Beatrice Lang
With the clean energy transition, electric heaters have become more ubiquitous, efficient, and even cheaper than fossil fuel heat. Electric heaters are the most efficient devices as 100% of the energy that goes into the heater gets converted to heat. However, the efficiency of a space heater can vary depending on the environment. For instance, high ceilings, large windows, inadequate wall insulation, and outdoor temperature affect how quickly a space heater will warm a room. There are several types of electric heaters, including wall-mounted panel heaters, ceramic heaters, oil-filled radiators, infrared heaters, and heating towers. Some of the most efficient electric heaters include the envi™ Wall-mounted Electric Panel Heater, the De'Longhi energy-efficient space heater, the Maxhonor electric fireplace, and the Vornado AVH10.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Electric heaters that use radiant floor systems | Efficient for small zones like bathrooms, basements or kitchens |
| Electric heaters with built-in digital thermostats or smart controls | More efficient than older analog systems |
| Heat pumps | Delivers the best long-term value in both comfort and energy savings |
| Ducted air-source heat pumps | More efficient than electric furnaces, especially in freezing temperatures |
| Electric furnaces | 100% efficient but have higher energy costs compared to heat pumps |
| Space heaters | Efficient for providing direct heat to small areas |
| Electric baseboard heaters | 100% efficient in converting electricity into heat |
| Hydronic heaters | More energy and cost-efficient than convection heaters |
| Infrared heaters | More efficient and use less wattage than traditional electric heaters |
| Oil-filled radiators | Retain heat for longer than convection or radiant heaters |
| Wall-mounted electric panel heaters | Energy-efficient, cost-effective, powerful, quiet, easy to install and maintain |
| De'Longhi HMP1500 Mica Panel Heater | A good choice for those strapped for space |
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What You'll Learn
Electric heaters are 100% efficient
Electric heaters are also 100% efficient in converting electricity into heat, but they may not stretch energy as far as a heat pump. Heat pumps deliver better long-term value in terms of comfort and energy savings, but electric heaters are still a good option for certain situations, especially when used with smart controls and in specific zones.
Electric heaters are also easy to install and maintain, as they do not require any pipework. They are also very low maintenance and do not need annual servicing. Electric heating is also very controllable, allowing you to adjust the temperature in each room easily.
It is important to note that while electric heaters are 100% efficient in terms of energy conversion, there may be negligible losses in the form of light energy or sound energy. Additionally, electricity is often more expensive than other forms of energy, such as gas, which can impact the overall cost-efficiency of electric heaters.
Overall, electric heaters are a good option for those seeking a highly efficient heating solution, but it is essential to consider the potential drawbacks, such as higher energy costs, when making a decision.
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Heat pumps offer the best value
Electric heaters are highly efficient, with all the energy put in converted directly into heat. However, heat pumps offer the best value in the long term. While electric heaters are efficient, they are not cost-efficient, especially when compared to gas. Heat pumps, on the other hand, provide an extra efficiency boost that other electric heaters cannot match.
Ducted air-source heat pumps are an excellent option for whole-home heating, delivering 200%-300% efficiency in moderate climates. They are connected to your home's ductwork, providing warmth to every room. This is ideal if you already have ductwork in place and are looking to replace an older furnace. Heat pumps offer lower operating costs compared to resistance-based systems like furnaces or baseboard heaters.
Baseboard heaters are another option, offering 100% efficiency in converting electricity to heat. Newer models with built-in digital thermostats or smart controls can be zoned by room, improving efficiency. However, they do not stretch energy in the same way a heat pump does.
Infrared heaters, such as the Kelvin, are another efficient option. Instead of heating the air, they radiate heat to warm objects, using less wattage. This makes them more energy-efficient than traditional electric heaters, although they may take longer to heat a room.
For those seeking a more aesthetically pleasing option, the Vornado AVH10 is a powerful and effective portable heater that works well in small spaces. It is pricier, but its modern styling includes Auto Climate Control to maintain a balanced temperature.
Overall, while there are many efficient electric heaters available, heat pumps stand out for delivering superior long-term value in both comfort and energy savings.
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Electric radiant floor systems for small zones
Electric heaters are generally considered to be highly efficient, as all the energy that goes into the heater is converted to heat. Heat pumps are also efficient, especially in moderate climates, where they can deliver 200%–300% efficiency. Electric radiant floor systems are a type of electric heater that offers a quiet, steady heat that rises from the ground up. They are typically used in smaller zones, like bathrooms, basements, or kitchens, and are very efficient at delivering comfort where you need it most.
