Umair Gaines
Electric heaters are a convenient way to warm a room, but they can be expensive to run. All electric heaters are around 100% efficient in terms of energy conversion, but the way they give out heat varies. For example, infrared heaters warm objects near them, such as people, rather than heating the air directly. Oil-filled radiators take longer to heat up but retain heat for longer, while fan heaters are cheaper and work just as well. To save energy, look for heaters with a timer, thermostat, or eco mode. For a single small room, any 1500W heater should be enough.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Most efficient electric heating systems | Mini-split heat pumps |
| Comparison of efficiency with traditional heaters | Up to three times more efficient |
| Ducted air-source heat pumps | More efficient than electric furnaces |
| Electric radiant floor systems | Efficient for smaller zones like bathrooms, basements, or kitchens |
| Baseboard heaters | Efficient with built-in digital thermostats or smart controls |
| Electric heaters | More efficient and cheaper than fossil fuel heat |
| Electric heaters | 100% efficient |
| Electric heaters with smart functionality | Alexa, air purification, and adaptive heating |
| Electric heaters with thermostat | Prevent wasteful overheating |
| Oil-filled radiators | Retain heat for longer |
| Infrared heaters | More comfortable as they put heat directly into your body |
| Vornado heaters | Less noisy due to larger/deeper pitched blades |
| Kelvin heaters | Use less wattage (top out at 750W) |
| EnviMAX heaters | Energy-efficient for large rooms |
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What You'll Learn
Electric heaters are 100% efficient
However, it is important to note that some energy losses may occur in an enclosed space due to factors like sound, light, or heat escaping through walls or windows. These losses are typically negligible, and the overall efficiency of electric heaters remains high.
When considering the most efficient electric heaters, it is worth looking at mini-split heat pumps, which can be up to three times more efficient than traditional electric heaters. They achieve this by moving heat from the outside air into your home, providing up to three dollars' worth of heat for every dollar of electricity spent. Ducted air-source heat pumps work similarly but connect to your home's ductwork, making them more efficient than electric furnaces, especially in freezing temperatures.
Electric radiant floor systems are another efficient option, delivering quiet and steady heat that rises from the ground up. They are often used in smaller zones like bathrooms, basements, or kitchens, providing comfort where it is needed most. Baseboard heaters are also efficient, especially newer models with built-in digital thermostats or smart controls, which can be zoned by room to optimize energy use.
While electric heaters are 100% efficient in terms of energy conversion, it is worth noting that electricity is often more expensive than other heating sources like gas. This is because electricity is derived from burning gas, and the end consumer bears the cost of the gas's inefficiency and delivery losses.
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Infrared heaters use less wattage
Electric heaters are becoming increasingly popular due to the clean energy transition, which has made electric heat more efficient and, in some cases, cheaper than fossil fuel heat. One of the most efficient electric heating systems is the mini-split heat pump, which moves heat from the outside air into your home, making it up to three times more efficient than traditional electric heaters.
Infrared heaters are a type of electric heater that uses infrared technology to warm objects rather than heating the air. This makes the heating process more efficient and uses less wattage. For example, the Kelvin infrared heater tops out at 750W for its large units, while still producing heating capabilities on par with higher-wattage baseboard heaters.
Infrared heaters are 100% efficient, turning every watt of electricity into usable heat. This means they don't need to work as hard as convection heaters of the same wattage and can often use half or even a third of their full wattage to heat a room comfortably. As a result, they are much cheaper to run than central heating, space heating, and air source heat pumps.
Infrared heaters are also beneficial because they work independently of each other, allowing you to use 'zonal heating' to heat specific rooms in your home. They are perfect for open-plan living as you can put them in the busiest or coldest areas. They are also safer and consume less electricity than conventional heating units.
The cost of running an infrared heater depends on the wattage and hours used per day. For example, a 1500-watt infrared heater used for 10 hours a day can cost around $60 a month. However, high prices do not always guarantee better energy savings, and consumers should compare heaters to get the best value for their needs.
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Oil-filled radiators retain heat
Electric heaters have become increasingly popular as the clean energy transition has made them more efficient and, in some cases, cheaper than fossil fuel heat. There are several types of electric heaters, including space heaters, baseboard heaters, and electric radiant floor systems. Some of the most efficient electric heaters are mini-split heat pumps, which move heat from the outside air into your home, and ducted air-source heat pumps, which are connected to your home's ductwork.
