Watt is watt when using space heaters
December 23, 2008
I’d like to buy a space heater to use in my workshop. I’ve been seeing ads about a new kind that’s more efficient. What type of heater would you suggest?
We’ve seen those advertisements too, but no matter what the ads say, all electric space heaters are 100 percent efficient because they lose no heat in ductwork or during combustion.
“A watt is a watt, regardless which heater uses it,” said Rick Cantonwine, Clark Public Utilities energy counselor. “One kilowatt-hour of electricity will generate 3,413 Btu of heat. It doesn’t matter if the heating element is a resistance wire, like a toaster, a quartz lamp, ceramic disc or anything else.”
Most residential space heaters are rated at 1,500 watts. You can pay anywhere from $30 to more than $300, but you’ll still get the same amount of heat.
There are two types of space heaters to consider — convective or radiant. Which to buy will depend on where you intend to use it.
Convective heaters move heated air around a room either with an internal fan or by using natural air currents. We’ve all seen fan heaters that warm a space quickly. If they have a thermostat they will cycle off and on to maintain temperatures.
Liquid-filled heaters (the ones that look like a radiator) don’t usually have a fan, but rely on air currents to move the heat. These are a good choice for rooms that you continually want to keep warmer than the rest of the house. It’s not as good at quick warm-ups.
Radiant heaters, on the other hand, heat objects or people versus air. That’s why you often see them in service station garages or work areas. A residential unit might be just the ticket for your workshop. It would warm you while you’re working without trying to warm the entire room.
DuWayne Dunham, Clark Public Utilities energy counselor, reminds everyone to keep safety in mind when purchasing any portable space heater.
“Always buy a heater with a UL-approved label,” he said. “Also, new models should have an automatic shut-off in case it tips over.”
If buying a radiant heater, consider how accessible the heating coil is, especially to children’s small fingers, or if the exterior of the heater becomes hot to the touch.
Whichever type of electric space heater you go with, remember the basics:
- They all are 100 percent efficient and convert one watt of electricity into 3,413 Btu of heat.
- Higher wattages produce more heat, but use more electricity.
- Plug-in space heaters are limited to 1,500 watts in size.
- Keep safety in mind. Keep the heater away from drapes and flammables, and never leave it unattended.
