keep seeing these for about 15 pounds they are about 1200 watts with 3 settings and rotate.are they any good?, and the big question do they cost a lot to run?
thanks

Well, if it uses 1200w, then it doesn't matter what type of heater it is, it uses 1200 watts end of!! If it’s on MAX that is!

Now depending on how efficient it is depends on how much of the 1200watts are converted into heat. I would say almost all of it would be as only a little light is given off (wasted energy).

So if you know how much you pay per unit of electric, you can work out how much it costs per hour.

1200watts = 1.2 Kilowatts

Unit cost (in pence) x Kilowatts (Kw) = Cost Per hour.

I've no idea how much electric costs – Lets say it costs 12p Per Kw/Hour. 

12p x 1.2 = 14.4p

So it would cost 14.4p per hour to run. :y

Ian_D wrote on 22. Nov 2009 at 23:51:

Well, if it uses 1200w, then it doesn't matter what type of heater it is, it uses 1200 watts end of!! If it’s on MAX that is! Now depending on how efficient it is depends on how much of the 1200watts are converted into heat. I would say almost all of it would be as only a little light is given off (wasted energy). So if you know how much you pay per unit of electric, you can work out how much it costs per hour. 1200watts = 1.2 Kilowatts Unit cost (in pence) x Kilowatts (Kw) = Cost Per hour. I've no idea how much electric costs – Lets say it costs 12p Per Kw/Hour.  12p x 1.2 = 14.4p So it would cost 14.4p per hour to run. :y

wow
ok i get that thanks
so are they any good?
if what you say is right[and i dont dispute it]they must be very efficent as most of the power is converted to heat but then why arnt they used more?

are you talking about the tower type ?

Selseybill wrote on 23. Nov 2009 at 00:00:

are you talking about the tower type ?

yes thats right

I find them OK for working on cars, etc. Most of the heat is radiated as IR so it heats you while you're working rather than the air - which is a good thing in a draughty garage when compared to, for example, a fan heater because any air you heat is soon replaced with cold.

I have one I picked up from the local Sunday market for a fiver. Does the job.

An electric heater is always 100% "efficient". There is no other way for the energy to leave the room! All 1200 watt heaters will cost the same to run, as said. Sometimes radiant heat is better than convective and thus, I guess, more efficient.

Kevin

They are used more than you think I bet!

Some electric fires use them, as do a lot of toasters, industrial outdoor heaters too like the ones in the smokers areas outside pubs etc to name a few.

Converting electric into heat is normally very efficient as there are little losses.

I thought about buying one for my caravan, however decided to buy an oil filled radiator mainly because it was DRIT cheap (think it was 5 quid from B&Q) and also because it was much sturdier than a halogen heater - and been in a caravan it would be chucked about a bit  ;D

Agreed, I have one in the garage, heats you and not the air.... :y

The halogen bulb heaters are pretty good. Had one for about 3 years now. Also have an oil filled jobbie. Both work well :y

iv got 2 halogen heaters and they work great. heat a room in no time :y

Ian_D wrote on 23. Nov 2009 at 00:12:

They are used more than you think I bet! Some electric fires use them, as do a lot of toasters, industrial outdoor heaters too like the ones in the smokers areas outside pubs etc to name a few. Converting electric into heat is normally very efficient as there are little losses. I thought about buying one for my caravan, however decided to buy an oil filled radiator mainly because it was DRIT cheap (think it was 5 quid from B&Q) and also because it was much sturdier than a halogen heater - and been in a caravan it would be chucked about a bit  ;D

Have one in my caravan,it has a button on the underside,so if it is tilted or picked up when on it cut's out immediately.Also only needs to be on low setting to heat van,which doesn't really matter cos I use site electrics anyway,lol.

As we moved into the house were we live, we had no gas for about 4 days so I got two of the heaters and they worked great, so long as the room is not to big it warms up in no time.