Anybudy know of an energy efficent heater?Is there such a thing?My sister likes the oil filled radiator type,Ive never had one so I have no Idea if its cost efficient.I just want something for the liveing room dureing the day,so I dont have to heat every room in the house.Any sugestions on a energy efficient model....................................Thanks.

I took a propane wall heater, and connected the tanks from my old camper to it. Saves me a ton of money every month on heating bills, and I can just get the tanks refilled at the local Gas place for 20.00 each.

The heater is on a crappy homemade portable stand.

Each tank lasts from one to two weeks depending on the outside temperature.

Brad

quote Originally posted by James Bond 007: My sister likes the oil filled radiator type,Ive never had one so I have no Idea if its cost efficient.

It's my understanding that a 1500W electric heater will use the same amount of power to produce the same amount of heat, no matter what type of electric heater it is. Having said that, there certainly are differences with how quickly different types of electric heaters will heat up a cold home/room.

I just recently bought an oil filled electric heater. I like it because it's very quiet, but it takes a LONG time to heat up a cold room. Once the room is heated up it's great (at maintaining the temperature), but man, if it's trying to heat up a frigid room, it takes quite awhile. (Obviously the size of the room makes a difference as well.)

I gotta say my favorite type of electric heater is the cube type ceramic heater with a fan. Make sure it's actually a real ceramic heater though as I've seen conventional heaters (with the old fashioned red hot coils of wire) pawned off as "ceramic" heaters simply because of having a cube shape or because of having a ceramic "switch" or some such other BS.

True ceramic heaters are relatively inexpensive to buy and will heat up a cold room very fast. I just get tired of listening to their fans at night, which is why I bought the oil filled electric heater to use when I go to bed.

[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 12-03-2010).]

With electric heaters they all cost about the same to run..... The ability to move air around is helpful. How big of an area and can you close the doors to the area? Another idea is a vent free gas heater... they can run on propane or natural gas. You just mount them on a wall and plumb the gas line. I use one inside my fireplace opening. It really works great. The fireplace was not safe to use for wood, so this was another option.

BTW, 1500W is about as large of a heater you can get for 110V. Electric to heat conversion is very efficient, so you won't really see a big difference in the amount of heat you get from different heaters, but the way they move the air will be important if you have a large room and you want to keep it warm.

What do you use for heat now? How is your insulation in the home? Are your windows drafty?

[This message has been edited by jaskispyder (edited 12-03-2010).]

My mom uses one of those edenpure heaters (advertised by Bob Villa on TV) It's amazing. Quiet - warms the room(s) quickly and does not burn the air plus the unit itself does not get hot to the touch. There a bit on the expensive side.

After looking on line,I can see that they all seem to run at 1500 watts, regardless if its a ceramic,electric or other.I did see a slim line oil filled unit that operated at 400 watts,but I dont like the idea of haveing to wait for the thing to heat up.I found the edenpure heaters listed on ebay, but they run at the same wattage as other heaters 1500 watts (my relatives have a simular model and like it)......Im undecided right now,I'll keep looking.

A heater is already 100% efficient.

I just check the little heater that Im currentley useing and that little thing is rated at 1500 watts.Guess I'll need to keep an eye on the btu's too.

Every electric heater is 100% efficent. It can be a tv, a toaster, an electric motor, whatever. Bob Vila's commercials are a total joke.

I have heard good things about these IR heaters: http://www.farnorthsaunas.c...KS0aUCFRhzgwodxnX_jw

Ive heard a lot of good about those Amish fireplace heaters. Supposedly they work excellent and cheap. In most cases electric heat is the highest. Those 1300/1500 watt heaters are about worthless except in a bathroom or small room.

Small propane heaters cost about $4 for 6-7 hours of heat. Its also illegal to keep propane (like BBQ or RV) bottles indoors. You can keep the 1 pnd canisters inside.

Personally, I use a kerosene heater in my main room once in a while if its really cold out. It costs me about $3 for 8-10 hours.

