High Energy Efficiency Space Heaters
Electric space heaters are the only unvented space heaters that are safe for indoor use. They are more expensive to operate than combustion heaters that burn fuel to produce heat. High energy efficiency space heaters that store and transfer heat are the most efficient. Does this Spark an idea?
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Heat Transfer
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According to the United States Department of Energy, the most energy efficient space heaters heat a liquid, such as oil, with an electric element. The liquid has the ability to store heat, which keeps the unit from cycling on and off as often as less efficient models.
Features
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Adjustable thermostats are an important feature that gives the user control over the amount of heat output and prevents overheating a room. Models with both 750-watt and 1,500-watt settings also give more control over the heat output and the amount of energy used. Convection heaters that circulate air throughout a room also improve efficiency. According to the United States Department of Energy, radiant heaters are actually more efficient, but only heat the space directly in front of the heating element.
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Usage
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Even the most energy efficient space heaters can drive up a utility bill. According to Consumer Reports, the only efficient use of a space heater is to heat one room or area of the house while the other rooms are kept at cooler temperatures.
Energy Rating
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The U.S. Department of Energy does not currently give space heaters Energy Star ratings. There are no plans to label them anytime in the near future.
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References
- Photo Credit warming hands image by Brett Mulcahy from Fotolia.com
