Energy Efficient Space Heaters
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The new wave of energy efficient space heaters prove just how far technology has advanced and electric space heaters are leading the way. While they have always been kinder to the environment than other types of space heaters, electric space heaters have come a long way in recent years.
Both in terms of safety and operation costs, the new generation of energy efficient space heaters are providing warmth with a clear conscience.
Thermostat Use on Space Heaters
The simplest, yet most beneficial improvements to traditional electric space heaters is the addition of thermostats and timers to most new models. These two items alone can convert regular old electric space heaters into energy efficient electric space heaters. Thermostats provide two key functions.
By setting a specific temperature the space heater will shut off when the desired value is reached, assuring that no more energy is used than necessary. Older units would run indefinitely until turned off manually. What the thermostat also does, is turn the heater back on automatically when the temperature dips below the specified value.
By catching this right away, the heater will not have to run as long to bring the space back up to the temperature setting, again assuring that minimal energy is used. In the past, unless someone was monitoring the unit constantly, temperatures would fall well below the comfort level and then have to run longer to achieve set point again.
Eliminating these large swings in temperatures and maintaining a constant average creates more energy efficient space heaters.
Timer Use on Space Heaters
If a consumer is more concerned about minimizing usage when they are not present rather than temperatute-based control, the other feature most energy efficient electrical space heaters offer is a timer.
Just like newer central heating controls, timers on energy efficient space heaters allow the consumer to pre-set when the unit operates to minimize usage when the supplemental heat is not needed.
This may be to coincide with work schedules, daily temperature or solar cycles, or just the idiosyncracies of the temperature dynamics of a specific space. Timers create flexiblity and most importantly control over the amount of energy being used. The most energy efficient space heaters offer this feature.
DeLonghi Ceramic Heater, DGI TCH7690ER
The 28-inch DeLonghi Ceramic Heater with Eco-Energy, model DGI TCH7690ER, is the perfect example of how energy efficient electric space heaters should be built. It has the standard thermostat and timer functions previously described, as well as its unique Eco-Energy function that allows it to select the ideal power level based on the user's pre-programmed temperature setting and the current room temperature.
This translates into an approximate 40% energy savings over most traditional heaters. A remote control, removable filter, tip-over safety switch, and a high temperature automatic shut-off round out the highlights on this impressive heater.
This unit can be purchased on-line directly from DeLonghi for $59.99 (plus shipping/handling) or at most big retail stores for similar pricing. A heater this good looking for this price with the energy savings to be realized, there are no longer any good reasons to go cold.
Taking energy efficient electric space heaters to another level, DeLonghi ceramic heater combines all the latest in energy and safety advances with sleek and fashionable design. Space heaters no longer need to be clunky, embarassing obstacles strewn across a room.
DeLonghi's product lines make these items just another piece of good looking furniture in the background.