would an electric fireplace be cheaper to run the electric heat?

jason s

i am trying not to have a 200.00 electric bill again during the winter months. thought about investing in a electric fireplace. i live in a 2 bedroom 2 bath 1 story apartment with 2 heating units.i heating unit heats the master bedroom. the other one heats the rest of the apartment.i do not have a themostat. my control settings are normal, cool, and hot. like what you might find in a hotel room. i have done everything i can do to lower my electric bill. my apartment is a electric. so i was thinking about buying the fireplace and put in the master bedroom and not run the heating unit in the master bedroom.will this same me money on my electric bill? my only concern is the fireplace my trip the fusebox all the time.

Answer
Where do you live?

Can you get away with not running the heat for most of the day/night and just adding more blankets & bundling up?

We have just space heaters (don't use the apartment-furnished heating units) for when it gets REALLY chilly...but then again really chilly for us is when it's in the 40's outside! Cold inside is when it's about 60 or so (and that warrants slipper-socks & sweaters).

You will need to make some decisions on how you want to live. You may just need to save money during the summer to compensate the bill during the winter.

Good luck.

Is it cheaper to use electric fireplace or pay for gas heating?

crystal

My husband, myself and our two children went to go look at a 3 bedroom apartment in Shippensburg,PA, the heating is gas heat and the current tenant said that it has cost them about $100 a month but then they said the place isn't hard to heat. We were wondering if this sounds about right for a Gas Heating monthly bill for PA or in general? Right now in our current apartment we are using 2 electric fireplaces and a space heater to heat our pretty good sized apartment and our electric bill has been ranging about $200 to $600 max during the winter time... Do you think it would be cheaper to pay the gas heating or just keep using the electric fireplaces?

Answer
Gas, the DOE says at http://www.eia.gov/neic/experts/heatcalc.xls that the average US net cost per BTU for electricity is about 3 times the cost of gas.

Gas, 82% (Low) efficiency, $1.10 per therm, $13.47 net per 100,000 BTU
Electricity, 98% efficiency $0.122 per kw/h, $36.49 per net 100,000 BTU

If you save and reopen the above file you can adjust the local unit cost for energy and compare your net difference.

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Creative Christmas Gift Ideas?

aa

For Christmas, my grandmother wants either an Electric Fireplace or a TV. I don't have the money to get her both, so I'm going to give her the money and tell her to pick one. Any creative ideas on how to do this (instead of just saying "Here. Now pick one.")

Answer
I have one idea, perhaps, that integrates the two: Check the Electric Fireplace that is also an entertainment center: http://electricfireplacereviewer.com/twinstar/classic-flame-pasadena-electric-fireplace-tv-stand/

How long can you safely run an electric fireplace heater?

mazdaCOUTU

Just bought a Hampton Bay electric fireplace heater with tv stand. It's 1,350 watts and 4600 btu's per hour. How long can we safely run this(overnight)? Trying to heat our apt with this rather than gas heating

Answer
We don't have the identical unit, but one similar, I think. We were in Hawaii for two months. The fireplace heater is in an old fireplace minus the chimney. We left with the power on but with the remote keeping the power off. When we returned we noticed the living room warmer than normal (summer). Sure enough, a power outage had occurred sometime during the two month absence and the remote turned the fireplace heater on when the power came back on. No way of knowing how long it was on...days, perhaps weeks. No fire, no damage of any find.

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is it more cost efficient to run an electric fireplace or central heat?

UNCCHgirl

we moved into our apt in June so it will be our first winter there. Its a brand new (so it should have the better windows and what-not) apt on the 3rd floor. We run the a/c on 74 degrees and our bill is about $65/month.

For the winter we were thinking of getting an electric fireplace. We found a small one that's a 1500 watts and heats about 400 sq. feet. Any advice on whether I should run the heat or get an electric fireplace? if a fireplace is better what I should look for in one?

thanks

Answer
Central heating will heat the whole place.
The electric fireplace will heat the one room when it is real cold.
It would be good to have one for a stand by in case the central does not work later on.

Any one out there ever buy an electric fireplace?

Atsa me At

for your home? Not an insert. Which did you buy? I would like to get one that has a large open face so I can see more of the flame..a no headache one...seems everything you buy anymore, if you don't know the correct questions to ask the sellers, they don't go out of their way to warn you of potential problems/hazards, well of course not they want to sell their items...thank you.

