Which Electric Space Heater is the Most Efficient?

Which Electric Space Heater is the Most Efficient?

Since electricity is 100% efficient, you could say that all electric space heaters are created equal. The problem is each manufacturer creates an equally different method of converting electricity to heat. Heater types include micathermic, ceramic, convection, radiant, with or without a fan, etc.

Each has its own characteristics, but the most efficient heaters are those which raise the room temperature to a comfortable level as quickly as possible and maintain it with a thermostat. The combination of these features means the heater will spend less time on "high" and therefore consume less electricity.

Thermostatically controlled space heaters are nothing new and are standard equipment on most new space heaters, but the only electric space heaters capable of providing heat this quickly are those equipped with a fan.

The fan on a space heater, much like the blower on your furnace distributes the heat quickly and evenly through out the room(s) of your home. A space heater without a fan is like a furnace without a blower. Eventually it will heat the room(s) to a comfortable temperature, but it has to run longer at maximum output consuming more fuel.

Surprisingly, the use of a fan for effective heat distribution also provides a frequently mentioned reason for space heater complaints. The complaint I refer to is noise. If you've already read some space heater reviews, you've probably noticed how often the "noisy fan" complaint is mentioned.

However, some fans are quieter than others. Unfortunately, decibel level information isn't available for electric space heaters like it is for refrigerators.

In any case, I wouldn't let the potential for a little noise dampen your enthusiasm for quick, efficient comfort. If the fan equipped space heater you buy proves to be too noisy you can always send it packing and try something else.