What Factors Contribute to the High Cost of Electrical Heaters?
When it comes to heating your home, the cost of different types of heaters can vary widely. Portable heaters and resistive baseboard heaters are generally much less expensive than air conditioners or computers. However, this article will focus on the high cost of electrical heaters, particularly in comparison to other forms of heating, and explore the role of heat pumps.
The Cost Comparison of Heating Systems
Electrical heaters, such as portable heaters and resistive baseboard heaters, are relatively affordable upfront compared to installing more substantial heating systems like furnaces or air conditioners. However, the operational cost of electrical heaters is significantly higher due to the higher cost of electricity for the amount of heat produced. In contrast, air conditioners, furnaces, and other systems that rely on fuels like propane, natural gas, or fuel oil are generally more cost-effective when it comes to heating and cooling your home.
The Role of Heat Pumps in Reducing Heating Costs
Heat pumps can significantly decrease the cost of heating with electricity by using electric power more efficiently. A ground-source heat pump, for instance, can reduce electricity usage by a factor of five or more. A deep well ground-source system might cost over $50,000, but a ground-loop system could be half that price. However, the energy savings might not be as substantial as with a deep well system.
Energy efficiency is measured using the COP (Coefficient of Performance). A COP of 1 means the heat pump uses as much electricity as a resistive heater. A COP of 6, on the other hand, uses only a sixth of the electricity. The COP decreases as the temperature difference between the source and output increases. Ground temperature remains relatively constant throughout the year, making it an ideal source for heat pumps.
The Impact of Temperature on COP
To understand the impact of temperature on COP, consider the following scenarios:
Air-Source Heat Pump: When the outside air temperature is above freezing, air-source heat pumps perform well. They are not as efficient when temperatures drop below freezing and may use as much electricity as a resistive heater when it's zero degrees Fahrenheit. Ground-Source Heat Pump: Ground-source heat pumps are more efficient than air-source systems, especially in providing cooling. Dissipating room heat into the ground at 50 degrees Fahrenheit is much easier than dissipating it into outside air at 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Mini-Split Heat Pumps: Mini-split heat pumps are an affordable option for heating a home, particularly in warmer climates. They provide efficient heating even in freezing weather, but their performance decreases when temperatures plummet. Some air-sourced systems may not even function at very cold outdoor temperatures.Conclusion
In summary, the high cost of electrical heaters is primarily due to the higher operational expense of electricity. While electrical heaters can be convenient and cost-effective upfront, the ongoing high energy costs can make them less desirable. Heat pumps, especially those using ground-source systems, can be a more cost-effective solution. Understanding the COP and its relationship to temperature can help homeowners choose the most efficient heating system for their needs.
Whether you are considering an electrical heater or a more sophisticated heating system like a heat pump, careful consideration of COP and efficiency factors can significantly reduce your energy costs and help you achieve more comfortable home heating.