Any type you choose is more efficient if it has a blower to move the air around.

quote Originally posted by rogergarrison: Ive heard a lot of good about those Amish fireplace heaters. Supposedly they work excellent and cheap. In most cases electric heat is the highest. Those 1300/1500 watt heaters are about worthless except in a bathroom or small room. Small propane heaters cost about $4 for 6-7 hours of heat. Its also illegal to keep propane (like BBQ or RV) bottles indoors. You can keep the 1 pnd canisters inside. Personally, I use a kerosene heater in my main room once in a while if its really cold out. It costs me about $3 for 8-10 hours. Any type you choose is more efficient if it has a blower to move the air around.

...the only thing I would be concerned about is carbon monoxide building up from the burning of a fuel...just my concern.

I keep a carbon monoxide detector in the room its in.....which isnt a bad idea no matter what you have. People die from malfunctioning furnaces all the time. Personally, Id rather have one of those than a smoke alarm.

[This message has been edited by rogergarrison (edited 12-06-2010).]

quote Originally posted by jaskispyder:Electric to heat conversion is very efficient, so you won't really see a big difference in the amount of heat you get from different heaters, but the way they move the air will be important if you have a large room and you want to keep it warm.

Hmmm. Define efficient. Electric heaters are very efficient (~100%) at turning electrical energy into heat energy. However, electricity is about the most expensive means of creating heat you can find. Almost anything that burns and develops heat directly (propane, LPG, etc) is better.

If you have the means to go solar, THAT would be the cheapest. There are a ton of DIY plans on the net for building panels to heat air for indoor heating. Heating water is another level of complexity (pumps, controlling leaks, etc), but heating air is pretty simple. Of course, it only works when there's sunlight.

Tell us about the house. Is the house on a slab, how old is it, what's the floor made of, etc.
Don't forget about insulation. The place won't need much of a heater if it's insulated well.

Yes, they are efficient in turning electricity to heat.... The cost to operate is a totally different matter. Around here, our electricity prices were historically lower and many houses have electric heat. The reason?? We have a 100+ year old hydroelectric plant. As for Propane, it is pretty pricey around here. Wood is cheap, as well as natural gas.... around here.

quote Originally posted by Formula Owner: Hmmm. Define efficient. Electric heaters are very efficient (~100%) at turning electrical energy into heat energy. However, electricity is about the most expensive means of creating heat you can find. Almost anything that burns and develops heat directly (propane, LPG, etc) is better. If you have the means to go solar, THAT would be the cheapest. There are a ton of DIY plans on the net for building panels to heat air for indoor heating. Heating water is another level of complexity (pumps, controlling leaks, etc), but heating air is pretty simple. Of course, it only works when there's sunlight.

The house is an older home,with a wood floor,coverd with carpet (and padding).Im in southern California so the coldest it gets is typicalley 30 degrees an night in the months of November,December,January,febuary and slowly heating up outside.Today was 70 by noon.Im trying to stay away from any form of gas heaters (even thought the big one thats installed in home,is gas) Seems like the 1500 wtt heaters preform better than the smaller 1500 watt units.I have allso heard that those Amish heaters work well.I suppose anything will work better that the 10 inch mini heater that I have.................Thanks for the info.

quote Originally posted by James Bond 007: Im in southern California so the coldest it gets is typicalley 30 degrees an night in the months of November,December,January,febuary and slowly heating up outside..

...I so hate you, I WISH it was that WARM where I live right now.

quote Originally posted by James Bond 007: Seems like the 1500 wtt heaters preform better than the smaller 1500 watt units.

???

The physical size of the electric heater makes little to no difference.

It's the number of watts and the addition of a fan that makes any real difference in the performance of an electric heater.

Like I said earlier, Ive heard nothing but good about those Amish fireplace heaters. They add some ambiance to the room too. I have a 'fireplace' electric heater in my main room, but its more efficient because its 220 v. In the winter, running on a thermostat, its on most of the day and every evening and costs me prob $60 @ month. The Amish ones just plug into any 110 v outlet and give comparable heat.

quote Originally posted by rogergarrison: Ive heard a lot of good about those Amish fireplace heaters. Supposedly they work excellent and cheap. In most cases electric heat is the highest. Those 1300/1500 watt heaters are about worthless except in a bathroom or small room. Small propane heaters cost about $4 for 6-7 hours of heat. Its also illegal to keep propane (like BBQ or RV) bottles indoors. You can keep the 1 pnd canisters inside. Personally, I use a kerosene heater in my main room once in a while if its really cold out. It costs me about $3 for 8-10 hours. Any type you choose is more efficient if it has a blower to move the air around.

1500 watts is 1500 watts, and the only thing that might be Amish about the thing is the surround--what they call a 'mantle'. (Amish don't use electricity)
The "free" 1500 watt Amish fireplace heater is just a marketing ploy. The heater itself is made in China, and $200-$300 for a common 1500 watt Chinese electric space heater is a bit much--don't ya think?

http://www.consumeraffairs....2/amish_heaters.html

quote February 4, 2009 There is a sure-shot way to perk up the ears of a consumer writer: Hand him an advertisement for a product that claims to be a "miracle." This is what happened to me recently when a neighbor asked me to check out his latest purchase. Upon entering his living room I saw what appeared to be a small fireplace tucked inside a wood cabinet, and next to that was a large unopened cardboard box. "They were giving two of these away free to each household," my neighbor said. Then he added, "With shipping, both of them cost me $600.00." While I was trying to figure out why he paid $600.00 for two free products, my neighbor gave me a large advertisement that described his recent acquisition. "Amish Mantel and Miracle Invention Help Home Heat Bills Hit Rock Bottom," blared the headline on the ad. "The HEAT SURGE miracle heater is a work of engineering genius from the China coast, so advanced you simply plug it into any standard wall outlet," the ad proudly stated. This was just too good to pass up, so I ran home, jumped online and headed straight for the manufacturer's Web site. However, the search for their Web site popped up other sites where consumers were asking questions about this "miracle" heater. "An Amish heater? The Amish don't use electricity," said one blogger. "Isn't this a scam because the photos are of Amish people but the Amish don't allow their picture to be taken," said a poster on another site. Valid questions that deserved accurate answers. Amazing free miracle! Officially called the "Amish Fireplace," the product is really an electric heater marketed by an Ohio-based company called Heat Surge. With huge advertisements in major publications, as well as on TV, Heat Surge based its marketing campaign on a tried-and-true advertising concept: Use power-words such as "free," "amazing," and "miracle" to get the attention of the buying public. Add into the mix that the product is certified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and has the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval, and you have the makings of a grand marketing campaign. However, in the case of getting a "free" heater, it didn't take long for consumers to figure out what was free, and what wasn't. "An ad in USA Weekend was for 2 free heaters. When I called, you had to purchase the mantels from the Amish, but the ad said how to get 2 free heaters. The ad was very misleading. Unfortunately there is nothing free," complained Evelyn, of Las Vegas, Nevada. Reading the ad closely helps to explain the "free heater" claims. In essence, Evelyn could have purchased the heater by itself for $249.00, or if she bought the Amish Oak mantel for $298.00, the heater would be thrown in "for free." So to get the "free" heater she would need to spend $298.00 for the wood mantel, which didn't include the cost of shipping. How amazing is it? According to the ads, the Amish Fireplace produces an "amazing" 5,119 BTU. However, "any 1500 watt heater will provide that amount of BTU, so there is nothing really 'amazing' about that from an engineering standpoint," said Dr. Fiona Doyle, Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley. "Whether a space heater costs $40.00 or $300.00, 1500 watts cannot magically be converted into more BTU. The maximum amount of heat energy is 1500 watts and it cannot produce more than that," Dr. Doyle said. Heat Surge also claims the heater can drastically lower your heating bills, but according to the U.S. Department of Energy, space heaters will cut your bills only if you heat one room and then move the heater to another room, heating just one room at a time. The rooms not being heated will need to be kept at 50 or 60 degrees. As for the cost per hour, there are many variables to take into consideration. "It will all depend on where you live, the rates from your electric company, and other things such as how well your home is insulated," said Professor Doyle. Made in China The advertising says, "The HEAT SURGE miracle heater is a work of engineering genius from the China coast," but many consumers have questioned just what's so miraculous about it. "The heating unit is made in China," said Heat Surge Vice President David Baker. "These heaters are being called a miracle because they have what's being called the 'Fireless Flame' patented technology that gives you the peaceful flicker of a real fire but without any flames, fumes, smells, ashes or mess. The patented 'Fireless Flame' looks so real it amazes everybody," Baker said. Hence, the "miracle" is in the looks of the heater, not the heater itself, which might explain why the advertising says that the heater is the "Latest home decorating sensation." Miracles aside, the Amish Fireplace