Is your portable heater using too much electricity?

Would a portable heater be an affordable option to lower winter heating costs? Spending money on a dependable and energy-efficient heater could reduce heating costs. Portable heaters offer a simple and practical way to give warmth, which explains their growth in popularity. But, employing one might save less money than you thought.

Portable heaters use more energy than alternative heating systems like gas furnaces and heat pumps. However, due to their propensity to use a lot of electricity in operation, these portable devices are an ineffective option for long-term home heating solutions.

Also, portable heaters have insufficient capacity. They cannot provide enough heat for larger rooms, making it challenging to maintain cozy temperatures inside the house. Read more here about how what makes a heater work.

We will cover the following topics in this article:

• The amount of electricity that a portable heater uses
• Recommended practices for using a portable heater if you choose to do so
• A different approach that uses less energy and is more effective for heating a small space

The amount of electricity that a portable heater uses

How many watts does a portable heater use? If you use a medium-sized space heater with 1,000 watts of power for an extended amount each day, your electricity expenses will increase. The monthly cost could range from $30 to $80, depending on how frequently you use the portable heater. For instance, if the heater were left on for 8 to 24 hours daily, your electricity bill would increase by the predicted amount.

When placed in context with other more effective heating forms, such as a gas furnace or heat pump, the operational cost of a space heater is a significant amount of money. This is because a space heater only generates a limited amount of heat. The average monthly cost to operate a heat pump or gas furnace is about $50-$100 per month. In addition, these whole-house systems deliver heat to every room in your residence, not just a single confined space.

What factors contribute to the high cost of operating portable heaters?

Most space heaters use a method known as electrical resistance heating, which produces heat directly from electricity. Unfortunately, this type of operation can be extremely costly due to the exorbitant price of electricity. As a result, it is important to consider energy efficiency and other factors when selecting a space heater to ensure that you are getting the most value for your money.

Even if it has higher initial investment and ongoing operating costs, a heat pump might be the best option for satisfying your requirements for warmth. For instance, if your home does not already have a whole-house heating system, installing a gas furnace or a heat pump for the first time may not be financially feasible because of the associated costs. Nevertheless, suppose you already have a heating system that warms your house. In that case, you can use a portable heater to quickly add supplementary heat to a particularly chilly area for a limited time.

Suppose you are considering purchasing a portable heater. In that case, we can offer some helpful advice on maximizing its potential and minimizing the amount of money you spend on heating your home as much as possible. 

Recommended practices for using a portable heater if you decide to use one

Suppose you are considering purchasing a portable heater. In that case, we can offer some helpful advice on maximizing its potential and minimizing the amount of money you spend on heating your home as much as possible.

Larger is not better

Just buy a portable heater with the necessary wattage (power) for the area you want to warm.

You should get a small one because buying an unnecessarily large space heater will only increase your monthly energy bills. So, invest in a portable heater that is powerful enough to heat the space you want to warm adequately. Ensure it has the wattage to effectively do its job, giving you the warmth and comfort you desire.

On the packaging of portable heaters, you can find a size guide to help you determine which size system is suitable for the space you need to heat.

Use the portable heater as a supplement to your central heating system

Suppose you already have a system designed to heat your entire residence. In that case, you can try to reduce the temperature setting of your thermostat by seven to ten degrees. You can use a portable heater for a brief period as an alternative source of warmth. This approach can help you save money on energy bills while providing additional heat when needed.

Using portable heaters for a shorter period will reduce the overall cost of heating your home. The net energy consumption of your home’s heating system will decrease due to using a portable heater for shorter periods, reducing the expense of heating your home.

Keep the portable heater far from flammable objects.

Every year, space heaters cause over 25,000 fires that break out in homes—keeping the space heater at least three feet away from flammable materials, including rugs, drapes, and clothing (anything that can burn). We also recommend investing in a type equipped with a “tip-over switch” that turns off the heater if it is knocked over.

Use the portable heater only when physically in the room.

Leaving an electric space heater plugged in for an extended period can be highly dangerous without adequate supervision and monitoring. Therefore, following all safety measures when using an electric space heater is crucial, such as not leaving it plugged in or unattended for extended periods. Also, the device must always be set down on a flat surface away from combustible materials.

Finally, the appliance must be frequently inspected for wear and tear indicators that can point to a problem.

These suggestions will help you keep everyone secure and avert any accidents.

Also, it is useless to use a portable heater if you want to use it in a separate room. In addition to being a waste of resources (both financial and energy), doing this will cost you money to heat a room that won’t even be used.

A different approach that uses less energy and is more effective for heating a small space

The best option, in that case, would be a ductless heat pump.

A ductless heat pump takes up much less floor space than a portable heater because it is specifically made to heat just one room. The interior unit of a ductless heat pump must be mounted directly on the wall rather than resting on the floor or taking up more space in the room. Doing so lets you maximize your area and keep your living room clutter-free.

Installing a heat pump without ducts may cost more upfront than buying a portable heater. Yet, because of its lower operating expenses, it might save money over time. Also, it keeps the room’s temperatures consistent throughout, enhancing comfort.

In addition, a ductless heat pump can provide heating and cooling for your home all year round; you are not limited to using it only in the winter months. Also, this system lets you maintain cozy temperatures throughout the year, always living comfortably, regardless of the weather.

In summary

A portable electric heater consumes a lot of power. But you can reduce the cost of energy if you apply the advice in this article. Please do not leave the heater unattended.

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