Energy-efficient space heaters are best for heating up a large room while using the least amount of energy, but they shouldn't be your sole source of heat. When it comes to large rooms, ducted heating is typically the most efficient option.
Heat pumps are so efficient the rule for these systems is to "set it and forget it". Just be sure to set the temperature at a reasonable temperature. Clean or replace filters on furnaces once a month or as recommended.
The cheapest way to heat your house with electricity is to use a heat pump. Instead of using the energy to create heat (through resistive heating), you use the energy to move heat from a colder area to a warmer area. The most efficient heat pump is a water source heat pump.
Generally speaking, Halogen heaters are one of the most inexpensive types of electric heater. They average around 1200W in terms of power output and because they provide instant-heat at close quarters, you shouldn't need to leave them on for long periods of time.
Halogen Heaters: Instant Warmth at a Low Cost
For instant warmth, a halogen heater is a good choice. These heaters use energy-efficient halogen bulbs to quickly provide radiant heat.
Electric fan heaters are very power intensive, consuming a lot of electricity even in a short space of heating time. Electricity prices are also on the rise, so you'll want to limit your usage of your electric fan heater only to when it's really necessary.
A room heater offers better heating for large spaces or when long-term warmth is required, as it maintains consistent temperatures. Blowers, on the other hand, provide fast, concentrated heating, making them suitable for smaller rooms or areas where quick warmth is needed.
Sealed combustion heaters are much safer to operate than other types of space heaters, and operate more efficiently because they do not draw in the heated air from the room and exhaust it to the outdoors. They are also less likely to backdraft and adversely affect indoor air quality.
Improved Circulation: The fan helps circulate heat. During the winter, the “stack effect” can cause parts of your home to be warmer or cooler. That's because heat tends to rise.
Oil-filled heaters can be very energy efficient, especially for long-term use. Once the oil is heated, these heaters can continue to provide warmth even after being turned off, using less electricity overall.
Fan heaters and infrared heaters reduce the oxygen levels and humidity in the room which can cause dry eyes and nasal blockage over the long term. It is advisable to keep a bucket of water in the corner of the room or use a humidifier to prevent significant dehydration."
To save money, aim to have your temperature set around 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit when you're at home and awake. This is a comfortable temperature for most with the help of a light sweater. Overnight and when you're out, around 64 degrees Fahrenheit will keep your home at a good temperature.
Open your curtains during the day - the sun still provides warmth even in the winter months. Make sure you close them as soon as the sun sets to keep the warm air in. Investing in thicker curtains, or thermal curtain liners, will help keep the cold air out and prevent heat loss.
According to the DOE, setting your thermostat back 7°F to 10°F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting can help you save up to 10% in energy costs. This means keeping your thermostat around 78°F in the summer (higher when you're asleep or away) or around 68°F to 70°F in the winter (lower when you're asleep or away).
Halogen heaters are among the most cost-effective electric heater options, with a typical power output of 1200W. Their immediate warmth in close proximity saves energy by not needing to be left running for long stretches of time.
If you have a 2100W (2.1 kW) washing machine and you run it for an hour, it'll use 2.1kWh of electricity in that hour. If electricity costs 34p per unit, multiply 2.1kWh by 34p and you get a grand total of 71p.
“However, as they produce radiant heat they are not very good at heating larger areas,” he continues. “They can work out costly to run in winter months as they have to be on for long periods of time. They only heat a specific area and if you are slightly out of this specific area, you or the space will remain cold.”