Types of Electric Space Heaters

Basically, there are two types of electric space heaters. These are radiant and convective electric space heaters. Radiant electric space heaters emit infrared radiation from different heat elements included in the unit. Because radiant electric space heaters warm people and surrounding objects instead of air, they are more preferable for spot heating or for heating small areas. Convective electric space heaters work and function by moving and transporting hot air around the room or space it will be installed at either by using a fan or by encouraging or inviting natural air currents. Convective electric space heaters are the best choice when you want to warm larger spaces and keep the spaces warm. Convective electric space heaters include ceramic and liquid-filled types, electric elements, while radiant electric space heaters include quartz and metal rod models.

Cost of Using an Electric Space Heater

Like any type of electrical device, the CPH or cost per hour of utilization depends mainly on the wattage of the unit. A common electric space heater:
o Utilizes 1,500 watts;
o Produces around 5,120 BTUs of heat per hour;
o Costs around 19 cents at $0.125 per kilowatt-hour of electric rate.
However, did you know that whether you will be paying as low as $30 or as much as $300 for an electric space heater, it utilizes 1,500 watts, you will:
o Pay the same amount for each hour you use your electric space heater
o Get the same amount of heat.
It’s better to check your portable energy meter from the Internet or your local library to know how much electricity your electric space heater uses.

Safety in Using an Electric Space Heater

All types of electric space heaters have a safety risk. For your own safety, the guidelines below must be followed:
o Turn off the electric space heater when not in the room or when you are sleeping
o Only buy an electric space heater that comes with a tip-over safety switch to automatically shut off the electric space heater whenever it is tipped over.
o Avoid being in contact with the heating elements of your electric space heater.
o You should also install smoke detectors in the spaces where the electric space heater will be used.
o Electric space heaters can blow a fuse or trip a circuit breaker. If this repeatedly happens, you can try using a different electric outlet or better, contact a qualified electrician.
o You should also not use your electric space heater with an extension cord.

Using an Electric Space Heater

Using an electric space heater can be one of the most expensive ways of heating one’s home. With today’s prices, electric consumption is twice higher per BTU compared to that of natural gas. You will not be able to save money with an electric space heater unless you decide to turn down your central heating system by several degrees or use it to warm a small area. Nevertheless, you can take advantage of the really warm temperature it can give particularly on the types of electric space heater available. These are:

o Convection electric space heater – most electric space heaters circulate warmer air with a fan in order to heat a room
o Radiant electric space heater – some electric space heaters warm a space through infrared radiation.

Electric Space Heater with an Open Grill

An electric space heater with an open grill must be able to meet the following requirements and specifications aside from those mentioned in my previous blog posts.

1. An electric space heater with an open grill must have a fan that forces the air in and out of the grill.
2. An electric space heater with an open grill must come with an instant and automatic tip-over shutdown feature. If the electric space heater with an open grill is knocked over, the electric space heater with an open grill must shut off automatically. Thermal overprotection becomes insufficient and inefficient because of the time lag even before it shut off.
An electric space heater with an open grill must be approved and certified in advance by an electrical safety office or fire marshal.

Requirements of Using an Electric Space Heater

hen using an electric space heater, compliance to requirements is a must. The requirements include the following:
1. The building manager where the electric space heater will be installed has checked completely whether or not the use of the electric space heater will cause problems and that the need for an electric space heater cannot be met just by adjusting the HVAC system of the building.
2. The electric space heater should be kept away from combustible materials. You should always refer to your manufacturer’s instruction.
3. The electric space heater should always be turned off when the space being heated is vacant and is not occupied.
4. Nothing should be placed on top of your electric space heater.
5. Your electric space heater should be plugged into a wall outlet directly and a power strip or extension cord must not be used because this increases the risk of overheating and catching fire.
The space heater should be in plain sight.

Requirements of Using a Fully-enclosed Electric Space Heater

A fully enclosed electric space heater designed without any external surface that reach high temperatures that are capable of igniting a material located against a surface must be able to meet the following requirements:

1. Your electric space heater must be listed and labeled by both local and international body, such as Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory or NRTL or Underwriters Laboratory or UL.
2. If your electric space heater has some exposed metal parts, it should come with a grounded three-pronged plug.
3. Your electric space heater must not take over 1,500 watts to operate.
Your electric space heater must have a thermostat that can shut the electric space heater off automatically when the preset temperature has been reached.