Otis Singleton
The 1960s saw a battle between different heating fuels, with utility companies offering various incentives to mould markets. Electric heating emerged as a viable alternative, with electric heaters becoming affordable for many households. Electric storage heaters were mass-produced from the 1960s, providing a cheap way to heat homes. They worked by using electricity overnight to heat up thermal bricks, which were then used to heat the home during the day. Electric baseboard heaters also became more common in modern homes, offering zone heating and relatively low installation costs. Portable space heaters were also popular due to their ease of use and portability.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Electric heaters in the 60s | One bar room heaters, portable fan heaters, electric storage heaters |
| Earliest electric heaters | Used bulbs, elongated glass bulbs to output heat |
| Inventors | Thomas Edison, Albert Leroy Marsh |
| Material | Chromel, an alloy created from nickel and chromium |
| Comparison with modern heaters | Less energy-efficient and controllable |
| Competition in the heating market | Gas heating installations |
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What You'll Learn
Electric heaters were affordable for many households
Electric heaters have been around in some form for over a century, with the first portable electric heating system produced by General Electric in the 1890s. However, it wasn't until the 1960s that they became a common feature in many households. This was due to a combination of factors, including the increasing affordability of electricity, the development of more efficient electric heating technology, and the growing competition between utility companies, which drove down prices and offered incentives for consumers to choose electric heating over other fuel sources.
In the early 1960s, electric space heating was the fastest-growing market in the electrical industry. This was fuelled by a new wave of electrical applications and a continued focus on electrical modernisation, which created new opportunities for electrical professionals. By 1965, nearly 500,000 homes in the US were wired for electric heat, bringing the national total to almost 2.5 million. This represented a significant increase from the 900,000 electrically heated residential units in the country at the beginning of the decade.
The competition between utility companies during this time also played a role in making electric heaters more affordable for households. Utility companies offered incentives and favourable rates for all-electric homes, as they recognised that "whoever got the heating load in a residence stood the best chance of getting the hot water, cooking, and incidental loads". This competitiveness drove down prices and made electric heating a more attractive option for consumers.
In addition to the increasing affordability of electricity, the development of more efficient electric heating technology also played a role in making electric heaters more accessible to households in the 1960s. Electric storage heaters, for example, were mass-produced from the 1960s onwards and provided an energy and cost-efficient way for people to keep their homes heated. These heaters stored thermal energy during the night by heating up internal ceramic bricks, which was then used to heat the home during the day.
While electric heaters were becoming more affordable for many households in the 1960s, it's important to note that they still had limitations, particularly in colder climates where they could be more expensive to run than fuel-powered heaters. However, with the continued advancements in technology and the increasing focus on energy efficiency, modern electric heaters have become even more energy-efficient and controllable, making them an even more accessible and cost-effective option for households today.
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Gas heating was more popular than electric heating
In 1962, a case study examined the conversion of two elementary public schools from coal-burning heating systems to individual room gas-fired heaters. The new gas heating units were designed to blend in with the classrooms and were approved by the American Gas Association (AGA). The same year, it was anticipated that 1,200,000 homes across the nation would adopt gas heating.
In 1965, a survey in Seventeen magazine found that more than half of American teenage girls (54.6%) lived in gas-heated homes and preferred gas heating for their future homes. In New York City, four out of five single-family homes built in 1966 used gas for heating.
Electric heating technology was also available in the 1960s, with portable electric heaters and electric storage heaters commonly used. However, electric heating was more expensive to run than fuel-powered heaters, making it better suited for occasional rather than regular use. Electric space heating was the fastest-growing market in the 1960s, with nearly 500,000 homes wired for electric heat in 1965, bringing the national total to almost 2.5 million.
Overall, while electric heating was gaining traction during this period, gas heating was still the more popular and preferred option for many.
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Electric heaters were dangerous and caused many burns
Electric heaters were widely used in the 1960s, with their popularity surging due to their portability and ease of use. However, these heaters also posed significant dangers, particularly the risk of burns and fires.
The design of electric heaters in the 1960s often lacked adequate safety measures, which contributed to their hazardous nature. Many heaters had exposed coils or hot surfaces that could easily come into contact with people or flammable objects, resulting in burns or fires. The absence of proper guards or protective coverings around the heating elements made it easier for curious individuals, especially children, to accidentally touch the scorching components.
The unguarded design of these heaters also increased the risk of fires. If a heater was knocked over or if clothes were draped over it to dry, it could easily ignite surrounding materials. The tip-over hazard was a significant concern, as a slight bump or accidental nudge could cause the heater to fall and start a fire.
