Re: Electric space heater?

D.J. Osborn wrote:

"Lone Haranguer" <linusz@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:


Blow the same amount of air around a couple of skinny electric heating elements and also around a heated chamber with about 4 times the surface area. The greater surface area will allow more heat to be transferred even though the same number of BTUs are available.



Why do you keep repeating the same nonsensical statement?

Because I have found it to be true?


The *fact* is that an electric furnace with 75,000 BTU output will have the same heat output as a gas furnace with 75,000 BTU output. If the system is properly designed, then either of them will heat the appropriate house nicely, and a homeowner wouldn't notice any difference in the heat output at the registers.


Now you're talking BTU "output" and "properly designed" How many are wasted of the BTUs available?



The heat output isn't wasted if the *system* is properly designed--as it is in most installations. If the *system* is poorly designed, then it doesn't matter whether the *furnace* is electric or gas, because the *system* won't work properly. An electric furnace doesn't waste any significant amout of heat, because there are far more than "a few skinny electric heating elements," and the overwhelming majority of the heat produced goes into the air flow and into the ductwork.

The OP stated why he was happy with gas rather than electric. Because it was more efficient. Why do you think his unit was designed that way?


Efficient heat transfer occurs if there is more surface area for the amount of air being moved across it.


The heat pumps in our houses have gas-pack furnaces for backup heat,
instead of electric elements. Makes a world of difference.

That's why all the homes here have Carrier units with electric air and gas heat in the same rooftop unit, using the same fan.



They use gas heat because gas is typically less expensive per BTU than is electricity.

Gas DESIGNS are more efficient in providing heat for the amount of BTUs expended. The price of electricty has remained at the same levels for years while propane has doubled in price. At what price would you consider switching to an electric furnace?
LZ
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