Using a space
Space heaters use less energy than central heating systems because they only have to heat a single space instead of the whole house. This is especially true of newer models, which are designed to be more energy efficient than older ones.
If your heater is equipped with a good thermostat and you do not heat the room to a warmer-than-normal temperature, you can save money by using an electric space heater in a room you're in and keeping the rest of the house chillier.
If you have a larger home
In larger homes, a small room may be worth heating individually if it's less than a quarter of the size of the whole house, although there's less benefit if your house is well-insulated.
In most places, electricity is more expensive than natural gas, so a gas furnace is better for overall efficiency. “Buying a space heater for every room would increase the electricity bill more than if you had just bumped up the thermostat,” Scerbo says.
Space heater energy tips
If you do use a space heater, keep these steps in mind to get the most savings: Buy a space heater that is made to heat a room about the size of the one where you plan to use it to avoid using more energy than you need. Compare wattages between similar models to see which one is more efficient.
Namely, it can be difficult for the heating system to keep up with constant temperature changes, and the varying energy use puts more strain on your system than it should. This increases your electric bill, and can even confuse your smart thermostat.
It's a common myth that closing off rooms in your home will save heat or that closing vents in unused rooms will help you lower your energy costs. However, closed-off rooms and vents can actually make your heating and cooling system less efficient and cause other problems in your ductwork.
According to experts, leaving your heating on low all day isn't as cost-effective as you may believe. “The cost of leaving your heating on all day will soon add up,” says Ben Gallizzi, energy expert at Uswitch.
An electric space heater is small but uses a lot of energy! A 1,500-watt heater running for eight hours each night for a month can add about $43 to your electric bill.
Overheating and Fires
They heat up quickly. As a result, it's not uncommon for space heaters to overheat and catch fire. If you have children, keep them away from the space heater at all times. You can save money by using a space heater instead of increasing the temperature on your thermostat.
A modern space heater can be very safe to keep on for long unsupervised periods of time, including while sleeping. Be sure your heater is certified by one of the three major testing organizations and has features like automatic shutoff, tip over protection, a shut off timer, and adjustable thermostat.
Most space heaters use approximately 1,500 Watts of electricity per hour making them one of the most inefficient heating options for your home.
As a rule of thumb, you will need 10 watts of heating power for every square foot of floor area in a room. This means that a 1,500-watt heater can be the primary heat source for an area measuring up to 150 square feet. If it's used as a supplemental heating source, however, it covers a much larger area.
Typically, most household space heaters reach a maximum heat range of 95F to 120F degrees. You might be able to get a room up to temperature with a large propane space heater. Still, it is unlikely that you could reach these temperatures with a typical residential electric space heater. This poses the next question.
Remember to keep your doors closed
About 35% of heat escapes through walls, windows, and doors. Closing your doors is a simple, very effective way to keep your house warmer this winter. Leaving every door wide open or even slightly ajar, can help spread colder air around your home.
Whether you plan to leave for a vacation or for the season, most heating and cooling professionals recommend setting the thermostat to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature will reduce your heating costs and minimize the risk for hazards such as frozen or burst pipes and flooding.
For long-term vacations during the winter, the best winter vacation thermostat setting is somewhere around 55 degrees. This will prevent the furnace from operating unnecessarily since the home's heating demands are significantly reduced during this time.
You can easily save energy in the winter by setting the thermostat to around 68°F to 70°F while you're awake and setting it lower while you're asleep or away from home.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners can save on utility bills by turning down their thermostats before they go to sleep and during the daytime hours when/if no one is home.
The Energy Saving Trust says if you're keeping the heating on all day you're losing energy all day, so it's better to heat your home only when you need it. You can also apply for a Cold Weather Payment to help when temperatures fall to freezing, a Warm Home Discount or a Winter Fuel Payment to minimise your bills.
Combustion heaters are a great option for heating your home without power. Combustion heaters are indoor heaters that don't require electricity, utilizing propane instead of electricity. If you need heat without electricity or gas, kerosene radiant heaters should have everything you need.
Electric Heating And Oil Heating Are The Most Expensive Ways To Heat A Home In The US. What these heating costs show is that in the US both fuel oil furnaces and electricity furnaces are an expensive way to heat a home.
Remember that space heaters are inefficient heating sources. (The Department of Energy's EnergyStar program doesn't certify space heaters in the EnergyStar program for this reason.) They should be used temporarily for spot heating and not as a main heating source.