Electric Space Heaters: Save More Money!

Talking about tips to save more money with electric space heaters, then there are two major issues; save more money by purchasing the best one with the lower up-front cost and save more money by using the unit properly to get lower heating costs!

Helpful checklists on choosing electric space heater

As well we know that there are a lot of brands to choose from. And those brands are offered with different features and prices. Without adequate information, you may get wrong purchasing. After deciding the size (BTUs or Watts), now you have to determine the type and any features to choose, and make sure you choice will be able to accommodate your requirement as well.

First, let’s discuss about the major types of electric space heaters that currently available in the marketplaces at these days:

1. Convection heating type, as the name suggests it works by involving natural current of the higher temperature air to warm up the room. The lower temperature air on the lower level of the room (on the floor surface) will be directed into the unit and then will be heated and then the heated air will rise up into the room. This type typically heat the entire space (almost) of the room and does not heat a particular object directly. You may find it with two different types (fan forced convectors and natural convectors). If you prioritize the noiseless performance, then avoid using fan forced convectors.
2. Ceramic heaters, they are relative new heating technology that involves a distinctive ceramic-heating element to warm up the space of the room. Most of them use a special fan to transfer and circulate the heated air throughout the room, but the fan is not too noisy when running.
3. Fan heaters, you can choose one of them if your budget is so tight! Yes’ they are relatively more affordable in price. Moreover, although the heating performance is not as well as convection heating units, but they will be satisfied enough to supply quickly heating performance. They are not only welcome idea for lower budget, but also for heating small area if other electric space heating appliances are not too practical.
4. Oil-filled radiator heaters, they are so recommended for any rooms where the noiseless is so valuable (like office room). Yes’ they are much quieter when working, because the system does not use the moving parts. In addition, you may find some of them that only use the electric energy to heat up the oil so thus they can work more efficient. The oil insider of the heater will not be burned but only be heated.

Helpful features and other crucial issues that must be considered when purchasing:

1. Make sure electric space heater that you want to purchase is labeled by UL mark or Underwriters Laboratories. This mark means the product has already been tested by a number of testing series and qualified for standard safety regulations.
2. Like mentioned before, always concern to the size! Avoid buying over size or even lower size. The size is usually rated by Watts or BTUs.
3. Some common features to look for are timer, programmable thermostat, and check also the safety mechanisms (such as automatic switch off to anticipate tip-over problem and turn the unit off automatically while it gets too heat (overheating)).
4. Check the stability design of the unit! Make sure it is not easy to get tip over.
5. If the unit has a fan, then consider the noise of the fan! Make sure it is not too noisy while running.

More ideas to save more money (to get lower energy bills)

1. If your unit is too older then much better to replace it by the new one that has higher energy rating of technology. Whatever your ideas to reduce the heating costs, but if the unit itself is not longer to work efficient due to too older components, then all of your ideas will be useless. Choose the new one that has Energy Star approval and UL mark!
2. Make sure you always use your electric space heater properly! Avoid placing or locating it in the too large room or too small room.
3. Purchase a portable electric space heater and use it if you are alone in your lovely room, so thus you will keep warm without needing to use or turn on your central heating system. For better result, you can also try with a portable electric radiant heater.
4. Do the proper maintenance regularly!
5. Be smart with a programmable thermostat, you can use it to get lower heating costs by learning the ‘time-rate’ of the electricity in your local area. Don’t forget also to optimize the function of timer!

Image source: Amazon.com

The others posts: radiant heating vs space heating and helpful FAQs about kerosene heater wicks!

More tags: