Winter temperatures often necessitate using electric heaters to stay comfortable, making these energy-saving appliances an economical way to enjoy cozy surroundings without incurring excessive energy bills or negatively affecting the environment. But it is important to understand that electric heaters consume significant amounts of power compared to their counterparts – this allows users to assess different models and determine which one best meets their individual requirements.
Electricity consumption depends on an appliance’s wattage, duration and local electricity rates. To determine its cost per hour of running at full capacity (for instance a 1500W heater will use up about 1.5kilowatt-hours an hour), multiply its wattage times its local electricity rate – which means multiplying this figure with your local rate is all it takes!
As part of your calculations for how much a heater will cost to run, the first step should be identifying its wattage – typically printed on its manual or instructions – or by multiplying its wattage times the number of hours you plan on using it per day. One kilowatt-hour is equivalent to 1,000 watts so calculating power usage in terms of KWH per hour may also help.
Misconceptions about heater efficiency tend to center around their wattage; in reality, its efficiency depends more on size and usage than on its wattage alone. A small portable heater uses far more electricity than its larger wall-mounted counterpart for this very reason, since smaller portable models typically have lower heating capacities which take longer to heat an area.
Comparing different types of heaters is similarly complex. A gas-powered heater will use less energy than its electric counterpart due to relying on natural combustion to generate heat; however, its operation will often prove more expensive.
Another common misperception is that heaters consume more energy than cooling units. While this may be true in certain instances, depending on your usage patterns and where you reside. For example, you might spend more money cooling in southern Florida than Minneapolis.
No matter where you reside, it’s essential that you gain an understanding of how your heater uses electricity so you can make smart decisions about its usage. Understanding how to calculate power usage helps reduce energy bills while saving money and staying warm at the same time. By following some easy tips you can significantly decrease both your electric bill and contribute towards protecting the environment simultaneously.