5 replies to this topic

[iebo]

with the mild winter we've been having, I've been trying to get by just on an electric heater instead of running the furnace (I'm wearing lots of layers of clothes as well). The one I'm using is a DeLonghi Safeheat. It is costing me about $1 a day, judging from my most recent electric bill. While this is significantly cheaper then the gas bill probably would have been, I'd like to see if I can get one that's even cheaper to run, since my heater is 7 years old. Maybe there have been advances in recent years.
So anybody know of a really efficient heater I could check out?

[Jessi]

It seems that most days, any new heater is going to be roughly as efficient as other brands. At least that's what I've read in the last few years anyway, but I can't link to any sources for you, so you may want to google for some research on it.

I do know, though, that in addition to a new heater that isn't costing you as much, you might want to make some other changes to help  cut down on how much you need to heat anyway. Do you have any rooms you can simply shut off from using? Using a space heater tends to only heat the room you're currently in, but if cold air is leaking in from other areas and your warm air is leaking out, then it's worth isolating your heating efforts a bit more. The same can be said for making sure you don't have any drafts/leaks coming in anywhere, etc.

[Shortpoet-GTD]

You could start with "consumer watch" or "consumer reports"-see what they say.

[Hayden]

Thanks for coming here to post this. From what I can tell DeLonghi is one of the better brands. One of the most reviewed as well, check out this one on Amazon 100's of reviews to read:
http://www.amazon.co.../dp/B000TGDGLU/

Some others that you can compare are (images below):
http://www.amazon.co...8756859&sr=1-12
http://www.amazon.co.../dp/B000TKDQ5C/
http://www.amazon.co.../dp/B000TTV2QS/

If you make any changes be sure to add a review here. Also, find some good reading here: Heating @ DOE Website

Happy hunting!

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[jasserEnv]

Unless electric heaters are generating electromagnetic fields or lots of light, there is nothing more efficient than an electric heater in terms of electrical devices simply because when electrical devices are inefficient, they generate heat. So, keeping this in mind, you are better off to focus on improving heat retention within the rooms you use. As Jessi said, close off rooms you don't use. You can also put thin styrofoam in some windows in you have it from packing, buy plastic shrink-wrap sealing films, and fill any air leaks near doors or windowsby checking for air flow with the smoke from an incense stick. If you have a fire place, gas or electric, make sure that it is sealed off when not used and even make a cover for it too. Lastly, adding insulation to poorly insulated areas can be helpful. I have done all these things myself in the past and in my current home.

Good Luck.

[greenking]

nice suggestions! Thanks for these =)