Can Portable Electric Baseboard Heaters Save Money?

Identification

• Electric baseboard heaters are available in portable models, or they can be installed in the home. These heaters have heating elements that are housed in metal pipes in the cabinet. The metal pipes run the length of the heater and have aluminum pieces around them, which helps move the heat upward and out of the heater. The heated air rises out of the heater, while cold air is pulled into the heater from the bottom. Electric baseboard heaters are more expensive than using other forms of electric heat, such as a heat pump. According to the United States Department of Energy, heat pumps are the choice preferred for most climates and can slash electricity costs by as much as 50 percent when compared with a portable electric baseboard heater with electric resistance heating.

Zone Heating

• Keeping your energy costs low while using portable electric baseboard heaters is best accomplished by implementing zone heating. This means electric baseboard heaters would be used to heat individual rooms of your home, such as the bedrooms, while keeping the remainder of your home cooler. Zone heating works best when your home is well insulated and free of air leaks. The United States Department of Energy states that zone heating may help you save up to 20 percent on you heating bill when compared to heating your entire home with other forms of heat.

Function

• To function effectively as possible, baseboard heaters must be placed at least 1.9 centimeters above your flooring, which keeps the cooler air flowing freely into the bottom of the heater. Electric baseboard heaters should fit as close to the wall as possible to work efficiently.

Considerations

• If you are considering purchasing portable electric baseboard heaters, keep a few things in mind to get the best results possible. Always look for electric baseboard heaters with labels from the Underwriter's Laboratories (UL) and the National Electrical Manufacturer's Association (NEMA). While other electric heaters may save you money at the time of purchase, they are often less efficient and can be noisy. Purchase an electric baseboard heater with the best warranty possible, in case it fails to work properly.