Buying an energy-efficient space heater?

95 electric fireplaces image

Joseph

Our home uses baseboard heating, which is too expensive in winter. In addition to buying energy-saving appliances and sealing drafts, I've heard that certain space heaters can help save on energy bills, but I'm at a loss as to which model to buy. Any advice?

(Additionally: we have a working fireplace; how large a space could we expect to heat using it? Our heating requirements are a single floor. Would that ultimately be a cheaper option than space heating?)

Thanks, preemptively, for any advice!

Answer
The only way any space heater will help lower your electric bill would be to use it in the area of the house you are in and lower the thermostats in the other rooms. Don't fall for the advertisements on the miracle heater with the genuine hand crafted wood cabinet. A 1500 watt electric heater will use 1500 watts and one costing 29.95 at Wal-Mart costs the same to run as one costing 395.95 or more.
Most fireplaces will let more heat out than they put in the house. If you have a well made fireplace with a vented blower system it will heat a good sized area. A good wood heater with a blower fan would be a good option if you have room for one and they use a lot less wood than a fireplace. I used to use one and would fill it at night and add wood the next morning. I also had the electric baseb

What do you recommend for retro insulating & heating my basement?

Dear Prude

BACKGROUND:
House is in NW Ohio. Basement is 2000 sq feet. Was finished by previous owner 4 yrs ago. Exterior walls are concrete, 95% below grade. Interior walls are combo pine/drywall. Floor is poured concrete w/ installed pad and carpet. Walls & floor are very attractive and in excellent condition. BUT, no insulation.. ugh!

Furnace is electric. There are three vents w good air flow in the dropped ceiling. There is a gas fireplace on the main level so there is natural gas coming into the house.

CONSIDERATIONS:
-initial investment & workload
-long term efficiency
-safety!!! (i have pets and two small children)
-maximal utilization of the space (this requires a heat source that will keep the space at a fairly constant temp so that its always "ready" for use by the kids)
-temp of 66-68 would be adequate

PLEASE SUGGEST BEST OPTIONS FOR:
-INSULATION???
-do the walls HAVE to be ripped out to add insulation?
-should i incur the expense being the walls are finished?
-what type?
-does the floor need insulation?

HEATING
-should we use the natural gas or continue with the forced air?
-is there a safe way to heat the basement using natural gas?
-should I scrap all of this and stick with "space" heating options?

OTHER IDEAS???

Answer
I don't know about insulation, but my aunt in Canada swears by the heating panels in the link below.

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