As outdoor temperatures drop, many people are turning to portable space heaters to keep warm in cold or drafty homes and offices. Do we really have to use these electrical appliances to be comfortable indoors?
“Not if we can help it,” says Anne Ivins, executive director of Elevate, a US non-profit that fights to expand access to clean, affordable energy.
It is true that portable heaters are an affordable source of heat and are especially popular among those who do not have an efficient heating system. However, these devices can consume a lot of energy and pose fire risks if not used properly.
Experts say that focusing not only on thermal insulation (sealing windows and closing doors), but also on improving the overall efficiency of the heating system are more effective ways to heat a home and save on energy costs. However, there are other effective ways to provide additional heat during the winter.
Here’s what you need to know:
How much does a portable heater cost?
Portable heaters generally use between 750 and 1,500 watts, which translates to 6 to 12 kilowatt-hours of electricity for eight hours of use, according to experts at the American Council for Energy Efficiency Economics, a nonprofit organization.
In comparison, electric blankets generally use between 50 to 200 watts, or 0.4 to 1.6 kilowatt-hours of electricity.
“We’re talking about less than half, sometimes a third, a quarter, or even a tenth, of a large heater,” said Stefano Schiavone, a professor at the University of California at Berkeley and a member of the American Heating Society. Refrigeration and air conditioning engineers.
Alternative heat sources
Stefano Schiavone suggests trying an electric blanket or foot warmer. These heaters are generally more energy efficient and potentially safer than portable heaters, says the UCLA professor.
Appliances that consume large amounts of power may be associated with an increased risk of fire or burns, according to Schiavone.
The U.S. Consumer Goods Safety Commission estimates that portable heaters, including electric fan heaters, are involved in an average of 1,700 fires annually, resulting in 70 deaths and 160 injuries annually from 2017 to 2019.
“When we have devices that use less energy, they are inherently less dangerous,” Schiavone said.
However, the professor said it is important to be careful when using any heating devices that come into direct contact with the body. In the case of an electric blanket, we should avoid using it to warm someone who is not very mobile, or who has a low ability to sense heat, as they can become very hot, says Schiavone.
If you really have to use heaters
There are some situations where it may make sense to use a portable heater. These smaller appliances may be more interesting for those who want to heat only one corner of the house, according to the Department of Energy. These devices can also add heat to spaces occupied by people who are highly sensitive to cold, without overheating the entire house.
“Portable heaters are good for warming small spaces quickly if your home heating system can’t heat the space effectively,” says Chris Regan, heater testing project lead on Gateway. Consumer Reportsin the reply he sent e-mail.
However, because heaters are generally not energy efficient, using them will likely increase electricity use and increase home energy costs, Chris Regan said.
“If consumers want to reduce energy costs with a heater, they will need to turn down the thermostat on their home heating system,” Chris Regan said. The expert adds that it is not recommended to use these devices in places with drafts.