One type of electric heater that is known for its efficiency is the oil-filled radiator. Oil-filled radiators, also known as oil-filled panel heaters or column heaters, are a common form of convection heater used in domestic heating. They are filled with oil, which is used as a heat reservoir, and they transfer heat to the surrounding air through metal columns or fins. Oil-filled radiators take longer to heat up than electric radiators, but they retain heat for longer, making them more energy-efficient.
The oil in the radiator is warmed by an electrical heating element, which is fully submerged within the oil. The warmth is then transferred to the radiator body, and the surrounding air is heated through convection. Oil-filled radiators have good heat retention capacity, which makes them more energy-efficient and cheaper to run. They are also known for their advanced controllability, with features such as precision digital thermostats and energy-saving modes.
Oil-filled radiators are typically more expensive to purchase than electric radiators, but they can be more cost-effective in the long run due to their energy efficiency. They are a good choice for larger spaces or as a primary heat source. Additionally, if your home is well-insulated, oil-filled radiators can provide even more significant cost savings over time.
Overall, oil-filled radiators are an efficient and effective option for electric heating, offering consistent warmth and advanced controllability while retaining heat for longer periods.
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Heat pumps deliver best long-term value
Electric heaters are a convenient way to warm up a room and boost your home's heating system. Most electric space heaters put out the same amount of heat: 1500 watts on high and 750 watts on low. They are all technically 100% efficient, meaning that every watt they use gets converted directly into heat.
However, if you're looking for the best long-term value in both comfort and energy savings, heat pumps are the way to go. Here's why heat pumps deliver the best long-term value:
Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings
Mini-split heat pumps, for example, move heat from the outside air into your home, making them up to three times more efficient than traditional electric heaters. For every dollar spent on electricity, you can get up to three dollars' worth of heat. Heat pumps with higher energy efficiency ratings tend to cost more upfront, but they pay for themselves over time through lower energy costs and may be eligible for better tax incentives or rebates.
Environmental Benefits
Heat pumps are also better for the environment. Switching from a gas furnace to an electric-powered heat pump can reduce a home's heating-related carbon emissions by an average of 40%, according to a 2022 study. They don't produce smoke or local emissions, eliminating the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning associated with combustion-based heating systems.
Safety
Heat pumps are safer than combustion-based heating systems as they don't burn fuel to generate heat. As a result, there is no risk of fuel leaking and igniting, and they don't produce carbon monoxide, a significant safety concern with traditional heating systems.
Longevity and Maintenance
While heat pumps require a considerable initial investment, they can be more cost-effective to run in the long run. Regular maintenance is necessary to ensure hassle-free operation and system longevity.
In summary, heat pumps offer a more energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, safe, and cost-effective heating solution for your home. They may require a more substantial upfront investment, but the long-term benefits in terms of energy savings, comfort, and reduced carbon footprint make them a worthwhile choice.
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Electric heaters vs. oil and gas
Electric heaters are 100% efficient in converting electricity into heat. However, electric heaters are significantly less efficient than oil heaters, which are also safer to store and use than natural gas heaters. Oil heaters are also more cost-effective than electric heaters, which are more expensive to operate and produce less heat.
Oil heaters are one of the oldest forms of heating, especially in regions like New England, where many homes are over 150 years old. Oil heat systems have a longer lifespan and higher heat output compared to natural gas furnaces. Oil heaters are also preferred due to their clean-burning nature, and because they do not produce dangerous gases as by-products.
Electric heaters are popular among people installing new systems or building new homes. They are also useful for heating additions or seldom-used rooms, as they are available for either whole houses or individual rooms.
Geothermal heat pumps, which work by moving heat between a ground or water source and a house, are more efficient and less expensive to run than electric heaters, despite higher installation costs. Mini-split heat pumps are another option, which moves heat from outside air into your home, making them up to three times more efficient than traditional electric heaters. Electric radiant floor systems are also efficient at delivering comfort, especially in smaller zones like bathrooms, basements, or kitchens.
The best heating solution depends on several factors, including square footage, layout, insulation, and geographical location.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric heaters are the most efficient devices as they have 100% efficiency, meaning all the energy you put in is what you get as output. Some of the most efficient electric heaters include the Envi Wall-mounted Electric Panel Heater, the Dreo DR-HSH004A, the Duux Threesixty 2, the Kelvin, and the Vornado AVH10.
Some other efficient electric heaters include the De'Longhi TRD40615T oil-filled radiator, the Everhot stove-style heater, and the Lasko tower.
When choosing an efficient electric heater, consider the size of the space you want to heat, the heater's safety features, and its distribution of warmth. Additionally, think about whether you want a heater with smart functionality or one that is more aesthetically pleasing.