Answer
I wouldnt buy an electric if your looking for heat. They are stictly for looks. Sales guys will tell you "OH and it does 3000 or 5000 BTU" If you have a $30 space heater from Target that sits under your kitchen table, then you know how much heat that is. That will heat your bathroom after some time and thats it. All they put in them is a cheap little space heater. If your looking for something large to view Lennox makes the best one on the market but they charge for it. You will spend $2-3000 just for the fireplace and with 220v it will do 10,000BTU with 110v it just does 5000btu. But at that price I would just go for gas or wood, because you still have to purchase a full surround mantel. It def. looks the best out of all though because it doesnt use just standard lights. Other wise all the other brand are just cheap little boxes with lights in them with a 20 dollar space heater. Heat Surge claims to be Amish, but when purchased look on the back and you will see MADE IN CHINA, it's all chip board, Amish don't use chip board, so if the sticker is missing thats proof rite there.
I just recommend pick the one you think look the best, just don't plan on purchasing it for heat. And I would not leave the heater on for long times. Leaving just the fireplace on is just a 60W. bulb but with the heater at the same time you have about 1500w an hour

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A couple questions about gas fireplaces?

Monty

1. Are the unvented ones as safe as vented ones?

2. Can you light them if the electric power has gone out?

3. Are there any other safety concerns I should know about?
Also, do the tops of the vented ones get really hot? If my cat jumped on it, would she burn her paws?

Answer
Unvented gas fireplaces are as safe as any other style but you should use a heating log set which burns extremely efficiently. I've used this style for over 15 yrs. Also you must install a carbon monoxide detector in the room where the fireplace is located to be on the safe side. They can be burned without electric power and we have heated our entire house with them during power outages resulting from ice storms. Unless the top of any heating device is very well insulated it will get very hot when in use, and if your cat were to jump on top it while in use it would be a very warm pussy.

Can I use a fire pit on an outside lanai.?

Hooper923

I don't really want to buy an outdoor electric fireplace. I would prefer a real firepit that is screened in or a fireplace for outdoors but I want to use it on my enclosed lanai or porch. I have a pan roof that is aluminum and the screening is also aluminum. Lots of ventilation on 3 sides.

Answer
Even with aluminum screening, that is ill advised. We had a BBQ grill on an open deck and the smoke was still horrible!

If you really want a firepit, build one away from the house and most definitely not on the lanai...just my thoughts!

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What scientists were from 1995-2005?

ds

Scientists that did something in those years; for example invented something, found a cure for a disease, and etc.

Answer
ha ha ha.. reading the answer above makes me totally laughing..

Ok but i'll still help you anyway:

1995:
* The Java computer language invented.
* DVD (Digital Versatile Disc or Digital Video Disc) invented.

1996:
*Web TV invented.

1997:
The gas-powered fuel cell invented.

1998:
Viagra® invented.

1999:
* Scientists measure the fastest wind speed ever recorded on earth, 509 km/h(318 mph).
* Tekno Bubbles patented.

2000:
* The mystery of Ginger.
* Environmentally friendly transformer fluid from vegetable oils invented by T.V. Oommen.
* FluidSense infusion pump invented (automatic and standardized intravenous applicator).

2001:
# AbioCor artificial heart invented by Abiomed - the Abiocor represents groundbreaking medical miniaturization technology. Nuvaring birth control invented by Organon.
# Artificial liver invented by Dr. Kenneth Matsumura and Alin Foundation.
# Fuel cell bike invented by Aprilia.
# Self-cleaning windows invented by PPG Industries.

2002:
# Braille Glove invented by Ryan Patterson.
# Phone tooth invented by James Auger and Jimmy Loizeau.
# Nano-tex - nanotechnology wearable fabrics invented by Nano-tex LLC.
# Birth control patch invented by Ortho McNeil Pharmaceutical.
# Foveon Camera Chip invented by Richard Merrill.
# Date Rape Drug Spotter invented by Francisco Guerra.
# Solar Tower invented by Jorg Schlaich.
# Virtual keyboard invented by Canesta and VKB.
# ICOPOD invented by Sanford Ponder.

