Last Updated on September 15, 2022
Contents
What Is a Radiant Heater?
Are you wondering if there is a difference between infrared and radiant heaters? The answer is no, there is not. They are pretty much the same thing. The word “radiant” explains that heat is generated with radiation. Infrared is used to describe the type of radiation of the heater.
These types of heaters work by converting electricity into radiant heat. The heat that comes from them is similar to the warmth of the winter sun. Radiant heaters are fast and focused on you. While sitting at a desk, working or reading, take advantage of them and point them towards you. You can use radiant heaters for your whole house or to boost your existing heating system.
Today’s technology is energy efficient, which helps save money. So the question is – do radiant heaters save money? Read this article to find that out and to see if they are a good option for you and your home.
Can You Save Money With Radiant Heaters?
If you have been struggling with money and bills, you must be wondering what to do to reduce them. One way of lowering your electric bills is by using radiant heaters. They are more effective than any other heating system. An infrared heater uses around 40% less energy than other heaters. That means saving 40% on your electric bill.
Yes, you can save money with radiant heaters. For example, if you use the heater for 6 hours per day, the yearly cost for an infrared heating panel would be around $737. The price for an average electric heater would be $1016 per year.
You can find an infrared heater on websites like Amazon.com, at stores like Walmart and Target or you can ask around your local community. You can also check at Lowe’s, Menards, or Home Depot. They are highly effective, and they are also safe if you use them the right way.
Radiant heaters are great because you can use them according to your needs. You can turn the heater on whenever you feel cold, and then after an hour or two, you can turn it off. There is no need for the heater to be on all day long. According to a study by Kansas State University and ASHRAE, a radiant heater could be 25% more efficient than a forced-air system. With radiant heaters:
- There is no heat loss
- There is an even distribution
- Radiant heaters are more efficient
In traditional heating systems, there is a massive problem with heat loss. It can occur through the walls, the basement, attic, and anywhere else. That leads to leaving the heating system on most of the day. That means spending more money on electricity bills. That is not a problem with radiant heaters, and you will never experience heat loss.
Opting for radiant floor heating is great for even distribution across the room. Your room will have a pleasant temperature, and you can maintain it with the radiant heater. You will save money and still have a suitable temperature across the room. Another advantage is that you can place your furniture wherever you want without worrying if the heater is facing directly towards it.
When deciding on a radiant heater, choose innovative hydronic radiant heat panels. They can transfer heat to the boiler and other spaces around the house. Also, you can manage the thermostat according to your needs.
How Much Will a Radiant Heater Cost?
Before you decide to buy and use a radiant heater, you should know the cost of buying and running it. The infrared heater’s price is between $50 and $500, depending on the model. An average mid-sized infrared heater costs around $60-$80 per month to run it. They might be expensive to buy, but you will get the money back by saving on electric bills.
An infrared heater is ideal if you have a small area to heat. Also, it is beneficial to those who have asthma or allergies since the heater does not push around the air. A radiant heater is excellent if you need a quick solution for a small area or garage to be heated during winter.
In the US, energy costs are different depending on the location. The national average is $0.13 per kilowatt-hour, so using your heater (1.5 kW) for 10 hours would cost you around $60 per month. To calculate your monthly cost for an infrared heater, you should know your rate per kW. After that, you can use this formula to find out the monthly cost.
Also, another piece of information that could help you is the cost of radiant floor heating. According to HomeAdvisor.com, installing this would cost you around $3,831.
Pros And Cons Of Radiant Heaters
Radiant heaters have various pros and cons, but the good thing is that the pros outweigh the cons. Some of the advantages of radiant heaters are the following:
- Focused heat. Because radiant heaters do not heat the air but heat objects, they are great for focusing on one spot. For example, if you have a big room and only want to work at your desk, you can concentrate the heater towards you.
- Energy-efficient. You do not waste energy on the entire room; instead, you heat what you need at the moment. With that, you are using less energy.
- Silent and healthy. These heaters do not use a fan; instead, they use radiant light. That makes them quiet when they are on. Also, they are healthy because they do not use humidity or oxygen content.
- Minimal maintenance. Radiant heaters are easy to maintain since they do not have movable parts. That also makes them durable.
