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What You Need To Know About The Amount Of Power A Space Heater Use

What You Need To Know About The Amount Of Power A Space Heater Use

It’s nice to bask in the warmth of a space heater during the cold months, even if it only heats a small portion of your home. But how much power does it consume?

When set to high heat, most space heaters consume approximately 1,500 watts. It only consumes 750 watts on average when set to low heat.

You’re probably wondering how much it costs to run a space heater, the advantages and disadvantages of using it, how they function, how they stack up against a central heating system, etc.

What Exactly Are Space Heaters, And How Do They Function?

What You Need To Know About The Amount Of Power A Space Heater Use

When main central heating is unavailable, insufficient, or too expensive to build or run, space heaters are commonly used.

Space heaters use convection or radiant heating. These heaters are a better option if you will only be in a room for a few hours and can stay within the heater’s service area.

Most space heaters only require a power outlet to operate. Always follow the instructions that come with the package.

How Much Does A Space Heater Cost To Run?

A space heater with an electric consumption of 1,500 watts costs about $0.20 per hour. Your daily energy bill is now determined by how long your space heater runs.

If you use your heater for 10 hours per day, your expected energy cost is $2.00 per day.

Furthermore, your heat setting can have an impact on your energy bill. Remember that it only takes 750 watts to run a space heater on low heat, so you’ll save half the money.

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Using Space Heaters?

What You Need To Know About The Amount Of Power A Space Heater Use

To help you decide whether or not to use a space heater, consider the following pros and cons:

Pros

  • Space heaters are relatively inexpensive when compared to other types of heating equipment.
  • Electricity consumption is lower than that of other home heating devices.
  • Because space heaters use less energy, your energy bill will be lower as well.
  • It is extremely efficient at heating a specific area.
  • Space heaters are frequently small and portable.
  • Space heaters are an excellent choice, especially in the winter.
  • Modern space heaters are simple to use.

Cons

  • Space heaters are prone to overheating and catching fire.
  • When you get too close to a space heater, you risk getting burned.
  • Space heaters, particularly older models, require constant attention to avoid fire hazards.
  • These heaters are only capable of heating a small area.

What Are The Different Types Of Space Heaters?

Here are some types of electricity-powered space heaters to help you choose the best one for your home:

  • Ceramic heater
  • Fan heater
  • Infrared heater
  • Oil filled heater
  • Panel heater

Now, let’s look at how these space heaters work and the advantages and disadvantages of using each.

Ceramic Heater
To generate heat, this type of space heater employs ceramic plates linked to metal coils. When electricity flows through the metal coils, heat is absorbed by the plates until they can no longer absorb any more, at which point the excess heat is released into the air.

The ability of this type of space heater to heat up quickly is its primary advantage. It is also portable and light.

This type, however, can only heat small spaces and must run continuously to provide heat.

Fan Heater
A fan space heater works in the same way that a ceramic heater does. Instead of ceramic plates absorbing heat from metal coils, this type of space heater uses a fan to circulate heat throughout the room.

This style of space heater is inexpensive, lightweight, portable, and small.

One disadvantage of using a fan space heater is that heat transfer ceases immediately when the heater is turned off.

Infrared Heater
An infrared heater heats a room by emitting electromagnetic waves into the air, which cause the physical objects in the room to heat up.

Instead of warming the air, infrared space heaters warm the people and items in the vicinity such as furniture, carpeting, and walls.

One of the main advantages of using this type is that it can continue to heat even after it has been turned off. You also don’t have to worry about objects blocking the heat because they absorb it.

However, infrared space heaters can be bulky and emit unidirectional heat. And it requires more fixtures in the room to function properly.

Oil-Filled Heater
Because they resemble radiator heaters, this type of space heater is commonly referred to as a radiator heater.

The body of the heater is filled with diathermic oil. The hot oil is forced through the fins. As the fins heat up, the surface temperature rises, and heat is emitted into the room.

This space heater, like an infrared space heater, provides heat even after it has been turned off. Furthermore, this type of space heater is very efficient.

This type of space heater, however, does not allow you to control the heat speed. Furthermore, if you use this type of space heater, your home may become overheated.

Panel Heater
Panel space heaters work similarly to oil-filled heaters by allowing hot air to radiate from the device. The main distinction is that flat panel heaters heat air with electrical currents rather than oil.

This is a relatively new type that is rapidly gaining popularity. This type of space heater can be wall-mounted or floor-mounted.

They can be a great addition to your room with their modern look and sleek style.

However, this type of space heater does not completely heat a room; instead, it primarily removes cold air from the air.

Which Is Better: Space Heaters Or Central Heating Systems?

Central heating is more efficient than space heating when heating the same amount of space. However, if your system has failed and you cannot afford to keep it running, a space heater can help you save money on utility bills and repairs.

What Are The Rules For Purchasing Space Heaters?

What You Need To Know About The Amount Of Power A Space Heater Use

When shopping for space heaters, keep the following guidelines in mind:

  • Newer models of small space heaters include updated safety features.
  • On the heater, look for the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) label.
  • To avoid wasting energy by overheating a space, use a thermostatically controlled heater.
  • Select a heater that is the appropriate size for the area you wish to heat.
  • Place the space heater away from people in a flat area.

What Are Some Home Safety Recommendations When Using Space Heaters?

Here are some precautions you can take to protect yourself and your home from the dangers of using space heaters:

  • Examine the space heater’s safety certifications.
  • Examine the space heater for safety features.
  • Power strips and extension cords should not be used.
  • Place the space heater safely out of harm’s way.
  • Children and pets should be kept away from space heaters.
  • Set the heaters on a level surface.
  • Cords for space heaters should not be hidden.
  • Turn off your space heater when you are unable to monitor it.
  • Remove any overheating space heaters.
  • Inspect your heater on a regular basis.
  • Keep it at least 3 feet away from flammable materials.
  • Check the status of your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
  • Keep an eye out for warning signs of a problem.

Conclusion

If your central heating system fails, space heaters are an excellent alternative. Furthermore, they only require 750 to 1500 Watts of power to operate. They are, however, only effective in small areas.

However, you must be cautious and aware of the dangers that these heaters pose. They have the potential to start a fire if not closely monitored.

What You Need To Know About The Amount Of Power A Space Heater Use

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Written by HVAC Contributor

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