2003:
* Optical Camouflage System invented by Susumu Tachi, Masahiko Inami, and Naoki Kawakami
* Toyota's Hybrid Car
* Ice Bike invented by Dan Hanebrink
* New Toy Robots Max the robotic cat invented by Omron, LUCKY, THE ROVING ROBO-RAPTOR invented by Walt Disney Imagineering, and Sony builds Aibo a companion called Orio.
* New Fabrics, Salmon Skin Leather invented by Claudia Escobar and Skini, and Luminex a glowing fabric invented by Luminex.
* Java Log a log for your fireplace made from used coffee grinds and invented by Rod Sprules
* Infrared Fever Screening System used in public buildings to scan for people with a high temperature from a fever or sars invented by Singapore Technologies Electronics and the Singapore Defense Science and Technology Agency
* The No-Contact Jacket invented by Adam Whiton and Yolita Nugent, protects the wearer by electric shocking any attackers.

2004:
# Adidas 1 the thinking shoes with a built in microprocessor that decides how soft or firm support the wearer needs. Chosen by Popular Science magazine as the best recreation invention of 2004.
# Translucent Concrete developed by Hungarian architect Aron Losonczi and called LitraCon and is based on a matrix of parallel optical glass fibers embedded into the concrete that can transmit light and color from the outside. However, this is not the only translucent concrete out there. Inventor Bill Price has been developing another variety.
# Ka-on or Flower Sound are plants that play music invented by the Japanese based Let's Corporation. Flowers bouquets will act as loudspeakers when placed in a special vase that has electronics hidden in the base.
# Intel Express Chipsets - Grantsdale and Alderwood are the code names of Intel's newest chips that will provide superior and inexpensive built-in sound and video capacities for the PC including the ability to do high definition video editing without additional computer cards.
# SonoPrep invented by bioengineer Robert Langer, is a device that will deliver medication by sound waves rather than injection. According to the Sontra Medical Corporation, SonoPrep's manufacturer: The small, battery-powered device applies low-frequency ultrasonic energy to the skin for 15 seconds. The ultrasound temporarily rearranges lipids in the skin, opening channels that let fluids be delivered or extracted. After about 24 hours, the skin returns to normal.

2005:
YouTube - the online video sharing and viewing community - was invented in 2005 by Steve Chen, Chad Hurley and Jawed Karim. YouTube was named Time Magazines Invention of the year in 2006.

Technological products after 9/11?

em. shadow

Has there been an emergence of technological products as a result of 9/11 that have aimed to make families feel safer?

Answer
2002:
Braille Glove invented by Ryan Patterson.
Phone tooth invented by James Auger and Jimmy Loizeau.
Nano-tex - nanotechnology wearable fabrics invented by Nano-tex LLC.
Birth control patch invented by Ortho McNeil Pharmaceutical.
Foveon Camera Chip invented by Richard Merrill.
Date Rape Drug Spotter invented by Francisco Guerra.
Solar Tower invented by Jorg Schlaich.
Virtual keyboard invented by Canesta and VKB.
ICOPOD invented by Sanford Ponder.

2003:
Optical Camouflage System invented by Susumu Tachi, Masahiko Inami, and Naoki Kawakami
Toyota's Hybrid Car
Ice Bike invented by Dan Hanebrink
New Toy Robots Max the robotic cat invented by Omron, LUCKY, THE ROVING ROBO-RAPTOR invented by Walt Disney Imagineering, and Sony builds Aibo a companion called Orio.
New Fabrics, Salmon Skin Leather invented by Claudia Escobar and Skini, and Luminex a glowing fabric invented by Luminex.
Java Log a log for your fireplace made from used coffee grinds and invented by Rod Sprules
Infrared Fever Screening System used in public buildings to scan for people with a high temperature from a fever or sars invented by Singapore Technologies Electronics and the Singapore Defense Science and Technology Agency
The No-Contact Jacket invented by Adam Whiton and Yolita Nugent, protects the wearer by electric shocking any attackers.

2004:
Adidas 1 the thinking shoes with a built in microprocessor that decides how soft or firm support the wearer needs. Chosen by Popular Science magazine as the best recreation invention of 2004.
Translucent Concrete developed by Hungarian architect Aron Losonczi and called LitraCon and is based on a matrix of parallel optical glass fibers embedded into the concrete that can transmit light and color from the outside. However, this is not the only translucent concrete out there. Inventor Bill Price has been developing another variety.
Ka-on or Flower Sound are plants that play music invented by the Japanese based Let's Corporation. Flowers bouquets will act as loudspeakers when placed in a special vase that has electronics hidden in the base.
Intel Express Chipsets - Grantsdale and Alderwood are the code names of Intel's newest chips that will provide superior and inexpensive built-in sound and video capacities for the PC including the ability to do high definition video editing without additional computer cards.
SonoPrep invented by bioengineer Robert Langer, is a device that will deliver medication by sound waves rather than injection. According to the Sontra Medical Corporation, SonoPrep's manufacturer: The small, battery-powered device applies low-frequency ultrasonic energy to the skin for 15 seconds. The ultrasound temporarily rearranges lipids in the skin, opening channels that let fluids be delivered or extracted. After about 24 hours, the skin returns to normal.