In addition to the risks posed by the heating elements, the electrical components of these appliances were also dangerous. Faulty appliances or overloaded outlets could send electricity through the metal casing, resulting in electric shocks. The two-prong electrical outlets that were common in the 1960s lacked a grounding pin, leaving appliances vulnerable to electrical faults and increasing the risk of shocks and fires.
The use of electric heaters also contributed to indoor air pollution. Asbestos, a common insulation material in the 1960s, was often packed into walls and ceilings. The heaters could disturb this material, releasing fine asbestos fibres into the air. Inhalation of these fibres posed severe health risks, including lung diseases such as mesothelioma.
While electric heaters provided warmth and comfort, their use in the 1960s came at a cost. The lack of safety features and the prevalence of electrical hazards made them a dangerous presence in many homes, leading to burns, fires, and other health risks. It was only through tragic accidents and a growing awareness of safety that improvements were gradually made to address these issues.
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Electric heaters were more efficient than fireplaces
The 1960s saw a battle between heating fuels, with electricity and gas being the main competitors. Electric heaters were being mass-produced in the 1960s, and they provided an energy-efficient and cost-effective way to heat homes. These heaters stored thermal energy through the night by heating up internal ceramic bricks, which were then used to heat the home during the day.
Secondly, electric heaters did not require the burning of fuel, which eliminated combustion emissions such as smoke, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. This not only improved indoor air quality but also benefited the environment by reducing the release of harmful gases.
Thirdly, electric heaters were safer than fireplaces as they did not produce open flames or hot surfaces, reducing the risk of burns and fires. Additionally, electric heaters were more convenient as they did not require stocking up on firewood and building fires, making them a more modern and user-friendly option.
Lastly, electric heaters were more energy-efficient than gas fireplaces. Gas fireplaces lost heat through their vents and chimneys, resulting in reduced heating efficiency. In contrast, electric heaters converted electricity directly into heat, achieving a 99% efficiency rate. This meant that almost all the energy consumed by electric heaters was converted into heat, making them a more economical choice.
However, it is important to note that the efficiency of electric heaters compared to fireplaces also depended on other factors, such as the source of electricity generation and the size of the room being heated. Additionally, while electric heaters provided an efficient and convenient alternative to fireplaces, they may not have been powerful enough to heat an entire house effectively and were often used as a supplemental heat source.
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Electric heaters were controlled by a dial
Electric heaters have been around for over a century, with the first portable electric heating system produced by General Electric in the 1890s. These early heaters used elongated glass bulbs to output heat. However, they also required a durable, high-resistance wire to function, which was made possible by Albert Leroy Marsh's discovery of chromel in 1905.
In the 1960s, electric heaters were available, but there was also a battle between different heating fuels, with gas heating installations quickly gaining popularity. Electric storage heaters were mass-produced in the 1960s to address the issue of decreased electricity usage during the evenings. These heaters stored thermal energy through the night by heating internal ceramic bricks, providing an energy-efficient way to heat homes during the day.
While electric heaters in the 1960s may not have had the same level of sophistication as modern heaters, they were controlled by a dial or a simple switch. These dials allowed users to adjust the heat output of the heater, providing a basic level of control over the temperature. The heaters of this era included one-bar room heaters and portable fan heaters, which were noisy but functional.
The electric heaters of the 1960s were part of a larger movement towards convenient and reliable home heating. Engineers and inventors recognised the potential of electricity to revolutionise heating, and their efforts laid the foundation for the modern electric heaters we use today. Over time, the design and functionality of electric heaters have evolved, incorporating new technologies and innovations to improve energy efficiency and user experience.
Today, electric heaters have become increasingly smart, with LED screens, digital programmes, and Bluetooth connectivity. Users can now create custom heating schedules and control their heaters remotely from anywhere in the world. The advancements in technology have transformed the way we heat our homes, providing greater convenience, efficiency, and control compared to the electric heaters of the 1960s.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, electric heaters were present in the 1960s. Electric baseboard heaters, electric blankets, and infrared heaters were among the convenient heating solutions available at the time.
Electric heaters in the 1960s offered several advantages over traditional heating methods. They were known for their portability, ease of use, and ability to provide targeted warmth. Electric heaters also had streamlined designs, resulting in relatively low installation costs, making them an attractive option for efficient space heating during colder months.
Electric heaters in the 1960s utilized various technologies, including radiant heating elements and thermal bricks. Some heaters, such as electric baseboard heaters, provided zone heating, allowing homeowners to heat only occupied rooms, which could help reduce overall heating costs.
Yes, electric heaters gained popularity in the 1960s, with mass production and adoption of electric storage heaters. However, there was also a battle of the fuels during this decade, with utility companies promoting the benefits of their respective fuel sources, such as gas, electric, and oil. Despite this competition, electric heaters left their mark on the 1960s home heating landscape and laid the foundation for further advancements in home climate control technology.
