usually an electric heater not cost saving compared to natural gas one and that is the reason it commonly used as whole home heating option. The space heater might be a good way to warm the temperature in a small, low ceiling room-and and might be less expensive than turning your central heating system.
You need to be aware that space heater can only be economical if it consumes less watt and what is the square feet it can heat. you need to keep an eye on increase in the electrical cost for the month and compare with thermos used on the gas on the similar cold month on previous years. Running a electric heater for more hours might not be cost effective if you move from room to room.
It will be good idea to use a space heater if you want to warm a closed space and for few hours only. while buying the space heater usually good idea to go through reviews or recall and may be opt for a whole room heating compared to heating a specific spot.
There are other alternative ways that you can use to keep your heating reduced in winter. For example, keep your blinds open to let sun warm the room naturally. You can also lower your thermostat by a few degrees at night or better use a nest thermostat which automatically maintains the temperature based upon usage habits. Every degree that is kept less can reduce heating costs by about certain percentage a month. Setting your thermostat couple degrees lower than the usual daytime temperature, which could save a big percentage off your heating bill.
Take extreme caution on the space heaters and don’t leave space heaters unattended for long periods of time or overnight because they as they can cause fire hazard.
In short these are the points to consider when deciding whether to use a space heater or central heating to warm your den:
- Room Size and Insulation: Assess the size of your den and its insulation. If it’s a small room with poor insulation, a space heater might be more efficient in providing targeted warmth without having to heat the entire house.
- Energy Efficiency: Compare the energy efficiency of your central heating system with the energy consumption of a space heater. If your central heating system is relatively efficient, it might be more cost-effective to use it to heat the entire house, especially if multiple rooms need warming.
- Safety Precautions: Ensure that you follow safety guidelines when using a space heater, such as keeping it away from flammable materials, using it on a stable surface, and never leaving it unattended. Modern space heaters often come with safety features like tip-over switches and overheating protection.
- Comfort and Convenience: Consider your comfort preferences and convenience. If you spend a significant amount of time in your den and prefer it to be warmer than the rest of the house, a space heater can provide more immediate and customizable warmth.
- Cost Analysis: Calculate the cost difference between using a space heater and central heating based on your energy rates, the size of the room, and the frequency of use. This analysis can help you make an informed decision about the most cost-effective heating option.
- Environmental Impact: Consider the environmental impact of your heating choices. Space heaters typically consume electricity, which may come from non-renewable sources, whereas central heating systems might rely on natural gas or other fossil fuels. Assess which option aligns better with your environmental values.
By carefully considering these factors, you can determine whether using a space heater or central heating is the most suitable and cost-effective solution for keeping your den warm.