Space heater vs. Turning up the heat?

CoachBoilermaker

One zone oil/steam. I set house to be 60 when at work and overnight. I am often home alone. Sitting in living room on weekdays home from 5pm-bedtime. I have been using a small 750W space heater to heat my legs in the evening. Say house is at 61-63, naturally. I'd need to run boiler for 20-30 mins to raise temp to 66-67, which would then slowly decay until 10pm. What's the correct thing to do? Space heater vs. Turning up the heat? What is the general consensus on this?

CoachBoilermaker

I fed that same prompt to GPT, if you're curious what it said.

Using a space heater versus turning up your central heating depends on several factors, including energy costs, the size of the space you need to heat, and your personal comfort preferences. Here’s a breakdown to help decide what’s best for your scenario:

Cost Comparison

1. Space Heater:
   • Your 750W heater costs $0.22/hour (at $0.29/kWh total energy cost).
   • For 5 hours of use per evening:
     0.22 × 5 = $1.10/day or about $33/month (based on weekdays only).
   • Space heaters are ideal for heating a small, localized area when you're stationary (e.g., sitting at a desk or watching TV).
2. Turning Up the Heat (Boiler for 20-30 Minutes):
   • Oil consumption: A boiler typically burns 0.8-1.7 gallons/hour for a home like yours. Assuming 1 gallon/hour:
     • 0.5 hours × $4/gallon (approximate oil cost) = $2.00 per use.
     • For 5 evenings per week: $10/week or $40/month.
   • Central heating warms the whole house, which may feel more comfortable but is less targeted.

Efficiency and Comfort

• Space Heater:
  • More efficient for localized warmth.
  • Allows you to keep the house cooler overall, saving energy.
  • Works well in small spaces or for single-person use.
• Central Heating:
  • Provides even heating throughout the house.
  • Reduces risks like frozen pipes if outside temperatures are extremely low.
  • May feel more comfortable if you frequently move between rooms.

When to Choose Each

• Space Heater: Best when you’re stationary and only need to heat a small area, such as when sitting on the couch or working at a desk. It’s economical and avoids unnecessary heating of unoccupied spaces.
• Central Heating: Makes sense if:
  • You feel uncomfortable in other parts of the house.
  • The space heater can’t adequately warm your surroundings.
  • You’re hosting guests or moving between rooms frequently.

Other Considerations

1. Wear Layers: Using blankets, warm clothing, or heated pads can complement a space heater, reducing the need for central heat.
2. Steam System Efficiency: Your one-zone oil/steam system takes time to distribute heat. Upgrading vents or adding more efficient controls (e.g., programmable thermostats) could optimize its use when needed.
3. Safety: Always prioritize safety with space heaters—ensure tip-over protection and avoid leaving them unattended.

General Consensus

Most energy experts and homeowners agree that space heaters are cost-effective for targeted heating, especially in scenarios like yours. However, central heating is better for whole-home comfort or in situations where a consistent, evenly heated environment is necessary. Balancing both approaches based on your habits (e.g., space heater during solitary evenings, central heat for broader use) can provide the best compromise.

ethicalpaul

I’m sure it’s cheaper to run the space heater than to heat the whole house, so you do you!

PC7060

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1823121#Comment_1823121

haha, funny to see ChatGpt quoted. for a while Ive been wondering if Coach is a AI agent posting a multitude of cases and problems to expand the ChatGpt overlord’s knowledge!

😂🙃😎