- Good design. If you are worried about how it will fit in your space, you shouldn’t because it has a good design. You can choose one that fits in your room.
Some disadvantages of radiant heaters are the following:
- Safety. Infrared heaters can get very hot, so you must be careful, especially if there are kids around. Make sure to follow the instructions when using them.
- Limited warming. If you have a big house, know that a radiant heater will not be enough. They are not suitable for big spaces, but you could get various of them to cover the whole place.
Save Money With Radiant Heaters
There are various ways for you to save money with radiant heaters. You save tons of money by heating what you need, when you need it. Instead of heating the house for the whole day, you can choose when to do it according to your body temperature. Also, when you buy radiant heaters, choose the right size according to the room size. There is no need to buy a huge radiant heater if your room is small.
Make sure to take advantage of the thermostat. With a programmable thermostat, you can control the heater to turn off and on according to your needs. Also, establish what would be your comfortable room temperature. That way, you can program the heater to maintain the temperature at the same level. It will save you money since it will be on only when the temperature drops below the one you set up.
Types Of Radiant Heaters
There are three types of radiant heaters:
- Electric radiant heating system. The electric one uses electric coils to produce heat. They resist electricity, and that leads to heat. They can heat anything, but they are the best solution for floor heating.
- Hydronic radiant heating system. These use a boiler of warm water that goes through the pipes of a house or other object. They are cheaper, but there are higher risks of leaking pipes.
- Air radiant heating system. The least efficient is the air radiant heating system. They use air to transfer the heat.
You can also check the cheapest types of electric heaters:
- Infrared heaters
- Oil-filled heaters
- Storage heaters
- Ceramic heaters
- Space heaters
Difference Between Heaters
This chart shows the differences between types of heaters:
Fan heater | Ceramic heater | Convector heater | Oil-filled heater | |
Type of heating | Filament | Ceramic plate | Convection heat | Oil |
Suitable for | Office/workshop space | Small space | Full space | Medium-sized space |
Price | $20-$150 | $30-$100 | $100-$200 | $50-$100 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I save money on electric bills?
Electric bills could be huge if you live in a big household. You would have to think about how to pay them each month, especially during the winter and summer months. But with good budgeting skills, you could save for electricity and other bills.
The following methods work even if you are a person who can’t save money. People use them for many things, like saving for a vacation or fixing their credit score. The methods to save money for electric bills are:
Is a radiant heater more effective than a convection heater?
These are the most common space heaters on the market. The difference is that convection heaters warm the air while radiant heat warms the body. They work in different ways. Radiant heaters are faster than convection heaters. Choosing the right option depends on whether you want to warm yourself or the space where you are. Also, there are various types of these heaters:
Types of convection heaters | Types of radiant heaters |
Oil-filled heater | Electric heater |
Ceramic heater | Gas heater |
Water heater | Floor heater |
Fan heater | Radiant panels |
Furnace heater |
What is better for your electric bill: heaters or radiators?
Electric radiators and electric heaters both provide you with heat for your home. But these two work very differently. To determine which one is better for your home and needs, you should consider various things:
- Heating needs
- Size of your house
- With how many people you live
The best way to save on your electric bill is to reduce the heating in your house and just heat specific rooms.
What is the cost to run an infrared heater for an hour?
Most infrared heaters use 1500 watts and 30 – 40% less energy than standard heaters. The average price per hour is set per kilowatt-hour, which would be around $0.13. So, to calculate the cost of an infrared heater for an hour, we can use this:
- 1 hour = $0.13
- An infrared heater of 1500 W
- $0.13 * 1.5 kW * 1hs = $0.195
If you own that kind of infrared heater, it would cost you $0.195 to run it for an hour.
What are the dangers of radiant heaters?
If you properly use radiant heaters, there are not any dangers, but if you do not follow the instructions, there are some dangers to consider. The radiation from these heaters passes through the air, and it does not heat the air. But it can heat furniture and other materials. If that is extreme, it can lead to fires or affect your skin.
Also, you should avoid looking at the infrared radiant heater for an extended period. The eye could overheat, leading to damage or even blindness. So, if you have a radiant heater, inform and protect yourself from any danger.
Sources:
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