Space heaters & electric fireplaces

[LauraMax]

For the first year ever, I will be restricting the heat use in my home. It's something that I've refused to do in the past--I was willing to pay to be comfortable. But with the price of oil--I have a cap program w/my oil company & it's twice the amount it was last year--I've decided I'm gonna buy the banging-est space heater in the world & give a big old screw you to Petro.

I really like the look of the electric fireplaces--it'd be nice to generate some electric heat AND some atmosphere at the same time. Are they as warm & efficient as a really powerful space heater? I know they're more expensive, but I'll spend an extra $100-200 to keep my LR looking pretty.

I'd appreciate any recommendations........

 

[NinjaMom]

Hi Laura,

I purchased a tv stand/electric fireplace combination for my parents. They wanted the fireplace more for ambience but it does kick out decent heat and it comes with a blower. Here's a pic of something similar (I couldn't find the exact one I bought):



I would assume if you purchased just a fireplace that was larger, it might kick out more heat but I'm not sure how it would compare (heat & efficiency wise) to a good space heater.

JJ

 

[fit44]

I have a fireplace with a heat circulator and it works great! The problem for me is that I have 2 floors to heat. When the fireplace is going, the heat doesn't click on. I know I'm saving money on gas, but I worry about areas of my house that are not getting heated (frozen pipes etc.) Anyway, my house is too large to use the fireplace for long periods of time.
I will say I LOVE sitting in front of a fire. It is so peaceful and relaxing.

 

[PhyllisG]

I don't know about the electric fireplace but we are also restricting our oil consumption this year for the first time. Simply can't afford to do our usual budget payment option with it just about doubling from last year. Luckily we have a wood stove in the main area of the house and one in the master bedroom. Plus we are on 4 zones in our living area so we can shut off unused bedrooms etc. For the first time I have had wood delivered and actually stacked it mostly myself. Found out I enjoyed stacking wood altho I admit I felt like a homesteader. This winter is definitely going to be a challenge for alot of us. My next thought is to buy some warmer clothes to wear indoors. I think this may very well be our future unfortunately.

 

[LauraMax]

Oooooh I so want a wood burning stove! I will be installing one someday when money isn't as tight. My house was built in 1900--I know there's a chimney in there somewhere!

Well in reviewing specs, it appears the space heaters & electric fireplaces are the same damn thing. They're all 1500 watts, 5000 btu. The only difference is the price.

 

[MAYNARDSMOM]

We burn coal but have found the need to get a little more heat in some of the rooms. We bought these heaters that are amazing. Take a look at the web-site & see for yourself www.edenpure.com. They can explain it much better than I could.

Good luck~
Tami