Updating the heating system in your Vancouver home to a more energy-efficient electric version can reduce energy use and utility expenses. It also helps your home become more environmentally friendly by reducing its greenhouse gas emissions. But not every electric heating system is equal. Some provide far greater energy efficiency than others. To help you avoid making a bad investment, we’ve compiled a detailed reference to the six most efficient and practical electric heating systems on the market today. However, before making a purchase, we highly recommend consulting a professional HVAC technician to ensure the system you want will work in your home.
1. Infrared Heaters
Infrared electric heaters heat things and people directly rather than the air around them, which results in significant energy savings. This approach to localized heating minimizes heat loss and guarantees immediate warmth. And because infrared heaters are excellent at providing localized warmth, they are a good option for heating poorly insulated rooms. Another energy-saving feature of infrared heaters stems from their ability to disperse heat without the need for a fan.
2. Some Heat Pumps
Air- and ground-source heat pumps both rely partly on electricity to generate heat. However, because they don’t produce heat themselves but rather move heat from the air or ground into your home, heat pumps offer a very efficient way to keep a house warm, especially when compared to conventional heating techniques. In addition to heating your home, heat pumps also provide an effective way to keep your home cool during the warmer parts of the year.
3. Electric Wall Heaters
Electric wall heaters operate extremely efficiently when paired with a programmable thermostat. You can use the thermostats to turn the heater on and off at predetermined times to cut down on wasteful energy use. Electric wall heaters also make it possible to have zoned heating throughout your home, allowing you to heat just the rooms you need without heating the whole home, which optimizes your home’s energy efficiency.
4. Radiant Ceiling Panels
By emitting infrared radiation straight downward, radiant ceiling panels greatly improve heating efficiency, effectively warming furnishings and people in nearby spaces. As opposed to widespread air heating, this targeted strategy reduces heat loss. Radiant ceiling panels also have the advantage of not making any noise since they don’t have a fan. In addition, because they’re attached to the ceiling above, they provide uniform heating across a room. Lastly, radiant ceiling panels help your home maintain a steady and pleasant interior temperature, reducing the need for supplementary heating sources, especially when paired with adequate insulation.
5. Electric Baseboard Heaters
Because warm air rises, electric baseboard heaters use convection to heat a room uniformly and efficiently without the need for a fan. Baseboard heaters sit right next to the floor, which is usually the coldest portion of a room, easily allowing them to direct heat where it’s most needed. Thermostats are standard in newer versions, allowing for fine-tuned temperature control. When combined with an adjustable thermostat, you can set them to run only when necessary, significantly reducing energy use. They are most effective when properly insulated to avoid heat loss.
6. Ceramic Heaters
Due to their innovative heating elements, ceramic heaters have a stellar reputation for their low energy consumption. An attached fan aids in the dispersal of the heat, and because of how quickly they heat up, they use much less time and energy to heat your home when compared to many other heating methods. In addition, many ceramic heaters include programmable thermostats, giving you better control over your home’s indoor comfort. You can even place the heaters exactly where you need them, thanks to their small size and portability.
Knowing How to Choose the Best Electric Heater for Your Home
To choose the most energy-efficient electric heater for your home, you first need to consider the size of your home, its insulation levels, the number of rooms, how much space you normally use, and its current layout. No matter the heating option you choose, make sure it comes with a programmable thermostat that you can use to maximize its heating efficiency. If you need help choosing an electric heating system for your home, Northwest HVAC Heating & Cooling is here to help. We also offer AC installation and repair, ductless HVAC, and indoor air quality devices. Get in touch with us right away if you’re interested in a consultation for a new home electric heater.