also proudly proclaims that it has received certification from Underwriters Laboratories (UL), but consumers need to be aware of exactly what that means. "When any product has UL certification it means the manufacturer submitted the product to us and we ran it through a battery of tests to make sure it meets the applicable safety standard," said John Drengenberg, an electrical engineer at Underwriters Labs for more than 40 years, and the current UL Consumer Affairs Manager. "We test products for fire, electrical shock and mechanical hazards, so our sole responsibility is to test for safety, not if a product is a miracle, or even if it works," Drengenberg said. "A good example would be a vacuum cleaner that has earned UL certification. We don't even know if it picks up dirt because our job is testing the safety of a product, period." The Heat Surge advertising also heavily promotes the fact that the product has earned the Good Housekeeping Seal, so we wanted to know exactly what that means. According to a Good Housekeeping spokesperson: "In order to earn the Good Housekeeping Seal, the Good Housekeeping Research Institute evaluates a product to ensure it meets product claims and confirms that all product promises and directions are accurate. We verify that all information required or recommended on a label is provided. For categories in which there are accepted industry standards, we review the data to ensure the company has followed current performance and safety methods. If a problem about a Seal product is brought to our attention, we investigate it. Products that have earned the Good Housekeeping Seal carry a limited warranty: if the product proves to be defective within two years of purchase, Good Housekeeping will replace the item or refund the consumer." In other words, it is what it is. The Amish Connection Although consumers have asked many questions about the supposedly miraculous heater, no subject has been brought up more than the Amish connection. Calling something an "Amish Heater" gives consumers the impression that the Amish -- who are known for their disdain of most technology -- are somehow responsible for inventing or manufacturing the heater. However, the only connection the Amish have is in the making of the wood mantel. "In response to the advertising that Heat Surge were doing in showing pictures of the Amish, we toured the facility where the mantels were being put together and we were introduced to people of the Amish faith," said Joy Bender, Vice President of Operations at the Canton, Ohio Better Business Bureau. The Canton BBB learned the Amish-made mantel represented in the ad is crafted and assembled by local craftsman from Holmes and Geauga counties in Ohio. But what about the issue of the Amish allowing their pictures to be taken? "There are different sects of Amish. Some do not allow their picture to be taken, but some do," Bender said. Questions have also been raised about the quality of the wood in the Amish-made mantel. In response to our questions, Heat Surge Vice President David Baker provided ConsumerAffairs.com with the following statement: "The entire mantle is of real wood, no pressed board. The oak mantle also is built with a true solid oak piece for the top as well as the trim. The cherry mantle also has a solid wood top and trim and is made of poplar with a cherry finish, not unlike many cherry finished pieces of furniture." Although the Canton BBB received a few complaints about the quality of the mantel and heater, most of the complaints concerned the "miracle" claims in the advertising, as well as customer service issues. "Heat Surge have taken steps to reduce the number of complaints. The demand for the product was much higher than the company anticipated. They really were not properly staffed to take all the orders," said the BBB's Joy Bender. Not wanting to run up a big travel bill, I went next door and spoke with my neighbor, who said he was pleased with his heater. "It looks nice in the room, the fake flames look good, and it gives off heat," he said. "But," he added, "I do wish I would have understood that I was paying $300.00 for basically what turns out to be a 1500-watt space heater." I didn't want to tell my neighbor this, but I went home and checked the Target Web site, where I found a wide selection of 1500-watt heaters starting at $19.99. They didn't have an Amish mantel but when it comes to heat -- barring a miracle -- 1500 watts is, as Dr. Doyle reminds us, 1500 watts, no more no less. Thinking of buying other products advertised on infomercials? You might want to read this first. Consumer comments Regarding the Amish heatsurge "free" heaters on TV ad and from the website buyheatsurge.com I called for a free hheater based on the TV ad. They are trying to sell mantals for $300 and then give you a "free"heater. This si false advertising. There is no mention on the TV ad about having to buy a mantle nor do they list prices for anything. The "free" heater rep said it was a but one get one free deal not afree heater and claimed the ad explicitly makes this known... which it does not. Someone needs to shut this scam down in my opinion. Furthermore, the heater isn't aazing. Energy only has a certain potential for heat and nothing I can tell makes this a more efficient heater than any other electric heater. Total scam. Tyrone gave me a "customer service number" which no operator would answer. 