Do Space Heaters Use a Lot of Electricity?

With winter upon us, many can feel the chill creeping in. How do we heat our space without raising our energy bill? Space heaters are a popular solution, as many are small enough to be placed in offices or powerful enough to heat an entire room. But how much electricity do they use, and are they cost-effective? In this article, the heating contractors at SM Air will answer these questions and more.

How Space Heaters Work and Their Power Usage

A space heater heats a specific room or area. There are many types of space heaters available, with each having slight variations in operation. Generally, coils are heated and then a fan conducts the warmed air out. Common types of space heaters and their wattages include:

• Ceramic heaters: 600-1500 watts.
• Fan heaters: 750-1500 watts.
• Infrared heaters: 500-2000 watts.

A misconception is space heaters are cheaper for heating your home. While a higher wattage means the heater is suited to a larger room, space heaters are not designed for whole-building heating.

Factors Affecting Space Heater Energy Consumption

In the way external elements affect your HVAC’s function, there are outside factors affecting the energy consumption of your space heater, including:

• Thermostat settings: Both your HVAC’s and space heater’s thermostat settings affect the energy it consumes.
• Insulation: If your space lacks good insulation, your space heater will need to expend more energy to maintain the temperature.
• Heater size: The smaller your space heater, the harder it works to heat the space around it.
• Room size: The larger the room you’re trying to heat, the more energy your space heater will be forced to expend.
• Usage time: The longer you run your space heater, the more energy it consumes. Typically, space heaters are run on electricity rather than natural gas, and electricity is a more costly fuel source.
• Environmental factors: Environmental factors such as the presence of drafts, humidity levels, heater placement, how well your doors and windows are sealed, and the outdoor temperature can all affect how much energy your space heater expends to keep your room heated.

Calculating the Electricity Costs of Running a Space Heater

In order to calculate the cost of running a typical space heater model, you must multiply your space heaters wattage by the amount of hours you plan to use it. You then multiply that number by your electricity rate per kilowatt-hour. You then divide this answer by 1,000. An example of this monthly formula could look like:

• Monthly Usage=12 kWh/day×30 days/month=360 kWh/month

A few things that can help you estimate costs based on specific energy rates include:

• Identify your heater’s wattage
• Determine your usage pattern
• Find your electricity rate

Pros and Cons of Space Heaters

Space heaters are ideal for heating small areas. They can be more cost-effective when you wish to heat a single room. Central heating is the best heating option for entire buildings. The pros of space heaters include:

• Portability
• Targeted heating
• Quick warm-up
• Variety of options

The cons include:

• Limited coverage
• Safety concerns
• Maintenance

Tips for Reducing Space Heater Electricity Costs

To reduce the running cost of your space heater, you’ll want to:

• Keep it to a localized area
• Ensure proper insulation of walls, doors, and windows
• Keep the runtime shorter

Space heaters are a wonderful option to supplement your home’s heating unit. If you find there’s a cold spot in your home, this would be the ideal place for a space heater. You also want to look for energy-efficient models with features such as:

• Programmable thermostat
• Energy saving mode
• Timer function
• Energy Star rating
• Insulated housing

Conclusion

A space heater is a wonderful option to supplement your home’s HVAC system. When sized and used properly, they are cost-effective in heating your space. If you’re looking to keep the cost of operating your space heater low, remember to look for energy-efficient models with features like a timer and thermostat. Not sure which space heater to purchase? SM Air’s heating contractors are here to help.

For top-notch heating services in San Marcos, Texas, contact SM Air today.