Can Space Heaters Save Money in Drafty Old Homes?
There does not seem to be a general consensus as to whether using space heaters will save money in homes, let alone drafty, old homes, or just increase your energy costs. The answer really depends on how they are used.
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Efficiency
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Using a space heater to heat one room or small area in a home while the rest of the house is kept cool is an example of efficient use of a space heater, and can reduce heating bills. To save money with a space heater in a drafty home it is important to keep the warm air inside the home and reduce heat loss through open windows, doors, spaces underneath doors or poorly sealed windows and floors.
Types
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According to Furnacecompare.com, newer convection heaters are more efficient, smaller than some other space heaters, safer and cost less than many other models. Convection heaters not only create warmth, they circulate warm air throughout a room. However, one drawback of convection heaters is the noise they make.
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Size
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The cost of operating a space heater depends on how much heat the unit produces and delivers. According to Furnacecompare.com, choosing the correct heater size for a room will help to control heating costs while keeping a drafty room or small area comfortable. Over-sized units will result in higher operating costs and uncomfortably warm room temperatures. Furnacecompare.com also recommends 10 watts of power to heat one square foot of space, so a 1500-watt heater would be sufficient for a 150-square foot room. Other factors may affect the size heater needed. A professional assessment will help the homeowner buy the best heater for their needs.
Considerations
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Using space heaters in every room of a drafty home is costly. According to Monitor Data Corporation, electric space heaters normally cost 1 1/2 to 2 times as much as natural gas or fuel for heating. If the goal is to keep every room warm, it makes more sense to improve the weatherization of the home to reduce energy loss. Eliminating or reducing the drafts in a home will save on heating bills and reduce the need for space heaters.
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References
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