800-924-7964 Steve of Milton-Freewater, OR Oct. 23, 2010 ................................. I am so uset. I have 4 fiends who live in different areas of the country, who purchased the Amish fireplaces and are delighed with them. Two friends live in upstate New York and two others in Maryland. In both states one of families purchased second units lst year and claim they could not be more delighted. Although the electric bills went up a bit their oil useage was a great deal less. Reading the negative remarks I read here have left me wondering what to do as I planned to buy two of them. Dorothy of Port Jervis, NY July 10, 2010 .................................................... My wife one month old baby and I woke up and our bed room was full of smoke from this miracle heater. Its a miracle we didnt die of smoke inhalation. Stanley of Monticello, MN May 4, 2010 .............................................. We recieved one of these worthless units as a gift,it didn't last thirty days before the "squirrel cage" generic "bearings" if you can even call them that wore out.As a marine engineer/mechanic i've seen alot of "RUBE GOLDBERG" designs but this is a classic,i told my wife "i know when i look up complaints on this junk ,they'll be others with the same problem" ,sure enough there is.I would really like to know what the "miracle invention" is,all their using is a "toaster type" element and fan to blow out the heat, and not much heat at that.I've had shoe box size ceramic heaters on board boats that put out 5 times the heat and where safer than this "MIRACLE" heater.The wooden mantle "amish made is ok.Maybe i can convert it into a book case or something.The best thing about this product is the advertising,kudos to madison ave. for this one,don't even try to call "customer no service" you'll just get more disappointed.I guess you just have to take your lumps on this one.I feel bad that my inlaws got taken,i would have never fallen for their fancy ad in NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC,so save your money ,unless you want a high priced book shelf. carollee of ritzville, WA May 2, 2010 .................................... I purchased a heater and warranty. The heater quit working. I called and was told to send it back and it would be replaced within 2 weeks. Two weeks passed and I called again, was told it was in theshipping department in the process of being shipped. That was 2 weeks ago. Everytime I call, I am told it'll be another couple days. I'm just being given the run around. I use the heater to help heat my home. I have crippling arthritis and this heater helped to make a room warm enough to be comfortable for me. Debra of Blandburg, PA March 10, 2010 ..................................................... I bought the Amish fireplace with the heater last fall. My husband had passed away and I had to move to an apartment. I thought the fireplace would keep my heating cost down as I was living on social security only. A few weeks later I also purchased the base and the mirror. When I received the first heating bill in December it had doubled and doubled again in January. I called the electric company and they checked my meter and it was correct.I knew then it was the "miracle heater" which I have stopped using only running it on low for a very short time on some nights. The heater is getting noisy. When I received the base the fireplace wouldn't set in the base where the wheels go. I had to hire a contractor to come and he had to widdle the legs down as they were'nt round like they should have been and wouldn't fit in the holes in the base. It is so tight now in the base that I can't get it out to roll from room to room. Patricia of Morrison, IL Feb. 4, 2010 ............................................... My brother purchased two miracle heaters, he payed around $300 dollars each. He uses one at his home but only seldom in the evenings. He gave my mother the other one, the past month she used hers constantly and her electric bill was three times that period last year. She loves it but she can't afford it. Last night it started a roar and she was very displeased to have to turn it off. I took it apart and found the little fitting on the fan on the left side under the rubber grommet out of position, I realigned it and it was back to normal, we will see how long that lasts. I hope it goes crazy again so we can get rid of it, she believes it was just the cold weather that increased her utility bill, wanna bet?? Gooody John of Carlisle, OH Feb. 2, 2010 ........................................... My friend came to stay with me and brought his Amish Fireplace, which he bought from the TV advertisement for $180.00, shipping included. This item was at a discounted price because it was a display model and had a very small nick in it (barely noticeable). I loved it! It heated up my entire two bedroom home and is absolutely beautiful. I have baseboard heat so the forced heat is definitely better. My electric bill, however, did increase from the month before, but I was running it 24/7 and it was December in the state of Washington, so it has been cold. And comparing it to last year's bill during the same month, it was only about $25 higher. So, I have to admit, it is serving it's purpose, it has made my livingroom much more cozy and warm and it is by far better than the baseboard heat so I'm extremely pleased and think it was worth the money. Darlene of Renton, WA Jan. 28, 2010 ...................................................... On the January 8, I requested cancellation immediately while still on the telephone with customer servicer representive placing the order and was advised she could not cancel the order. I had to wait 3 to 4 hours for a call back from the customer service department and was advised that there was no record of the order. However today (01/12/2010) after reviewing my account the charge is posted to my bank account. Also, on the January 8, I sent an email 01/12,2010. Amish has very poor and received a conformination regarding my cancellation request. Very poor customer service Doris of Oakland, CA Jan. 13, 2010 ...................................................... My wife and I purchaced the "miricle heater" in early 2009 after seeing it advertised on TV. We paid $300.00 plus shipping. It worked fine and did what we thought it should do until this past week. I turned it on and it started to sound like a screeching fan belt on an old car. Because it only had the "30 day" warranty, I did not call the company knowing what their answer would be. I think it is the heating portion of the product that has failed by the way it sounds when I turn it off. This product should have lasted longer than a few months for the price we paid. We recomended it to a couple a few weeks ago and they ordered one because of that. I am going to suggest to them that they return for a refund because of the lack of quality. Vern of Atwater, CA Jan. 4, 2010