There are three types of radiant floor heat: radiant air floors, electric radiant floors, and hot water (hydronic) radiant floors. Electric radiant floors are a popular choice for small zones as they are affordable, easy to install, and require no regular maintenance. They can be installed under any floor type, from a single room to an entire house, and provide a consistent and comfortable warmth with no hot or cold spots. They also have the added benefit of reducing or eliminating the need for vents and ducts, which can distribute dust and allergens in the home.
Hydronic radiant floor systems are another popular option, especially in heating-dominated climates. These systems pump heated water from a boiler through tubing laid in a pattern under the floor. They are initially more expensive than electric radiant floors, but they retain heat longer and are more energy and cost-efficient over time.
When choosing an electric radiant floor system for a small zone, it is important to consider factors such as floor type, installation process, cost, and energy efficiency. It is also beneficial to consult with radiant heat experts to determine the specific features and advantages of each system and how they will perform with different floor types.
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Infrared heaters warm objects, not air
Electric heaters are considered the most efficient devices for heating a room, as almost 100% of the energy that goes into the heater is converted to heat. Heat pumps, for example, deliver the best long-term value in comfort and energy savings.
Infrared heaters are a type of electric heater that uses infrared radiation to warm people and objects directly, rather than heating the air. This is similar to how the sun's light radiates onto your skin and keeps you warm. Infrared heaters are therefore more efficient and cheaper to run than traditional heating systems.
Infrared heaters work best when they have a clear space, as they heat objects directly in front of them, not the air in the room. They will heat the moisture in the air, so the higher the indoor humidity, the more heat you will feel. They also work best in smaller zones, such as bathrooms, basements, or kitchens.
Infrared panels, which are fixed to walls, ceilings, or floors, are a popular type of infrared heater. They are quick to install, typically taking less than a day, and don't require any pipework. However, they are impacted by obstacles, such as furniture, and may not be suitable for smaller homes.
Infrared heaters are also considered more environmentally friendly, as they don't release harmful fumes or contribute emissions.
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Oil-filled radiators retain heat longer
Electric heaters are the most efficient devices as 100% of the energy that goes into the heater gets converted to heat. However, oil-filled radiators are also a good option as they retain heat for longer. Oil-filled radiators, also known as oil-filled heaters, 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 not as fuel. The oil-filled radiators with central heating models use a heated liquid to transfer warmth across the surface of the appliance.
Oil-filled radiators take longer to heat up compared to a wire element, but they have good thermal retaining capacity. This allows the inside fluid to cool slowly and keep the room warm for longer. The oil-filled radiators heat the oil inside them, which can stay hot even if the heater is turned off. They are electrically heated and have metal columns with cavities that allow heat to transfer freely around the heater. The heating element is fully submerged within the oil, and as the heating element heats the oil, the warmth is transferred to the radiator body, heating the room by air convection.
Oil-filled radiators are extremely efficient and convert every watt of energy drawn from the mains into usable heat. They are best suited for medium to large rooms that are used regularly, like bedrooms and living rooms. Their superior thermal properties make them ideal for maintaining a consistent temperature over long periods. They are also safer than other heaters as they operate at lower temperatures.
Oil-filled radiators are a good option for those looking for a heater that retains heat for longer. They are efficient, cost-effective, and safe to use.
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Frequently asked questions
Some of the most efficient electric heaters include the envi™ Wall-mounted Electric Panel Heater, the Vornado AVH10, the De'Longhi TRD40615T, the Dreo DR-HSH004A, the Kelvin, and the Maxhonor electric fireplace.
Electric heaters are generally more efficient than other types of heaters because 100% of the energy that goes into the heater is converted to heat. They are also cleaner and more reliable than other types of heaters, such as gas heaters.
The efficiency of a space heater can be affected by various factors, such as high ceilings, large windows, inadequate wall insulation, and outdoor temperature.
There are several types of electric heaters, including ceramic heaters, infrared heaters, oil-filled radiators, and electric furnaces. Ceramic heaters are popular and come in box- or tower-shaped models. Infrared heaters work by heating objects directly rather than heating the air. Oil-filled radiators use electricity to heat a pipe filled with oil and retain heat longer. Electric furnaces use resistance coils to heat air and push it through ductwork.
