As the weather gets cooler, you may want to close your windows. But avoid turning on the heat right away because it is not cost-effective, especially if you have an older home. However, there are simple and cost-effective ways to heat your home efficiently.
For instance, you can use space heaters to warm up specific areas of your house for short periods of time. They are a good option, but how much electricity do they use? you can also avail our residential electrical services. Let’s explore this.
How Much Electricity Does It Use?
Space heaters are portable heating solution that is more convenient than baseboard or central heating. You can move them anywhere in the house. However, before purchasing a space heater, it is important to consider whether you will actually be saving electricity and money.
A large space heater typically consumes around 1,500 watts of power, equalling 1.5 kilowatts of power. In order to determine the expenses of operating a space heater, it is essential to calculate the cost per kilowatt-hour charged by your electricity provider, which usually ranges from 10 to 28 cents per kilowatt-hour.
Assuming an average rate of 20 cents per kilowatt-hour, running a sizable space heater would cost approximately 30 cents per hour. Consistently running a space heater for merely eight hours a day could lead to an additional cost of over $70 on your monthly electricity bill.
If you are looking to minimize your energy expenses, it is advisable to use space heaters for shorter durations. It would also be a wise idea to ensure that your home is well-insulated will to retain heat and reduce the need for space heaters.
Read more about Electrical Safety Checklists for Home In 2023
How Does A Space Heater Work?
Space heaters are often small, portable units powered by electricity. They can use convection to heat the air in a room by passing electricity through a heating element, or they can use infrared technology to heat a solid surface instead of the air in the room. Some spaces are fueled by the combustion of kerosene, natural gas, wood, or propane.
You should consider the cost of electricity in your area before investing in a space heater. You should also take into account the size of your home and the potential savings. In a small, single-story home, using a space heater might be a budget option. However, in larger multi-story homes, running several units may not be an affordable option.
Things to Consider When Using a Space Heater
Winter can be brutal, but no one likes to shiver in the cold. However, at the same time, a ridiculously high electricity bill is also not the solution. Using space heaters could be a practical solution, but before you invest in one, there are several factors to consider.
First, you should conduct thorough research. The amount of money that you can save by using a space heater largely depends on the cost of electricity in your region. States that rely on renewable energy sources, such as hydroelectric and wind power, typically have lower electricity costs.
For example, in Idaho and Washington, the average cost per kilowatt hour is below 10 cents. On the other hand, power derived from natural gas or oil tends to be more expensive. Hawaii, for instance, has an average cost of over 28 cents per kilowatt hour due to its reliance on imported oil to power generators.
Another important aspect is the size of your home. A space heater in a small home may be a cost-effective option. However, for larger, multi-story homes, you will need to purchase and operate several units, increasing both your upfront investment and operational costs.
Overall, investing in a space heater can be a wise financial decision as long as you conduct proper research and take into account factors such as electricity costs and home size. By considering all these variables, you can make an informed decision that will keep you warm without breaking the bank.
Tips to Use A Space Heater Safely
If you’re considering purchasing a space heater, it’s important to do some simple calculations beforehand. These will help you determine whether it’s a cost-effective solution for you. Compare the cost of running the heater to your monthly heating bill to assess whether the investment is worth the effort.
To ensure that you’re using a space heater safely, the following are some tips to keep in mind:
- Never leave your space heater unattended, as it can be dangerous and a waste of energy to heat an empty room.
- Most space heaters can give an inaccurate reading, so it’s best to monitor the room temperature yourself. You can avoid overheating the room by using a separate thermometer.
- Use space heaters in small, enclosed spaces rather than large areas with high ceilings. It will help maximize efficiency and retain the heat in the room.
- Be aware of the type of space heater you’re purchasing. Some are used to heat the surface in front of them, while others warm the air in a room. Consider your specific heating needs and purchase a heater that is best suited for that purpose.
- At night, turn the thermostat of the central heating down if you are using a space heater to avoid incurring double costs.
You can effectively use a space heater without breaking the bank using the above-mentioned tips..
Conclusion
In summary, small space heaters can be a great way to heat small, enclosed spaces for short periods of time. However, it’s important to weigh the costs and benefits before relying solely on space heaters to heat your entire home. Keep in mind that using space heaters can quickly add up in terms of electricity costs. You can also find other, more permanent ways to conserve heat in your home.