[This message has been edited by maryjane (edited 12-06-2010).]

quote Originally posted by rogergarrison: Like I said earlier, Ive heard nothing but good about those Amish fireplace heaters. They add some ambiance to the room too. I have a 'fireplace' electric heater in my main room, but its more efficient because its 220 v. In the winter, running on a thermostat, its on most of the day and every evening and costs me prob $60 @ month. The Amish ones just plug into any 110 v outlet and give comparable heat.

I worked for a person that had those Amish heaters, Scam city. the only nice thing about them was the mantle built around it, the interior is almost exactly the same as a ceramic heater that I got at Wal-Mart several years ago for 70 bucks. And I mean dang close, the fake fire is kinda nice, but seriously, what a waste of money.

BTW: She was elderly, and had 6 of em, one in each room, bragged about how she was finally able to turn down the thermostat on her central (propane) heat. They were constantly sending her pamphlets to purchase more of the things in "new styles", and the "buy one get one free". She got one of the "free" ones for her daughter (still had to pay like 200 bucks for the required surround). Her daughter hated the thing as much as I did, it heated, but it was just a ceramic heater in a fancy surround. Oh, with a remote.

I'm sure if you searched on BBB they would be listed with a negative rating.

Brad

or read the reply right above yours.

quote Originally posted by maryjane: or read the reply right above yours.

I saw that after I posted >_<. At least we are on the same page. I tried to tell her they were scams, but she wouldn't hear anything of it.

