Question from Nina M.
I’m looking for advice about which space heaters, if any, don’t outgas when you first use them or outgas for long? Also, has anyone had any trouble with a Delonghi radiator heater outgassing?
Do you know which space heaters are the most energy efficient?
Thanks very much,
Nina
Debra’s Answer
We had this space heater question before at Space Heater Recommendations (remember to use the SEARCH button at the top of the right hand column to search this blog). So you can read my answer there about outgassing and the DeLonghi radiator. If you have a space heater you are happy with, please write in and tell us about it, as it’s getting to be that time of year where heat is needed.
Regarding energy efficiency, electricity-powered space heaters are not considered very efficient in terms of heating a whole room or home, in comparison to other methods of heating, however, if all you want to do is warm your feet or just one room, using space heaters can save money over heating the whole house if all you want to heat is a spot.
I couldn’t find a compiled list of the energy efficiency of brands of space heaters (though if someone knows of one, click on POST YOUR COMMENT below and I’ll approve it) but Missouri Department of Natural Resources: Residential Energy Efficiency has some suggestions on comparing space heaters for energy costs.
Meta-Efficient has a page about the most efficient ways to heat your home with a few space heaters (including a wall heater that looks a bit like a burning fireplace…
Econo-heat Electric Panel Heater is very efficient (2-3 cents an hour to run) and costs less than $100. They say it has a bit of an odor when you first turn it on, but it dissipates within 24 hours. I have no experience with this product, but it looks interesting and is comparatively inexpensive to run.
I can’t pass up this opportunity to remind everyone that you can save a lot on your heating bills by warming your body instead of the air around you. It takes a lot more energy to warm the air in a room than it does to warm your body. Many body warmers need no energy at all!
