- #1
Kevvin McNulty
I am building a house and would like to understand how to perform an energy balance/efficiency calculation on various electrical heating systems
Tom.G said:They all convert 100% of input energy to thermal energy. If they are forced air there is a tiny amount used for air circulation. But even the waste heat of the blower motor adds to the heating.
If you are in a mild to moderate climate, radiant heating, is adequate. This is often done with relatively low temperature baseboard heaters with a thermostat in each room. In harsher climates (think snow country with many feet of snow per season), radiant heating bothers some people because they are warmed but are often breathing somewhat colder air; at least in older houses. A new build with lots of insulation and double- or triple-pane windows would make this less of an issue.
In the harsher climates, forced air heating (usually central) may be more comfortable than radiant.
Electric heaters that operate at higher temperatures (i.e. portable electric heaters) can be useful in harsher climates because their higher temperature moves hot air around by convection.
Be aware that electric heat is often the second most expensive option, with propane costing even more. Also consider the reliability of the electric supply.
Oh, I just looked at your profile page. Looks like you are in one of those "harsher climates."[edit: quote fixed]
Great resource! Thanks!Averagesupernova said:
1 Watt = 3.4 BTUKevvin McNulty said:I assume that there is a formula (s) to determine efficiency of the system, based on input energy vs output heat?
Tom.G said:Be aware that electric heat is often the second most expensive option, with propane costing even more.
Given your proximity, is it safe to assume you've looked into the "Drake Landing" community system?Kevvin McNulty said:I am building a house and would like to understand how to perform an energy balance/efficiency calculation on various electrical heating systems
The most accurate method for determining the efficiency of an electric heating system is to perform a heat loss calculation. This involves taking into account factors such as the size of the space being heated, insulation levels, and outdoor temperatures.
While the manufacturer's stated efficiency rating can give you a general idea of the system's efficiency, it may not accurately reflect the efficiency in your specific situation. Factors like installation quality and maintenance can also affect the actual efficiency of the system.
If you do not have access to the energy consumption data of the system, you can estimate the efficiency by comparing your energy bills before and after installing the system. This will give you an idea of how much energy the system is using to heat your space.
Yes, there are several online tools and calculators that can help you determine the efficiency of an electric heating system. These tools take into account factors like the type of heating system, location, and energy consumption to provide an estimate of the efficiency.
Some common factors that can affect the efficiency of an electric heating system include improper installation, lack of maintenance, and poor insulation in the space being heated. It is important to address these factors in order to maximize the efficiency of the system.