Energy efficient space heaters are one of the best ways to cheaply lower your heating bill. According to US Government statistics, the average American spends $1,900 per year for home energy, nearly half goes to heating and cooling. Space heaters can help lower this bill. Here is how to make the most of an energy efficient space heater.
First, you have to be willing to turn down the heat in the entire house and use the space heater for the preferred room. Otherwise, you will only increase your energy bill. This often works well if one person is elderly and wants additional warmth or there is one area of the house that the family congregates after mealtime.
Choices are wide ranging. For this discussion, we are interested in portability and the only portable units are electric. Electric portable heaters convert electricity to heat by radiant heat or convection heat methods.
Radiant heaters usually look reminiscent of the old fashioned steam radiators. They are usually cooler to the touch but will heat an individual or nearby object rather quickly. They are not necessarily the best choice for heating an entire room. It will take some time for them to heat an entire room. Convection type heaters have ribbon or wire heating elements. They are a better choice for heating larger areas quickly.
In either case, make sure you purchase something that is safe. Look for the UL listing. Radiant style heaters usually have a lesser chance of burning someone or causing safety issues as the wire elements can get very hot in convection style heaters. Also, look for automatic temperature control so the room doesn't change temperature from day to night and waste additional energy. Take a look at a few of each type to determine what best suits your needs.
Andrew Rhodes is a reformed Electrical Engineer who now spends time helping others improve their knowledge of energy efficient products and a green lifestyle. For more of his useful information on energy efficient products, visit http://www.buyenergyefficient.org/
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