Green Education: Green 101

Switching to Electric, Heating the House yet Saving the Planet

Staying environmentally friendly is not the easiest of tasks in the modern age. Convenience is sometimes a necessity and this means that we often take less environmentally friendly choices than maybe we should. Yet nobody has to feel guilty anymore, the burdens of carbon can be reduced in size into more manageable chunks that can be offset. This is because one of the most harmful things we do to the environment is to heat our homes but now with modern electric heaters that harm can be drastically reduced.

The benefits of using electric heaters are more numerous than sticking to traditional heating. Electric heaters do not produce emissions; they convert 99% of power into energy; they can be used to heat only the rooms which need heating. And although electricity is by and large produced from burning oil and gas, it is now possible to pay a bit more and get your electricity from purely renewable sources.

There are many electric heaters on the market though and not all will be more efficient and energy saving. So if you intend on using energy from renewable sources then this info-graphic shows the three things you need to consider when trying to find the perfect electrical heater.

Materials:
Traditional heating systems use steel to conduct heat but steel is not the best conductor. Metals which conduct heat more efficiently such as aluminium are best used in electric heaters. This is a more modern approach which provides the best output of heat for a smaller expenditure of energy.

To further the efficiency of electric heaters oils or gels are used, particularly in the better units, as these continue to radiate heat even after the thermostat has cut the power. Thus it saves energy and yields more heat output.
Materials such as aluminium, oils and gels are used in the best units, the first thing to look out for when trying to find the perfect electric heater.

Power:
The way any heating system is powered is very important because we all want to save energy. Not just to save the planet but also to save on bills. Electric heaters are unique amongst other types of heating system because they convert almost all their energy into heat.

The power going into electric heaters is measured in kilowatts (kw), the greater the number of kilowatts creates a greater amount of heat. An ideal electric heater will have a large power output as the efficiency of electric heating will ensure the energy used actually creates heat.

Thermostat:
The perfect electric heater will include a decent thermostat to help regulate the heat that the radiator gives out. A highly powered heater would give out an inconsistent heat without a thermostat, blowing either too hot or too cold. Good quality digital thermostats take the qualities of good materials and lots of power (kw) and then regulate both aspects to provide a consistent heat and temperature.

A good quality thermostat is no good to anyone if it is not accompanied by the right materials and an input of power which is substantial enough to warm a room thoroughly, and vice versa. The perfect electrical heater takes all three aspects into consideration and delivers a highly efficient heating system.

This guest post was written by author and researcher Keir McCarton, writing on behalf of the Economy Radiator Company.

Source: TheEnvironmentalBlog