The heat transfer fluid provides some heat storage, allowing the heater to cycle less and provide a more constant heat source.
Some newer convection models use ceramic elements which self-regulate the heat output. As the room temperature gets warmer, the resistance of the ceramic element increases so less electricity is used and less heat is produced. The newest convection models also incorporate temperature dials and digital displays.
For smaller areas or a specific spot, radiant heaters focus the heat more effectively. Units in this category use quartz infrared elements that radiate heat like the sun does to target a specific area and directly heat objects and people that are within their line of sight.
Some newer models also include a small, quiet fan to gently circulate and mix the room air. These units can also be more efficient when using a room for a shorter period of time because they avoid the energy needed to heat the entire room by instead directly heating the occupant and the occupant’s immediate surroundings.
Safety should be a major consideration when using space heaters. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that more than 25,000 residential fires every year are associated with the use of gas and electric space heaters. When buying and using an electric space heater, make sure the unit has all current safety features including a child-safe grill, low-temperature exterior, and tip-over safety switch. Always make sure the heater has the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) label associated with it.
Electric space heaters should be plugged directly into the wall outlet. If the unit’s power supply cord is frayed, worn, or broken, do not use it. If an extension cord is necessary, use a heavy-duty cord of at least 14-guage wire. Never leave the space heater unattended and never leave the house or go to bed without turning off the heater. Always turn off and unplug the heater when not in use. Keep space heaters away from sinks, tubs, and other wet or damp places. Always use and maintain them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Additional information on electric space heaters and other energy-related topics can be obtained from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources at www.dnr.mo.gov, from the U.S. Department of Energy – Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at www.eere.gov, and from nationally syndicated energy expert Jim Dulley at www.dulley.com.
To learn more about how to save energy, visit www.cuivre.com and www.togetherwesave.com. Cuivre River’s energy experts are always ready to answer your questions and provide assistance for all your energy needs.