Efficient Electric Heaters

Efficient electric heaters can help take the chill out of a home office, spare bedroom or enclosed workspace without turning up the heat throughout the whole house. Most portable electric space heaters rely on resistance heating, which converts nearly all the electricity they draw into heat right where they operate. That means lower heating costs depend less on the heating element and more on how much space you heat, how long the heater runs and whether you can lower your central thermostat while keeping occupied rooms comfortable. Start by checking the manufacturer’s room-size recommendations, then consider ceiling height, insulation and drafts. A heater that struggles in a large, drafty room may run much longer than one heating a smaller, well-insulated space. Adjustable heat settings, a thermostat and a timer can help you manage electricity consumption without constant trips across the room. To estimate operating costs, divide the heater’s wattage by 1,000, then multiply that number by its actual running hours and your electricity rate per kilowatt-hour. Choosing an energy-efficient electric heater also means matching the heating style to the job. Fan-forced electric heaters circulate warm air, while radiant heaters direct warmth toward people and nearby surfaces, making placement an important part of comfort. Neither approach automatically costs less to run; wattage, runtime and your heating needs determine electricity consumption. For everyday room heating, look for straightforward controls and safety features such as overheat protection and a tip-over shutoff, but remember that those features do not replace safe operation. Set a portable space heater on a firm, level surface, keep it at least 3 feet from bedding, curtains, furniture and other combustible items, and follow any greater clearance listed by the manufacturer. Plug it directly into a suitable wall outlet rather than an extension cord or power strip, and turn it off before leaving the room or going to sleep. For a garage or workshop, check that the heater is approved for that setting, and keep it away from water, hay, sawdust, fuel and flammable vapors.