Beatrice Lang
With winter just around the corner, many people are looking for the most efficient electric heaters to keep their homes warm and toasty. While most electric space heaters produce the same amount of heat, there are other factors that determine their efficiency, such as how well they distribute heat, safety features, and energy consumption. Heat pumps, for example, are known to deliver excellent long-term value in terms of comfort and energy savings, while electric furnaces are 100% efficient but may result in higher energy costs compared to heat pumps. Some heaters, like the envi™ Wall-mounted Electric Panel Heater, boast innovative designs that enhance airflow and improve heating efficiency. Ultimately, the most efficient heater for your home will depend on factors such as square footage, layout, insulation, and ductwork.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Mini-split heat pumps, Electric radiant floor systems, Baseboard heaters, Electric space heaters, Oil-filled radiators, Wall-mounted panels, Fan heaters |
| Efficiency | Electric heaters are 100% efficient in converting electricity into heat, but heat pumps are up to three times more efficient than traditional electric heaters. |
| Features | Smart functionality, Air purification, Adaptive heating, Built-in thermostats, Digital thermostats, Smart controls |
| Brands | Envi, Vornado, Lasko, Everhot, Duux, Beldray, Dyson, Russell Hobbs |
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What You'll Learn
Electric heaters are efficient
Electric heaters are also efficient in terms of their ability to heat specific zones or rooms. Electric radiant floor systems, for instance, deliver heat from the ground up, making them very efficient at providing comfort where you need it most. Similarly, baseboard heaters are straightforward and quiet, using convection to warm up a room.
In addition, electric heaters are efficient in terms of their convenience and ease of use. Some electric heaters have smart functionality, allowing you to control them via voice commands or apps. They also come in a variety of designs, from compact fan-powered models to wall-mounted panels, making them suitable for small spaces or large rooms.
Furthermore, electric heaters are efficient in terms of cost. The clean energy transition has made electric heat more efficient and, in some cases, cheaper than fossil fuel heat. For example, space heaters are largely efficient at providing direct heat to small areas, making them a cost-effective option for drafty rooms or areas with poor circulation.
Overall, electric heaters offer a range of efficient options for warming your home, with various features and designs to suit different needs and preferences.
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Oil-filled radiators retain heat
Electric heaters are considered the most efficient devices in terms of energy output. However, oil-filled radiators are a great option for those looking for sustained warmth. 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 electrically heated and the oil within the unit acts as a heat reservoir, not fuel.
Oil-filled radiators take longer to heat up than a wire element heater, but they have good thermal retention capacity. This allows the oil to cool down slowly and keep the room warm for longer, even after the heater has been turned off. This is due to the high levels of inertia in the oil-filled radiators, which means they accumulate a lot of heat while turned on, and continue to emit this stored heat after being turned off. This ensures long-lasting thermal comfort in the room.
The slow cooling process of the thermal oil in the radiator ensures that the room remains warm for an extended period, providing comfort without the need for the radiator to operate at full capacity. This makes oil-filled radiators more energy-efficient and cost-effective to run. The use of fixed oil-filled radiators with modern digital programming can further increase these savings. The lack of exposed heating elements also makes them safer than portable heaters, and their silent operation makes them ideal for environments where noise is a concern.
Despite their benefits, oil-filled radiators do have some drawbacks. They consume high levels of energy, making them costly for whole-home heating. They are also not suitable for large spaces as they can only produce enough heat for up to mid-sized rooms. Additionally, they take a while to heat up, so users may feel cold while waiting for the radiator to warm up.
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Heat pumps are efficient systems
Electric heaters are considered to be the most efficient devices as the energy inputted is equal to the energy outputted. However, there are minuscule losses in the form of light energy. Electric heaters are available in various types, including wall-mounted panel heaters, oil-filled radiators, and radiant heaters. One of the most efficient and popular electric heaters is the envi™ Wall-mounted Electric Panel Heater, which is stylish, silent, and efficient.