Brad

Ive never even personally seen one, but no one that got one I know said anything bad. I do know the Amish only assemble them with their handmade mantle. While 1500 watts may still only be 1500 watts, it could feel like more heat by being physically larger and having a good blower. In my own knowledge, a blower is the key to heat output. 1500 watts on a radiant heater feels no where close to the heat from the same wattage with a forced fan. Mine is not the amish brand, its just a 220 volt with dual air blowers in the top of the fireplace. Its the sole heat for my added on 12x30 tv room. Unless it gets below zero outside, it keeps it at 75*+. Once in a while on those super cold evenings, ill crank up the kerosene heater to help. If I have company its also cool to lite it up where it flickers and crackles like a real fireplace.

I bought myself the new Aerus Guardian back in the fall....they are 1500W, digital control with remote, true ceramic/ PTC element, have a timer and adjustable heat setings. 5 year warranty. It was a tad on the pricey side, but I think it was worth it.

It is sad that Bob Villa is pushing these now (Amish type heaters). When my wife worked for the power company she would have people call up and complain that their electric bill went up and their new heater said it would reduce their heating bills.... Yes, it will heat a room, so you can turn down your furnace, but the heat still comes from the electricity, which you are now increasing the amount you use. I like the idea of a small space heater but I won't pay $300 for something that can be made for $20.

Ponder this... Amish don't use electricity, so why would you buy something from someone who doesn't know anything about them or uses them? What's next? AAM (Amish Automotive Manufacturing)?

I've never understood the demand for supplemental heaters in a house. We never had them growing up, I never used one in any of my apartments in my younger years and I've never used one in my house. I'm sitting here in jeans and a t-shirt at my desk at home. Its 70F in this room according to the thermometer next and this is a colder room, being a corner room with multiple windows. Its currently 20F outside according to same thermometer and its supposed to be 9F tonight. I suppose I can understand if its like -20F outside and adding one to a room or something, maybe then, but not many of you guys seem to be in the arctic.

Can someone explain to me why electric/propane/kerosene heaters are needed used? I'm 30, so I've not experienced all of the world, so I must be missing something? Or am I naturally warm blooded enough that 70F doesn't freeze me?

I'll add I do have a wood stove that I'll burn some nights when I want to sweat in February while wearing shorts and a t-shirt.

[This message has been edited by Rainman (edited 12-07-2010).]

Some houses do not have adequate heating, sometimes it is duct work or poor insulation, etc. I have a tri-level and the lower area is colder by 5 degrees and I only keep my house at 67-69F in the winter. I have a gas fireplace for the lower area and a pocket door (with glass) to keep the heat down there. The duct work in my house is poor and I can not fix it without ripping everything out of the house. Plus, there is no return air ducts.... why? who knows and I don't have the room to add them.

There great for houses like mine. One furnace, 4 bedrooms, full finished basement, 3 baths, living room, tv room, kitchen, dining and living room. I keep the rest of the practically empty house at 60* and keep the tv room (that I primarily live in) at 75*. Costs me $60 for a winter month in one room....if I turned the furnace to 75* in all that unused space it would cost me $250-$300 a month in gas. Currently gas runs me less than $100 and thats with a gas water heater. If i lived in the whole house and kept it at 60* Id freeze my azz off. Plus my tv room would only get excess heat thru the doorway and prob stay in 50s.

From my experiences I'm happy with my oil filled space heater. Keep it the bathroom next to my bedroom with the bedroom door closed to the living room. It has 3 settings 500/1000/1500W that I have set at 500W. The furnace is set at 65* most of the time with a programable controller. I have used kerosene which worked well but is expensive now days and fumes, staining of walls and such are the bad points. Have also used the gas heaters that hang on the wall or free standing with the right attachments. They are better than the K1 heaters. Less fumes (still a concern) but can still stain walls and such. As stated earlier 1500W is 1500W

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85 GT 3.4
14.9 @ 90 1.9 60' Old TH125/3.06
Unknown New 4T60/3.42

"Electric" and "efficient" are mutually exclusive when used to describe space heaters. Electric resistance heat is dead simple and convenient, and technically it is 100% efficient, but the cost per BTU is substantially higher than just about any other kind of heater. You could achieve the same amount of heating as a "1500 watt" heater by stringing together fifteen 100-watt light bulbs, and you would have lots of light too.

