Best Space Heaters for Reducing Winter Heating Costs

by Paul Eden

We all want to spend less on winter heating costs. Portable electric space heaters can be utilized to help in this cause provided they are used in an appropriate manner and we have realistic expectations. What many do not realize is that [portable heaters are limited to 1500 watts or approximately 5000 BTUs per hour. Considering that many central heating systems are rated for at or more than 40,000 BTUs per hour, it is not rational to expect the same level of heating throughout a typical house with one or even several electric room heaters as with a central heating system.

Utilizing electric room heaters to replace heat produced by a furnace requires a change in mindset; the goal is now to only heat the space one is occupying as opposed to the entire house. There are two major categories of portable space heaters: convection and radiant. Convection is simply heat being transfered to room air coming into contact with a war object. Forced convection heaters use a fan to move the air while passive convection heaters such as oil-filled heaters rely in the natural movement of air within a room. Small ceramic fan heaters are an example of a forced convection heater. On the other hand radiant heaters do not heat the air in the room but rather transfer heat from a warm object to a cooler object such as furniture and occupants within the room. Radiant heat warms your skin and cloths in the same way as standing in the sun.

With a fundamental understanding of the types of portable heaters on the market it is easier to make decision on the type of heater to purchase based on the intended application. For a quick blast of heat, for example in a bathroom while dressing in the morning, a quartz box fan heater is a good option. The heating coils heat up instantly and with the fan you will have an immediate source of warm air. In my opinion forced air convection heaters are less than ideal for heating up a room throughout the day. These fans are usually noisy and tend to dehumidify the air. For heating a room for an extended period of time, we recommend a passive convection heater such as an oil filled heater. Once the oil and heater surface is heated they will produce an even supply of heat and are safe around children because the surface temperatures are modest. For localized heat, try a radiant heater. Radiant heaters are great for warming an area at a work station or desk, where the heat is only required in a limited confined space.

Electric electric space heaters come in many different designs. The key to using these heaters to save money on your annual heating bill is to have realistic expectations and use the most effective style of heater for the task at hand.

Paul Eden is a semi-retired mechanical engineer who enjoys investigating home-related products. He rercently researched electric space heaters, including oil filled heaters.

Article Source: Energy Efficient Homes-Energy Efficient Home, Energy Efficient Home Articles,Global Warming