As the winter chill begins to seep into our homes, the quest for warmth often leads us to the comforting embrace of space heaters. These compact devices can be a lifesaver, but before you plug one in, it's important to understand their diverse options, the true costs of operation, and, most importantly, the imperative of safety.
Understanding the Basics: How Space Heaters Work
Space heaters operate through either convection, where they circulate air in a room, or radiant heating, emitting infrared radiation that directly warms objects and people in their line of sight. A typical residential space heater is rated for 1,500 watts or 1.5 kWh per hour.
Ceramic Space Heaters: Efficient and Swift
Among electric options, ceramic space heaters stand out. They utilize ceramic plates attached to metal coils. As electricity courses through these coils, the ceramic plates absorb and release the heat into the air, providing near-instant warmth. According to homeairguides.com, the ceramic design makes these heaters the most efficient electric option available today, offering both fan and non-fan choices.
Fan Space Heaters: Compact and Affordable
Similar to ceramic heaters but with a different heating element, fan space heaters heat a metal coil. A fan then blows air over this coil, dispersing the warmth into the room. Their compact size and cost-effectiveness make fan heaters a popular choice for many.
Infrared Space Heaters: Warming Through Radiation
Infrared space heaters use infrared radiation to warm a space, diverging from traditional heaters that rely on convection to circulate warm air. These heaters emit infrared radiation, which is absorbed by objects in the room, radiating heat back into the space. Often used as supplemental heating, they can be both portable and permanent fixtures.
Oil-Filled Space Heaters: Radiator-Style Comfort
Referred to as "radiator heaters," oil-filled space heaters contain diathermic oil that circulates through columns, heating up and releasing warmth into the air through convection. They are quiet and can continue to radiate even after the units are turned off.
Smart Heaters: Embracing Technology
In the era of smart appliances, space heaters have joined the ranks. While utilizing similar heating elements, these smart heaters offer the added advantage of Wi-Fi connectivity and apps, enabling remote control and programmable thermostats. Some even offer a wall-mounted option for a sleek and modern look.
Calculating the Costs: Energy Efficiency and Savings
One burning question that our member service department often gets is, "How much can an electric space heater raise my monthly bill?" The answer depends on various factors such as heater size and amount of run time. With Crow Wing Power's current rate of 10.9¢, an average electric space heater costs approximately 16.3¢ per hour, $1.96 per 12 hours, $3.92 per 24 hours, and around $177.72 per 30 days of continuous use. While effective for heating specific areas, it's crucial to use space heaters as a supplement to your home heating system and for shorter durations.
Safety First: Mitigating Risks and Ensuring Well-being
Safety must be the top priority when using space heaters. According to the National Fire Protection Association, these heaters contribute to 43% of home heating fires and 85% of heating-related deaths, with half occurring in December, January, and February. Follow these safety tips:
- Place the heater on a hard, level, and nonflammable surface. Look for a unity with a tip-over safety feature.
- Create a 3-foot kid-and pet-free zone around the heater.
- Keep the heater at least 3 feet away from combustible materials.
- Turn it off when not in use or when leaving the room.
- Unplug the heater when not in use and check the cord for damage periodically.
- Plug-in directly to the wall outlet or use with a short heavy-duty 14-gauge wire extension.
- Install working smoke alarms on every level of your home.
Balancing Warmth, Comfort, and Efficiency
Selecting the right space heater involves understanding your comfort needs, setting usage parameters, and prioritizing safety. By factoring in these considerations, you can strike a balance between keeping warm and keeping an eye on your monthly electricity bill. Stay warm, stay safe!