All too often, the vast majority of homeowners consider using exterior heaters when the temperature outside is below freezing. They are used to heat up homes at the very beginning of the winter season, in many cases, one of the very first things they do when the weather starts to become unpleasant. However, the cost of these heaters, their size and the materials used can often compromise their utility and overall performance.
These heaters, usually called heat pumps, work by converting the power being supplied by your electric or gas mains into a device which then pumps the heat to your home, to keep it warm and comfortable for those cold days and nights that will come. There are some basic differences between outdoor heaters and these appliances, however. When you consider heating up a house for the colder months, there are three main options: gas heaters, electric heaters.
Gas heaters and electric heaters, although very similar, are used differently, so it’s important to understand how they work before deciding on one of them. An electric heater will burn electricity to get hot water and to help the heat pump work. Electric heaters use heating coils and electric tubes to convert the electric current into heat. Both electric and gas heaters have their pros and cons, however, and you should take the time to carefully weigh up your options.
An outdoor heat pump, which are known as other names such as radiators, heat recovery units, heat pumps, and wind chillers, pump heat from the air itself, using an existing energy source. So, instead of needing to be connected to a power source, you can just plug it in and start using it. The only difference with these heaters is that the electricity to power them comes from your normal mains, rather than from the mains themselves.
Outdoor heat pumps are a great way to provide heat when the winter comes and your home is at its warmest. The cost, though, of these appliances, and how they work, is what makes them something to consider when thinking about using your outdoor heaters. While their overall cost is comparable to gas heaters, they use more power and have less longevity.
If you’re looking for a heat pump to use on a warm winter’s day, especially when the temperature outside is just barely above freezing, a gas-fired heater will give you the most warmth for the least money. A gas-fired heater is also better for the environment. If you’re worried about the size of these heaters, don’t be – their size is only going to affect the efficiency of the pump, and thus your savings in terms of heat and energy.
So, if you have the right type of outdoor heat to use, and you take the time to look carefully at the features and the costs involved, it can make a big difference in how well you can enjoy the benefits of heating your home. Remember, however, that there’s no substitute for the actual heating appliance you are using, so use care in choosing one.