Electric heaters are devices that convert electrical energy into heat using various methods and technologies. They operate on the principle of converting electrical energy into thermal energy, which is then emitted into the environment to increase the room's temperature. There are different types of electric heaters, each with its own features that affect not only their appearance or efficiency but also electricity consumption.
This post discusses the issue of which electric heater uses the least electricity and which would be the best choice from the perspective of a household budget.
Discover the Most Important Types of Electric Heaters
Electric heaters are an excellent solution for places where other heat sources cannot be installed and when effective heating of a particular interior is needed.
Currently, the following types of electric heaters are available:
- Convector Heaters - They work on the principle of natural air circulation in the room. The heater warms the air that contacts its heating elements, causing warmer air to rise and cooler air to fall, resulting in better circulation and even heating of the interior. Heating elements can be made from various materials, such as ceramics, which accumulate heat and release it slowly.
- Oil Heaters - These are heaters that use oil as a heat transfer medium. The oil, heated by a heating element inside the heater, circulates in a closed circuit, evenly distributing heat over the entire surface of the device. Heat is then emitted into the environment mainly through radiation but also through convection. Oil heaters are quiet and can retain heat for an extended period, even after the power is turned off.
- Halogen Heaters - They operate on infrared radiation. They use halogen lamps to generate heat, which is emitted directly onto people and objects within the heater's range. The heat effect is noticeable immediately after turning on the device. Halogen heaters are particularly effective in heating small spaces or as an additional heat source.
Which Heater Consumes the Least Electricity?
Even modern electric heaters are not the most economical solutions, but certain models can be more cost-effective. If you want to check how much electricity a particular type of heater uses, check the information on the device's nameplate.
Nameplates with the numbers 500, 2000, or even 5000 W indicate how much electricity the heater will use per hour. However, the final electricity bill depends not only on the device's power but also on how long the heater was used during the billing period.
It may turn out that heating a room with a small 250 W heater will be more expensive than with a 1500 W one.
Convection Heaters
Convectors are considered low-energy consumption devices because the heat is generated through the circulation of heated air. It is one of the most popular and commonly used solutions, especially effective in small rooms that need quick heating.
A convector heater operates on the principle of gravitational airflow, meaning that cool air enters the heater from below and, after heating, is emitted outside - as mentioned when discussing types of heaters.
Modern convectors are equipped with a thermofan that quickly distributes warm air throughout the interior. These are usually small portable heaters that support existing heat sources, allowing for optimal thermal comfort. Electricity consumption mainly depends on the heater's power.
Oil-Filled Electric Heater
If you want to heat the air in a room effectively but do not expect an immediate effect, you can opt for an oil heater. The special oil inside is heated using the generated electrical energy. The oil transfers heat to the heater's casing, which in turn releases heat externally.
The main advantage of this type of heater is that they emit heat even for a prolonged period after being unplugged. Oil heaters take relatively long to heat up and consume a lot of energy during this time. However, since these are radiative heaters that emit heat long after being unplugged, this solution can be quite economical and allows for achieving thermal comfort at a reasonable price.
Ceramic Heater
In the case of a ceramic heater, the heating element is a special ceramic panel located inside the casing. The panel heats up relatively quickly and stores heat effectively, which is then released externally. Thanks to this, a ceramic heater, like oil models, continues to radiate heat even after being unplugged.
For these types of heaters, most power is consumed when the heater is turned on and heating up. Later, power consumption remains at a slightly lower level that allows for maintaining the ceramic panel at a constant temperature.
How to Choose an Electric Heater for a Specific Room for Economic Efficiency
The electricity consumption of an electric heater depends not only on its type but also on several other factors, such as:
- Expected interior temperature
- Room size
- Building insulation level
One of the most important factors influencing the ability to achieve an optimal temperature is matching the heater's power to the intended room's area to be heated. Before going shopping, calculate the heater's power.
Calculating Heater Power
Every electric heater has a specified power, and it is worth matching it to the room's volume. Particularly if you want to maintain a constant temperature at a selected level rather than just temporarily raising it. It is assumed that, standardly, for every square meter of a room measuring 2.80 m, the heating requirement is 85 W.
Therefore, to heat a room of, for example, 20 m2 in size, you should invest in an electric heater of 1700 W. The higher the temperature you want in a room, the stronger the heater should be.
In well-insulated buildings and rooms, all types of electric heaters will work great.
Which Electric Heater Uses the Least Electricity - Summary
It's hard to unequivocally indicate which energy-efficient electric heater will be the best in your home. The same goes for electricity consumption. It depends on many different factors. Therefore, when looking for the right heating device, you should pay attention not only to its power but also to how it will be used.
If you're looking for a device that will help you maintain a room's temperature at a relatively constant level, a ceramic core heater or an oil stove will be a good choice. A radiative heater emits pleasant warmth long after being unplugged.
On the other hand, if you need a heater that will allow you to quickly achieve a high temperature, opt for a convection heater or thermofan. Cool air flows into the heater, allowing for quick room heating, which unfortunately cools down just as quickly after the device is turned off. The advantage of this type of heating is that it is characterized by relatively low energy consumption and allows for instant air warming.