Electric Space Heater Myths
Every year when the cold weather arrives so do the ads for fancy electric space heaters. Everyone wants to keep warm without spending too much. Maybe you’ve heard radio programs and other advertising claiming that you can save a lot of money by purchasing a certain type of heater. I hope to dispel some of the myths and hype here. The most common household space heaters are electric and they come in all shapes and sizes. The marketing claims also come in all shpaes and sizes. There are ceramic, infrared, quartz, nicromium wire, oil-filled, baseboard, and others that claim to have special heat exchangers and use less energy. Although these all look different and have claims of heating more or less than others, all of these heaters have a maximum heat output of 1500 watts (5118 BTU’s). Some are slightly less but no consumer heater that can be plugged into a 115v outlet in your house will be more than 1500 watts. All electric heaters are 100% efficient, meaning all the energy that you buy is turned into heat and put into the room. What this means is that the really cheap $10 heater will produce the same amount of heat as the $600 heater with the oak cabinet. As the price goes up, what you usually get is a quieter, safer and perhaps better looking heater with a better thermostat. But from a heat and cost of operation standpoint, there is no difference. The claims of saving 35-50% on your utilities are based entirely upon turning your home thermostat down and only heating the rooms you are in. Regardless of what type of electric heater you have any savings are highly dependent on your electric rate. Typically electric heat is the most expensive form of heat you can purchase.
If you would like some real solutions for saving money on your winter heating bill give me a call and don't fall victum to unrealistic marketing claims. Heat is heat, don't pay more than you need to. 913-593-5074
