Energy Efficient Space Heaters

Many people over the years have learned how to manage the cold months, yet there are still some who did not fare as well due to poorly heated homes, or having no heat at all. Consumer reports have shown multiple accidents involving faulty heating systems in homes, some ending in fatalities.

It is to the individual’s advantage to take every precaution when purchasing any product for heating, that what they actually buy will be affordable, functional, dependable and safe.

Space heaters are the best choice for small areas to provide adequate heating at an affordable price. They come in various sizes and shapes to fit any area. A good heater can always be found to fit the leanest budget, at the same time producing the heat necessary to warm the space. They can also be useful to reduce energy output and lower monthly energy bills as a result.

By turning down the thermostat five to ten degrees in a home and utilizing an energy efficient space heater in the areas most often used such as a family room, major decrease can be seen in the next energy bill.

Types of Space Heaters

Space heaters include the following types:
• Ceramic Heaters
• Oil Filled Heaters
• Coil Convection Heaters
• Halogen Based Heaters
Each of these come equipped with different features but the most important to look for are; security. protection against tipping over and overheating, cool to the touch exterior, at least 1500 wattage setting, a built in energy saving apparatus such as a thermostat for temperature control, also a 120 V three-wire power cord. This latter is very important as it provides grounding for safety and prevents electrical accidents.

How to Choose an Energy Efficient Space Heater

The most energy efficient heaters available include the following:

Ceramic Element: Made up of large ceramic element these heaters maintain a higher temperature than most models. They disperse heat to a wider area than most of the other models. It's large element carries more heat, allowing it to be turned down to lower temperature and releasing adequate warmth at the same time for the area. This space heater will help to maintain an energy efficient home.

Oil Filled Radiator Heaters: This space heater is built with a sealed radiator which holds fluid that never has to be refilled. The oil filled is the most energy efficient of fluids. There is an internal heating system within the radiator which heats the oil then radiates the heat across the room. Once the oil is heated it is released gradually and continues to remain heated for long period even when the internal heating system is turned off. This keeps the area at a comfortable temperature and saves energy.

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Coil based Convection Heaters: Metallic coils built into this type of heater when heated release infrared energy. As air passes them it becomes warmed. The inbuilt fans waft this warm air across the room. The coils are secured with mesh. This keep them away from anything that may come in contact to cause electrical accidents. Electric baseboard heaters are of the similar structure and are used for heating larger areas. The heat produced by the infrared energy lasts very long making them energy efficient to warm a home.

Halogen Space Heaters: Otherwise known as reflective heaters, these are the most innovative in space heater technology. Utilizing energy efficient halogen light bulbs, the light generated is used to provide heating to an area. Light in this model, is used to warm people and objects as the rays of the sun. This direct heating makes an area more comfortable than heating from other types of space heaters.

Cost of Energy Efficient Space Heaters

A wide variation in cost exists due to the variety of heaters to choose from. Price depends on type, size, area it serves and features. Cost should never cause a compromise in value however since some small, inexpensive models carries the same 1500 wattage capacity as the larger units and can heat as much space adequately. The most important features to look for in a unit are safety, durability, dependability and affordability. Energy efficient space heaters can be purchased from 20 dollars up to greater than 500 dollars.

Top Five Most Recommended Energy Efficient Space Heaters

Several energy efficient heaters are available at most hardware or home development stores. The top five most recommended (not listed according to rank) are:

1. Lasko Ceramic Tower Space Heater

Lasko 754200 Ceramic Heater

2. Honeywell Hz 385hp Ceramic Heater honeywell space heater

Honeywell HZ-7200 Cool Touch Oscillating Heater w/ Smart Energy Digital Control Plus

3. Holmes Energy Saver

Holmes HFH105 1500-Watt Portable Electric Space Heater

4.1500 Quartz Infrared Space Heater

5 Eden Pure GEN 3 1000

Of those listed the Lasko Ceramic space heater is among the favorites.

Space heaters alone cannot reduce energy or the heating cost when used to heat an entire home, but in combination with another heating system by turning down the thermostat and using the heater just where needed, remarkably decrease in energy use and cost have been reported by satisfied customers. .