Which Type Of Space Heater Is The Most Energy-Efficient

A space warming or heating appliance is an electrical gadget that is usually used in cold countries where the ambient temperature is around zero degrees Celsius. However, buying a space heating gadget can be quite confusing for a consumer who does not understand the technicalities of an electrical appliance.

People decide to buy a particular space heating device on the basis of its portability, ease of maintenance, the availability of smart controls, and energy efficiency. An energy-efficient appliance is one that heats a room evenly and makes it adequately warm, yet it utilizes and wastes very little energy.

It is easy to get confused when there are so many options for buying a space heating appliance. So if someone wants to buy a space heater and is looking for an easy guide, they can search online for the best space heater.

Which Space Heating Appliance Saves The Maximum Amount Of Power

Buying A Space Heating Appliance That Has A Ceramic Heating Element

In these types of devices, electric energy is used to heat metal coils, which heat ceramic plates. The ceramic plates radiate heat to warm the room. They produce a lot of heat for a given amount of electricity. Moreover, the body does not get hot when the appliance is being used.

Usually, when electric current flows through a wire or a device, it gets hot because of the resistance to the flow of current. However, when ceramic plates are the primary source of heat, the body of the device does not get very hot, and thus they are safe to touch. These are the best option for families with small children or pets. They quickly raise the temperature by around four or five degrees Celsius. However, the warmth dissipates as soon as the heater is switched off.

Some of the models also have an eco mode. Eco mode is an environment-friendly mode where thermostats and sensors are used to gauge the temperature conditions in a room, and the heater is switched on and off depending upon the temperature of the room. It is always a good idea to see the power rating of any device before buying it. The higher the power rating, the more electricity it consumes. Also, star marks that imply how well an appliance manages its power requirement should be checked as well. The higher the star rating of a device, the better the ability to manage the electricity requirement and reduce wastage.

Some models can be very heavy and can take up a lot of space in the room, while there are portable and easy-to-move models as well. The model’s weight and portability should be decided based on the size of the room, the outdoor temperature, etc. The model should be such that the room gets heated adequately without any energy wastage.

Buying A Fan-Based Space Heating Device

These are the most commonly used models where a fan or a blower is used to circulate the hot air in the entire room. Here a large electric coil gets hot when an electric current is passed through it. The fan then blows the hot air and circulates it in the entire room by the convectional movement of air.

The biggest advantage of fan-based systems is that they can blow the air in all directions. Most remote controls have a button that makes the fan swing. In the swing mode, the fan reverses the directions in which it blows the air and this, in turn, warms the entire room evenly. The temperature of the room rises quickly, and this saves a lot of power.

The biggest disadvantage of fan-based systems is that they make a noise when the device is on. The movement of the fan and its rotation in the swing mode often make a disturbing sound. Also, they are suitable for small rooms or when the person is sitting very close to the appliance.

Buying A Space Heater That Uses Infrared Rays

These models use electromagnetic rays of the infrared frequency to raise the temperature of a room. When the electric current is supplied, the device radiates infrared rays. The infrared rays warm the room by radiation instead of convection.

The main difference between radiation and convection is that convection warms the air in the room, and radiation directly transfers the heat to the objects and not the air. Thus, even if there is an obstruction in front of an infrared ray-based device, there is a little obstruction in the path of the heat. Hence very little electricity is wasted.

These devices can function with or without a fan. However, if there is a fan, it can enhance the functioning. These are the most sophisticated heaters, and they usually come with an auto shut option if the temperature rises adequately.

Buying Propane-Based Devices

Propane is a colorless fluid that is commonly seen in gas cylinders. Propane, when ignited, can increase the temperature of a room. These are the most energy efficient as they do not need electricity; instead, propane is used to raise the temperature. Some models have a fan, while others come without a fan. If a model has a fan, then the heat that is generated is spread out more evenly.

The biggest risk associated with propane-based models is that there is a fire hazard. However, they are very cheap and quite portable.

Conclusion

As consumers become aware of the environmental impact of wasting energy, they will prefer buying devices that do the least harm to the environment. Hence, it is vital to read online reviews and do proper research before investing money in any appliance. Smart devices that can sense the ambient temperature and easily interpretable star ratings for energy efficiency are making the consumer’s life easy.

However, to save maximum energy, it is important to take a multi-faceted approach to energy conservation. Thus, low-energy devices should be used with heat-trapping windows and heat-absorbing paints for the house’s outer walls.