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Comparison of electric and other heating sourcesThe chart below shows the reduction in energy costs achieved by reducing furnace heating levels, using programmable thermostats, and using local
electric radiant heaters. 
Click for a larger image One might expect that using local radiant electric heaters would significantly increase the electrical energy used. The increase however is
smaller than expected because the furnace, when operating, uses an electrically, typically 300 to 750 watt fan, to move the heated air. At lower
thermostat temperatures the furnace fan is used less, the energy saved partly powers the electric heater.
Click for a larger image For more information on this chart, reduce residential heating energy use. Modern furnaces are usually, but not always, the most efficient for heating large areas. Most US homes have the option of using electric or furnace generated heat. Using US average residential energy source costs, electrically generated heat
is about 2½ (the Electric Gas Cost Ratio) times more expensive than natural gas powered furnace generated heat, however the Electric Gas Cost Ratio
varies considerably from State to State. In Washington State in 2009 the Electric Gas Cost Ratio was 1.6, in Alaska it was 5!
Click for a larger image US 2009 Residential Electricity and Natural Gas Costs by State N-W 
Click for a larger image As a starting approximation if the area of your home that you need to heat is less than the electric gas cost ratio use electric heat. You can refine this approximation by also referring to the information in US residential energy sources costs and efficiencies. Electrically generated heat has three important and unique advantages: it can provide almost instant localized heat; it's efficiency remains constant compared with almost all other sources of heating; and maintenance costs are low. Often the most efficient and lowest cost way to heat your home is to use programmable timer controlled furnace generated heat to provide modest temperature background heating, and use electricity to provide local focused heat in occupied areas. Electric gas cost ratio 
Click for a larger image If you only require local focused heat in a limited area of your home electrically generated heat is usually far more efficient than furnace generated heat. Thermostatically controlled electric radiant heaters provide almost immediate focussed heat, good comfort levels, and little maintenance to remain operational and efficient, some even have a built in humidifier. Electrically heated oil filled radiators or electric convector heaters are an alternative but take longer to heat up and their heat is less focussed. Electric fan heaters are less efficient at providing local heat than the others mentioned electric as the heat produced is blown and distributed. Considerable care is required if you use electric radiant heaters as they can cause fires if placed too close to combustible materials. When using electric heaters more and natural gas or its alternatives less it should be remembered that most warm air heating systems
use an electric powered blower which typically consumes 300 to 1000 watts, in consequence the additional electricity cost is somewhat offset.
Click for a larger image Belling 2kW electric radiant heater 
Click for a larger image Glen 2kW electric convector heater 
Click for a larger image 
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