Portable heaters are a cheap replacement for a central heating system. They can be provided instantaneously to a single room and used anywhere without any complex procedure. They are easy to set up, easy to carry, and easy to use. That is why everybody is switching towards the portable heater for their home or offices. Generally, most people think that Portable heaters are energy-hungry devices and can significantly increase electricity bills. Well, they may be correct somehow in their thinking.
Portable heaters are considered a far more expensive approach in terms of operational cost than natural gas heaters. This article will adequately examine the working of portable heaters, their energy consumption, and the percentage of input energy they convert into heat. We will also learn some techniques to reduce the electricity consumption from portable heaters while enjoying maximum warmth.
Efficiency Of Portable Heater
Efficiency is generally regarded as the energy-saving capabilities of a portable heater. Still, the specific meaning of efficiency is the percentage of electrical energy converted into heat energy and spread into the environment. Portable heaters are one of the few devices in the world that offer an efficiency of above 90%. Theoretically speaking, portable heaters have a heating efficiency of 100%, so there is no energy loss in the portable heater. Whereas natural gas heaters have a maximum energy of 75% to 78%, this is the best advantage of using portable heaters.
Modern portable heaters also have maximum efficiency in terms of energy saving. Some portable heaters conserve more electricity than others while providing the same amount of relaxation and comfort. One thing to note here is that the energy spread of all portable heaters is the same as long as they are working on the same power input. The only thing that differs from their work is the energy spreading method.
Factors Affecting Efficiency Of Portable Heater
Type Of Portable Heater
The type and working principle of portable heaters is the primary cause of their inefficiency. There are two categories of portable heaters in terms of heating method one is convection, and the other is radiation. Convection heaters heat the air inside the room, and it provides heat to people sitting in the room. Infrared heaters directly heat the people and objects inside the room and are considered more energy efficient. Typically speaking, infrared portable heaters are viewed as 30% more efficient as compared to convection heaters. But they lack other features such as temperature management.
Temperature Difference
The main cause of the higher consumption of energy is the temperature difference. Suppose that you are trying to reach a temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit. If the initial temperature of a room is 40 degrees, then it is easier to achieve and maintain that temperature.
Insulation
Insulation is also another factor that affects the efficiency of portable heaters, especially convection heaters. Poor insulation may result in frequent temperature drops that will result in more frequent starting of the portable heater that increases the portable heater’s working time energy consumption units and hence reduces the efficiency.
Efficient Portable Heater
While in the conversion of electrical energy to heat energy, all portable heaters work the same. The only difference is the delivery of that energy to the person and the increase in temperature. Not just increase but maintain it. There are many tools and techniques by which a portable heater can be made efficient.
First, we are going to talk about the features of efficient portable heaters:
Variable Temperature Selection
While some portable heaters offer low, medium, high-temperature settings, modern portable heaters are flexible in temperature. They provide the user a wide choice of their desired temperature and maintain that temperature.
Digital Thermostat
Suppose you have selected the temperature as 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The thermostat that stops the heater at 70 degrees exactly and starts at 69 degrees is not considered efficient because frequent start and stop may lead to degradation and decreased lifespan. On the other hand, a thermostat that does not start the portable heater even when the temperature drops too low is inefficient because it eliminates the thermostat’s purpose. The digital thermostat is a device that ensures the proper working of portable devices and the best maintenance of temperature.
Timer
The timer is the automatic turn-off mechanism for portable heaters. It automatically turns the portable heater, so it does not keep working for the whole night. A timer is an efficient tool and an essential energy-efficient tool along with a superb safety tool too.
Dual Energy Setting
Most modern, efficient portable heaters are available in dual or triple energy settings. It means that you can use between 1500 watt or 750-watt power input for your heater. This efficiency feature is convenient when there is not much cold or sitting in a small space to select the correct mode according to your need and save you from energy loss.
Techniques For Efficient Use Of Portable Heater
The tools for the efficient use of portable heaters are essential, but the real magic is in the hands of the user. By following these simple strategies, you can efficiently decrease energy consumption without compromising energy.
- Properly insulate all the doors and windows before using the portable heater.
- Turn on the timer for the time you are in the room, so the heater does not keep working useless
- Set the temperature not too high but just at the bearable levels. Some portable heaters take time to reach the temperature, so make sure you are patient and not set a high temperature.
- Set the mode to ECO; this will automatically change the power input to the required settings whenever needed.
- Use warm clothes that will help you in absorbing heat more frequently.
Conclusion
Typically speaking, natural gas heaters are considered more energy-saving than portable heaters. The statement is not entirely true. Modern portable heaters have many energy-saving features that make them comparable to natural gas heaters and outclass in their efficiency. Other than that, portable heaters possess many advantages and upper hand over natural gas heaters, such as portability, safety, and temperature maintenance. They are a far better choice than a central heating system for one room.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Is More Efficient: A Portable Heater Or Central Heating System?
Portable heaters are better. But central heating systems also have something to make people choose them. When talking of a whole house. The central heating system is better than purchasing and operating a portable heater for each room separately, but you can usually be in a single room at one time.
Do Portable Heaters Raise The Electric Bill?
Yes, they do every appliance you use has some impact on your electricity bill. The real question is how much? Well, portable heaters use 1500 watts in normal conditions, meaning if they work 10 hours a day, they can increase the bill to about $65. But using proper techniques and features, the amount can be reduced to $35 without sacrificing much energy.
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