Beatrice Lang
With rising energy costs, many people are looking for the most economical electric heaters to warm their homes. Electric heaters are generally considered to be 100% efficient, meaning all the electricity gets converted to heat. However, some heaters are more cost-effective than others. Halogen heaters, for instance, are inexpensive but only heat a small area directly in front of them. Oil-filled radiators are another option, as they retain heat for longer and are considered safe. For larger spaces, mini-split heat pumps are a good choice as they can be used to heat only specific rooms, making them more efficient than traditional electric heaters.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Mini-split heat pumps, Electric radiant floor systems, Halogen heaters, Convector heaters, Electric baseboard heaters, Hydronic heaters, Infrared heaters |
| Efficiency | Mini-split heat pumps are up to three times more efficient than traditional electric heaters. Electric radiant floor systems are very efficient in delivering comfort where you need it most. Halogen heaters are inexpensive and provide instant heat. Electric baseboard heaters with built-in digital thermostats or smart controls can offer better efficiency. Infrared heaters use less wattage. |
| Cost | Halogen heaters average around 1200W in power output. Electric heaters can be expensive to run over long periods of time. The envi™ Wall-mounted Electric Panel Heater costs as little as 10 cents an hour to run. |
| Safety | The envi™ Wall-mounted Electric Panel Heater is cool-to-the-touch and safe for children, seniors, and pets. |
| Installation | The envi™ Wall-mounted Electric Panel Heater is easy to install and requires no drilling. |
| Noise | Electric radiant floor systems are quiet. The envi™ Wall-mounted Electric Panel Heater is silent. |
| Aesthetics | The envi™ Wall-mounted Electric Panel Heater is stylish and inconspicuous. |
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What You'll Learn
Halogen heaters
Electric heaters come in various types, including halogen, convector, oil-filled, and radiant floor systems. Some of the most economical heaters include mini-split heat pumps, which are up to three times more efficient than traditional electric heaters. They only heat the rooms that are being used, saving energy and money. Ducted air-source heat pumps are also more efficient than electric furnaces, especially the newer cold-climate models.
When using a halogen heater, it is essential to follow safety precautions. Ensure that the heater is placed on a flat, stable surface and maintain a safe distance from flammable objects and materials. Keep children and pets away from the heater to prevent burns or accidental tip-overs. Always unplug the heater when not in use, and do not leave it unattended for extended periods. By following these safety guidelines, you can enjoy the benefits of a halogen heater while maintaining a safe environment.
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Heat pumps
The most common type of heat pump is the air-source heat pump, which transfers heat between your house and the outside air. Heat pumps can reduce electricity use for heating by up to 75% compared to electric resistance heating. They also dehumidify better than standard central air conditioners, resulting in less energy usage and more cooling comfort during the summer.
Ductless heat pump systems, or mini-split heat pumps, do not require ductwork and are mounted directly onto an interior wall or ceiling with an accompanying outdoor unit. Mini-split heat pumps are highly effective for homes without ductwork, offering an efficient alternative to baseboard heating and allowing you to heat only the rooms you are using.
Federal tax subsidies also make heat pumps more affordable, with homeowners eligible for a tax credit worth 30% of the cost to buy and install qualifying heat pumps, up to $2000 a year.
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Electric baseboard heaters
One example of an electric baseboard heater is the Runtal Wall Mounted Electric Baseboard Radiator. Each baseboard heater can be individually set, allowing you to heat only the rooms you want to heat and lower your energy costs. Runtal's baseboards feature junction box connections at both ends, allowing for flexible installation. They are available in 120-volt, 208-volt, and 240-volt configurations, and you can add the RST Wi-Fi smart thermostat to control your baseboards from your smartphone for smart, energy-efficient operation.
Another option for electric baseboard heaters is the envi™ Wall-mounted Electric Panel Heater. This heater is designed for large rooms and features low wattage technology, costing as little as 10 cents an hour to run. It is safe, simple to install, healthy, sleep-friendly, sturdy, and crack-resistant.
When choosing an electric heating system, it's important to consider factors such as square footage, layout, insulation, the presence of ducts, and how you use the space day-to-day. While heat pumps typically offer the best long-term value in comfort and energy savings, resistance-based systems like baseboard heaters can still be a good choice in certain situations, especially with smart controls and zoning.
