Nov 19
Is it better to use a small portable heater than turn up the thermostat?
Other - Home Garden Add commentspathfindercia asked:
I live in a one bedroom highrise condo. I pay for all utilities (gas, electric, water) in one monthly condo fee. With the high cost of oil this year, is it better to use a small portable heater that I plug into an outlet to stay warm than to turn up the thermostat?
I live in a one bedroom highrise condo. I pay for all utilities (gas, electric, water) in one monthly condo fee. With the high cost of oil this year, is it better to use a small portable heater that I plug into an outlet to stay warm than to turn up the thermostat?
5 Responses to “Is it better to use a small portable heater than turn up the thermostat?”
November 20th, 2008 at 3:54 am
If you do choose to use a portable heater, here are some things to consider:
Choose one with a ceramic system. It makes the heat much more uniform in the room and there is less risk of fire.
Also choose one that automoatically turns off if it tips over, thereby avoiding any potential fire hazard.
You can call your hydro electric company and tell them what kind of heater you are considering and they will be able to tell you what the cost of the electic consumption is.
One heater will only heat one room and if your room is large, you may need more than one. And keep in mind that either way, you are paying…. oil or electic… you choose.
November 20th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
Our electric utility provider (SDGE) has a guide on their webiste that gives you a way to calculate that. You have to know the BTUs of the whole house heater and the square footage of the area you are heating. In our case, it is more economical and efficient to use space heaters, close the doors to rooms we are not using and not fire up the whole house heater. Our heat source is natural gas, but the whole house heater uses electricity to deliver the heat with a large fan which is more expensive to operate than a space heater. Check your provider to see if they have the same calculator for rates in your area.
November 21st, 2008 at 6:09 pm
Yes if you’re only heating a small portion of the house, for example your bedroom. Do not use space heaters to heat up your entire house - then it will be more expensive than the normal heating system.
November 22nd, 2008 at 3:38 am
Small heater will use a lot of electricity, 1500 watt Will use a much as 15 100 watt light bulbs, I’d use oil or just put on a jogging suit in the house, Its all what you get used too
November 22nd, 2008 at 11:33 pm
portable heaters are HUGELY inefficient. just turn up the stat.
Possum, hvac guy