quote Originally posted by Rainman: I've never understood the demand for supplemental heaters in a house. We never had them growing up, I never used one in any of my apartments in my younger years and I've never used one in my house. I'm sitting here in jeans and a t-shirt at my desk at home. Its 70F in this room according to the thermometer next and this is a colder room, being a corner room with multiple windows. Its currently 20F outside according to same thermometer and its supposed to be 9F tonight. I suppose I can understand if its like -20F outside and adding one to a room or something, maybe then, but not many of you guys seem to be in the arctic. Can someone explain to me why electric/propane/kerosene heaters are needed used? I'm 30, so I've not experienced all of the world, so I must be missing something? Or am I naturally warm blooded enough that 70F doesn't freeze me? I'll add I do have a wood stove that I'll burn some nights when I want to sweat in February while wearing shorts and a t-shirt.

With a supplemental heater you could turn your thermostat down to 55, and have the rooms you use still at 70. Less rooms heated means less money out of your pocket.

For instance, Say you have a 3 bedroom 2 bath house. With no kids, and just you and one other person living there at best you will use the living room, Kitchen, one bath, and bedroom. You can close up all the unused rooms, turn the thermostat way down, and enjoy a lower electric/gas bill at the end of the month. You could even leave the thermostat up if the space heater is in the same room as it.

Brad

quote Originally posted by Marvin McInnis: "Electric" and "efficient" are mutually exclusive when used to describe space heaters. Electric resistance heat is dead simple and convenient, and technically it is 100% efficient, but the cost per BTU is substantially higher than just about any other kind of heater. You could achieve the same amount of heating as a "1500 watt" heater by stringing together fifteen 100-watt light bulbs, and you would have lots of light too.

Well, to be technical, you would have less heat, and more light. You can't have the same amount of heat AND more light with the same 1500W.

quote Originally posted by jaskispyder: Well, to be technical, you would have less heat, and more light.

Correct. But to be really technical, only the light that escapes out the windows is truly "lost." All the rest of the visible light is eventually converted to heat when it is absorbed by the surfaces it hits, some of which heat is then re-emitted back into the room as long-wavelength infrared light.

quote You can't have the same amount of heat AND more light with the same 1500W.

Yes you can (and do). It's only a matter of wavelength. The "light bulb" just emits about 25% of its energy in the visible portion of the spectrum, while the "heater" emits virtually all of its energy in the infrared. See above.

quote Originally posted by Marvin McInnis: Yes you can (and do). It's only a matter of wavelength. The "light bulb" just emits about 25% of its energy in the visible portion of the spectrum, while the "heater" emits virtually all of its energy in the infrared. See above.

I was talking about the example of the light bulbs used above.

So was I.

Heat + visible light = 1500 watts in either case (heater or incandescent light bulbs). It's only the relative proportion that's different, and the key point is that the visible light component eventually gets converted to heat anyway.

Ever hear of somebody using a blanket and a 75 or 100 watt light bulb to keep a car or aircraft engine warm on cold nights? You could indeed heat your entire home the same way, if you were willing to put up with the cost and inconvenience of replacing burned-out bulbs frequently. You might need sunglasses, though.

[This message has been edited by Marvin McInnis (edited 12-08-2010).]

quote Originally posted by steve308: My mom uses one of those edenpure heaters (advertised by Bob Villa on TV) It's amazing. Quiet - warms the room(s) quickly and does not burn the air plus the unit itself does not get hot to the touch. There a bit on the expensive side.

I have an Eden Pure. It looks nice, it is super quiet, has a remote and a thermostat and stays cool to the touch. However, it is like all other electric heaters. Still more expensive than many other means of warming your house.

We have central heat and air, but the living room has 30 foot...ok ok 27 foot 8 inches.. ceilings. So we simply cannot afford to heat it to 74-76 degrees. I use the Eden Pure to knock the chill off me when I am sitting in my chair of the mornings prior to work. Usually we use the fireplace and good old oak and hickory logs.

quote Originally posted by ryan.hess: A heater is already 100% efficient.

If its electric,, yes. Oil, gas and the rest,, no.

Spoon

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