Space heaters are beneficial in the winter season to keep the chill out of the house. These heaters are primarily for those people who could not afford heavy and costly central heating systems and want to have a little warmth in winter. Space heaters have provided many customers with the comfort they need, and they come in two categories based on their power source. The first type is a fuel-based heater, and the other type is an electrical heater. Fuel-based heaters run on fossil fuel to provide heat and are considered dangerous to use in homes. The other type is the electrical heater which is deemed a far safer option, but they run on electrical energy and add to utility bills. Most space heaters come in more than one energy setting, and the user can select the energy consumption based on the requirement.
This article will discuss the energy needs of space heaters and how much energy they require to work correctly.
Energy Consumption Of Space Heater
Modern space heaters come in more than one power setting and run on multiple energy inputs. Most indoor space heaters use about 1500 watts of energy, but the energy consumption of space heaters designed for energy saving can be as little as 200 watts. These are the general and most common energy settings of space heaters:
- 750 watt, 1500 watt.
- 1000 watt and 1500 watt.
- 500 watt, 1500 watt, and 1500 watt.
Other than that, space heaters can consume up to 4000 watts of energy, but it is usually not suitable for small indoor areas.
How Much Energy Does A Space Heater Use?
It depends on the type of space heater that you are using. Space heaters usually come in 1500 watt settings but can be optimized to as little as 500 watts or 750 watts. The energy consumption written on the product’s description may be inaccurate because they are generally rounded off. Still, you can have the exact power consumption of your space heater with the help of a multimeter. Just set the meter in the ammeter setting and find out the current in the wire. Now multiply that number with the voltage supply in your area, and you will get the actual energy consumption of the heater in watts.
In standard settings, space heaters use around 1500 watts of energy, and at low locations, space heaters use around 750 watts of power.
Energy Consumption Based On Type
Electrical heaters work on different heating principles and consume different amounts of energy based on their working conditions. Check out the different types of space heaters and their energy consumption.
Energy Consumption Of Ceramic Space Heater
Ceramic space heaters heat the space with the help of ceramic plates, which get their heat from metal coils. It works on the principle of convection means it warms up the surrounding, which spreads the heat into the environment. This type of space heater runs on 1500 watts of power which is enough to efficiently increase the temperature of 150 square feet of space up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Energy Consumption Of Fan Space Heater
Fan space heaters are also similar to ceramic heaters, but they are also facilitated by fans which helps them evenly distribute the warm air throughout the room. These space heaters use slightly more energy than ceramic space heaters to heat the room, but they can do it instantly. This type of space heater runs on 1500 watts of power which is enough to efficiently increase the temperature of about 150 square feet of space up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Energy Consumption Of Oil Filled Heater
These heaters are also called radiator heaters. They use oil which is heated, and the heat is released through it. They can be equipped with fans and are slow to heat spaces but can use negligible energy. Their main disadvantage is the hot surface. These types of space heaters usually run on 1500 watts of power which is enough to efficiently increase the temperature of 150 square feet of space up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Energy Consumption Of Infrared Space Heater
In contrast to convection heaters, which heat the air, infrared space heaters directly heat the things in the room. They are regarded as more energy-efficient since no electricity is lost in the air and are not adversely affected by a lack of insulation. Because these space heaters do not heat the environment, the 10 watts per square foot estimate does not apply. Instead, at 1500 watts, they may offer extra heat to objects up to 15 feet away from the heater if nothing is in the way of the rays.
How To Efficiently Use A Space Heater?
Space heaters can add a significant amount to your electricity bill if uncontrolled. If you use a space heater for 10 hours a day, you can get an increased account of about $45. But by following simple steps, you can reduce this amount to half.
- When shopping for a space heater, choose the suitable one for your space. Try not to get stuck with the space heater, which is too large for your room, or the one too small to heat your concerned area.
- The infrared heater may be a better option for you if you use it in an open area with poor ventilation, like an office environment.
- Choose space heaters with multiple energy modes to make them usable in a wide range of backgrounds.
- Choose space heaters with Eco mode, which stands for economy mode. This mode will automatically increase the heater’s energy usage if it detects an excessive energy loss and decreases when the temperature is attained.
- Instead of merely low, medium, and high, choose a space heater with a numerical temperature choosing option.
- If you’re utilizing a convection heater, ensure your space is adequately insulated.
- Choose a space heater with an automatic timer, which will turn off automatically even if you forget.
- If you require heating more than one room simultaneously, space heaters may not suit you.
Conclusion
Space heaters are highly beneficial in the winter season to keep the chill out of the house. The locations where the temperature may quickly dip below freezing point need some heating system. An alternative for the heating system is space heaters, especially for individuals who cannot afford large and expensive central heating systems and want to remain warm in the winter. However, they consume electrical energy and raise utility expenses. Most space heaters have many energy settings, and the user may adjust the energy usage according to their needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Most Efficient Space Heater Type?
Infrared space heaters are considered a more energy-efficient option, especially in poorly ventilated environments. Instead, they do not heat the air and directly heat the person and his chair. Due to this, they are considered 30% more efficient than convection heaters.
Do Space Heaters Use A Lot Of Electricity?
Space heaters are considered far more energy-efficient than other heating systems, and they are very economical and cheap to buy, but they still use a lot of energy. Usually, space heaters consume about 1500 watts of power. For comparison, a refrigerator uses about 150 to 200 watts of energy.
Leave a Reply