2005:
YouTube - the online video sharing and viewing community - was invented in 2005 by Steve Chen, Chad Hurley and Jawed Karim. YouTube was named Time Magazines Invention of the year in 2006.

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Does electric heaters use more electricity ?

Romeo

I have three questions regarding electric heaters.

1 - Is there a difference between electric heater and radiant heater ?

when i think of electric heater, this is what i mean - >
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| http://image.made-in-china.com/2f0j00dMoQBajslkGO/Electric-Heater-OC-2000-SF-.jpg |
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When i think of radiant heater, this is what i mean - >
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| http://www.northerntool.com/images/product/images/177994_lg.jpg |
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2 - Are electric/radiant heaters quieter than fan-heaters ?

3 - Does electric/radiant heaters use more electricity than fan-heaters and air-conditioner ?
(if so, how much more do they use ? Would it be much more expensive or a little bit more expensive ?)

Thank you.

Answer
Short answer: nearly all "room size" plug-in electric heaters here in the US consume 1500 watts @ 110 volts. Built-in electric heat (such as baseboard or in-wall) as well as a electric central heat are 220 volt and more economical to operate (typically rated at 5000, 10000 or more watts).


Tedious detail: "radiant" heaters supposedly radiate their heat to warm objects in the room rather than heating the air . . . . . while a "convection" type heats the air in the room. Most convection types are fan forced (central hot-air heating is convection heat . . . . . central hot-water heating is radiant heat).

Radiant heat can be a steadier heat - while convection heat can be spotty (ie you feel warmer when it is running with a fan on/cooler when off) ........... but fan boosted heat can warm a room faster than a radiator.

A plug-in electric space heater can be either pure radiant heat (you're looking at the heating element which usually has a reflector behind it to "radiate" the heat in the right direction) . . . . .or it can be fan-boosted convection type . . . . . and most often a combination.

Old plug-in heaters of the 30s & 40s were usually 100% radiant and used metal heating coils, like a light bulb or stove burner. Many newer ones use quartz tubes instead of metal coils - that appears to be what is shown in both of your photos. Quartz tubes have an advantage of heating-up quickly - - so quickly that they can actually "pulse" on-and-off producing a uniform heat while using less electricity. The downside is that the quartz tubes burn-out and need replacing from time-to-time. The popular "Edenpure" type heaters are really quartz tube heaters enclosed in a cabinet - the quartz tubes in the Edenpure cycle on-and-off, but radiate their heat to a copper plate which releases it in a uniform flow.

If you have access to Consumer Reports or their Annual Buying Guide: CR periodically tests space heaters. They generally don't think that the "Edenpure" or "Amish Fireplace" style heaters are worth the expense. They eliminated some makes & models from consideration for safety reasons. We bought the "low profile" unit made by Honeywell that they've recommended for a couple years: it uses an electric strip heating element and can be used with-or-without the enclosed fan - the idea is to use the fan to quickly heat a cold room, then use without fan for a quiet, uniform heat. We're very satisfied.


You mentioned an air-conditioner - - - - a "heat pump" is just a reversible air-conditioner. Very convenient source of heat - if you are in a temperate climate, but not very efficient in a cold climate where winter temps stay below about 45 degrees F . . . . in fact, most heat-pump installations have electric resistance heat as a back-up.

Vent-less gas fireplace vs electric vs gel - How to choose?

ambrosia

We are buying a house without a fireplace (this "want" got pushed down the list by other factors). What are the pros/cons of installing a vent-less gas fireplace versus an electric or gel fireplace? If we want to sell down the line, would the vent-less gas fireplace be considered a "fireplace" similar to a vented gas or wood-burning type? The house has no chimney so inserts are not an option. Note: No one in my household have respiratory issues that would make a vent-less fireplace problematic.
@? - Why did you pull it before putting your house on the market?

Answer
Vent less or Flue less gas fires are very good because they are 100% efficient, but there are restrictions on their use because of minimum room area, this is because of ventilation and condensation problems that can be caused by incorrect installations. I would suggest you have the room surveyed by a competent gas engineer before you buy such an appliance.

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