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Wall-mounted panel heaters
Electric heaters are a great way to warm your home efficiently and effectively. Wall-mounted panel heaters are a popular choice for those looking for an economical heating solution. Here are some key things to know about wall-mounted panel heaters:
Safety
One of the biggest advantages of wall-mounted panel heaters is their safety features. Unlike traditional heaters that use gas, oil, or wood fires, electric wall-mounted panel heaters do not spark or cause burns. They are designed to be cool-to-the-touch, making them safe to use around children, seniors, and pets. Additionally, features like Wall-SensTM technology immediately cut power if the heater is removed from the wall, and a thermal cutoff quickly shuts down the unit if the air vents become blocked.
Energy Efficiency
Installation and Convenience
These heaters are easy to install and do not require drilling, making them convenient for those who cannot or prefer not to drill holes in their walls. They are also slim and stylish, with a low profile that blends seamlessly into any space. Additionally, their silent operation makes them ideal for bedrooms or quiet environments without causing any disturbance.
Health and Comfort
Quality and Durability
Look for wall-mounted panel heaters with high-quality certifications and approvals. Reputable heaters will be ETL, CE, and CB Test-certified, ensuring they meet international safety standards. Additionally, look for heaters made with sturdy and crack-resistant materials that will stand the test of time.
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Infrared heaters
Electric heaters come in various forms, including mini-split heat pumps, electric radiant floor systems, baseboard heaters, and infrared heaters. Infrared heaters are a popular choice for those seeking an economical and energy-efficient heating solution.
Infrared heating systems work by emitting heat directly to objects and people in the room, rather than heating the air itself. This targeted approach allows for more efficient heating, as the heat is not wasted on warming the surrounding air. Infrared heaters provide warmth using significantly less energy than conventional heating systems, resulting in cost savings for homeowners. According to the Energy Saving Trust, far-infrared panel heaters can be up to 30% more energy-efficient than other forms of electric heating.
One of the key advantages of infrared heaters is their ability to provide targeted and efficient zone heating. By emitting electromagnetic waves that are absorbed by solid objects, they warm floors, furniture, and people directly. This means that even in larger spaces, infrared heaters can be cost-effective as the heat is concentrated in specific areas, reducing energy wastage. Additionally, infrared heaters do not rely on blowing air, providing a quiet and comfortable heating experience.
However, it is important to consider the drawbacks of infrared heating. Firstly, they typically require a higher upfront investment compared to traditional electric heaters due to installation costs. Secondly, infrared heating may take longer to heat a room as the warming of the air is a byproduct of heating objects and people directly. This can result in the room air temperature feeling cooler, even though the objects and individuals in the room are being heated efficiently.
When choosing an infrared heater, it is essential to consider factors such as room layout, panel positioning, and insulation levels to optimize heat retention and efficiency. Additionally, some infrared heaters offer advanced features like remote control, programmable settings, and Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing for precise thermostat-controlled heating. Overall, infrared heaters are a cost-effective and energy-efficient option, especially for those seeking targeted heating solutions.
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Frequently asked questions
Some of the most economical electric heaters include the envi™ Wall-mounted Electric Panel Heater, the Lasko tower heater, and the Eden Pure heater. Halogen heaters are also one of the most inexpensive types of electric heaters.
Halogen heaters heat up the area directly in front of them, providing instant heat. This means that they are ideal for quick blasts of heat but not for heating an entire room. Their lower power output makes them cheaper to run than other heaters.
Electric baseboard heaters are 100% efficient in converting electricity into heat. They are straightforward, quiet, and newer models with built-in digital thermostats or smart controls can offer better efficiency.
Heat pumps are one of the most efficient electric heating systems. They move heat from outside into your home, making them more efficient than traditional heaters. Mini-split heat pumps allow you to heat only the rooms you are using, which saves energy.
Electric radiant floor systems are very efficient at delivering heat where you need it most. They are typically used in smaller zones like bathrooms and kitchens, and because the heat is concentrated near your body, you can keep the thermostat at a lower setting.
