With the arrival of cold weather, the demand for heaters increases and, for many, the question arises as to which is the best option to heat the house without compromising the budget. Although most heaters available on the market are electric, there are also models that run on alternative fuels, such as natural gas or paraffin. However, for the domestic environment, electric heaters continue to be the most recommended, as they are portable, safe and do not emit vapors.
Within this category, there are several options, and some of them have a smaller impact on the electricity bill, as explained by .
The importance of Watts in electric heaters
When choosing a heater, it is essential to understand its rating in watts, a unit that indicates electricity consumption per hour. For example, a 1500W heater consumes 1.5 kWh of electricity per hour. This value reflects the amount of energy consumed and, consequently, the impact on the electricity bill. The greater the number of watts, the greater the consumption and, therefore, the more money will be spent.
To give you a clearer idea, if you use a 1000W heater for one hour, you will be consuming 1 kWh, which will directly affect the value of your electricity bill, depending on the contracted rate.
Types of electric heaters that use less
To help you choose the most efficient model, here is an analysis of the main types of heaters and the impact they can have on your pocket.
- Infrared heaters
Infrared heaters are probably the most energy efficient. Instead of heating the air, they emit invisible infrared light that directly heats people and objects in their line of action. This model is ideal for those looking for an economical and effective option to quickly heat an area without overloading the electricity bill.
Advantages:
- They are the most economical and safe.
- They directly heat objects and people, instead of heating the air.
Disadvantages:
- Normally, they only heat areas that are directly within reach.
- Fan heaters
Fan heaters are one of the most popular and affordable models. They have a metallic or ceramic heating element, which heats the air, and a fan that distributes this heat throughout the room. Although effective, these devices consume more electricity compared to infrared heaters.
Advantages:
- Quick to heat up.
- They are versatile, as they can also be used to cool the environment in hotter periods.
Disadvantages:
- Noisy and sometimes emit a burnt dust smell when used.
- Oil heaters
Oil radiators work by heating a reservoir of thermal oil, which in turn heats the body of the device. Despite taking longer to heat up, oil heaters maintain heat for a longer period of time and are silent, which can be an advantage in environments where thermal comfort is a priority.
Advantages:
- They are silent and maintain heat for longer.
- Ideal for heating large areas constantly.
Disadvantages:
- They take longer to heat up.
- Halogen heaters
Halogen heaters use halogen bulbs to emit heat and light. They are effective for heating small areas, but the heat efficiency depends on the proximity to the device.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
- Not very efficient in terms of heat distribution.
Attention to details
All electric heaters are 100% efficient at converting electricity into heat. However, the difference arises in the ability to distribute this heat. Some heaters can heat more quickly and more effectively, consuming less electricity in less time.
Additionally, many models come equipped with energy-saving features such as thermostats and timers. These options allow the heater to use only the amount of electricity necessary to keep the room at the desired temperature, avoiding wasted energy.
How much does it cost to use them per day and at the end of the month?
To help understand the financial impact of each type of heater, let’s look at two examples: a 1500W heater and a 2000W heater.
If we use a 1500W heater for 6 hours a day, with the average electricity cost being around 17 cents per kWh, the monthly cost would be around 45 euros and the daily cost would be 1.53 euros. A 2000W heater, under the same conditions, would result in a daily cost of R$2 and a monthly cost of R$61, reflecting the greater impact on the budget.
Conclusion
With the arrival of cold weather, choosing the right heater can make all the difference not only in thermal comfort, but also in your electricity bill. Infrared heaters, as they are more efficient, are ideal for those who want to heat quickly and without great costs. Oil models, despite being slower to heat up, are effective in maintaining heat for long periods. By considering the consumption and efficiency of the device, in addition to the energy saving features, it is possible to keep the house warm without surprises at the end of the month.
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