Among electric heaters, heat pumps are considered to be highly efficient systems. Heat pumps are available in various types, including air-source heat pumps, ductless heat pumps, geothermal heat pumps, and mini-split heat pumps. Air-source heat pumps are the most common type, transferring heat between your house and the outside air. They can reduce electricity usage for heating by up to 75% compared to electric resistance heating. Ductless heat pumps are ideal for homes without existing ductwork, offering both heating and cooling options. Geothermal heat pumps, although expensive to install, can achieve higher efficiencies by transferring heat between your house and the ground. They can be more cost-effective in the long run, with potential energy savings within 5 to 10 years.
Mini-split heat pumps are another highly efficient and popular option, especially for homes without ducts. They can provide up to three times the heating output compared to the electricity input, making them significantly more efficient than traditional electric heaters. Additionally, they allow for zone heating, where you can heat only specific rooms, further reducing energy consumption.
The basic principle behind the efficiency of heat pumps is that they use electricity to transfer heat from outside sources, such as the air, ground, or water, rather than generating heat directly. This allows them to achieve efficiencies of over 100%, as the heat energy does not come from the electricity itself but from the surrounding environment.
Overall, heat pumps offer a highly efficient electric heating option, providing both long-term value and energy savings. They are a flexible and cost-effective solution for various climates and home configurations, making them a popular choice for homeowners seeking to balance comfort and energy efficiency.
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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 that you want to heat, which can lower your energy costs. They are available in 120-volt, 208-volt, and 240-volt configurations. Adding a smart thermostat allows you to program and control your baseboards from your smartphone for smart, energy-efficient operation.
Another example is the Envi Wall-mounted Electric Panel Heater, which is designed to heat large rooms. It features a dual-stack design that boosts airflow through the unit to maximize heat transfer, resulting in enhanced airflow and safe air temperature without the use of a fan. The EnviMAX model offers improved airflow and twice the heating power of the standard model.
When choosing an electric heater, it is important to consider factors such as square footage, layout, insulation, and how you use the space. While electric heaters are generally efficient, with the energy input being equal to the output, heat pumps typically deliver the best long-term value in terms of comfort and energy savings.
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Wall-mounted electric heaters
Electric heaters are generally considered to be highly efficient, as the energy output is roughly equal to the energy input. Heat pumps, for example, can provide up to three times more heat energy than the electricity used.
The Envi™ Wall-mounted Electric Panel Heater is one of the most well-known wall-mounted heaters. It uses a dual-stack design with simulated "stacks" of varying heights to boost airflow and maximize heat transfer without the use of a fan. This makes it extremely energy-efficient, providing gentle heat that is safe for children and the elderly. Envi heaters are available in both plug-in and hardwired models, with the plug-in version offering convenient cordset storage.
Another option for wall-mounted electric heaters is the Amaze-Heater, available at Home Depot. This heater comes in both convection and radiant varieties and is well-regarded by users.
When choosing an electric heater, it is important to consider factors such as the size and layout of the space, insulation, and whether ducts are present. Additionally, investing in programmable thermostats can help improve energy efficiency and comfort.
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Frequently asked questions
The EnviMAX plug-in heater is one of the most energy-efficient electric heaters for large rooms. It uses triple-stack convection technology to heat a room using the smallest amount of electrical energy. The envi™ Wall-mounted Electric Panel Heater is another energy-efficient option for large rooms.
Electric radiant floor systems are very efficient at delivering heat to smaller zones like bathrooms, basements, or kitchens. Infrared heaters like the Kelvin are also efficient for small spaces as they radiate heat to warm objects rather than heating the air, using less wattage.
The Everhot stove-top vent heater is a stylish cast-iron model that produces 1.5kW of heating power and blends well with most interior schemes. The Duux Threesixty 2 is another aesthetically pleasing option with a minimalist design that delivers heated air in all directions.
Heat pumps, such as mini-split heat pumps, typically deliver the best long-term value in both comfort and energy savings. Oil-filled radiators are also efficient as they retain heat for longer, staying hot even if the heater is turned off.
