What is more efficient in an apartment: electric baseboard heaters or portable, radiant oil heaters?
Both electric baseboard heaters and radiant oil heaters use electric resistance heat. Both heaters have approximately the same efficiency, about 96-98% efficient. BTU output is basically the same for each. The portable radiant oil heater has advantages over the baseboard heater. The portable heater can be moved to the location where heat is needed. The baseboard heaters are fixed in place. The oil filled heater, after heating up, retains the heat longer whereas when the baseboard heater turns off, it no longer gives up heat. There is a trick that can be used with the radiant oil heater. Both types of heater simply radiate the heat out, and up (heat rises). You can put a small fan behind the radiant oil filled heater, with the fan set on low, and blow heat from the heater across the room to spread the heat more evenly. Make sure it is a small fan and it is set on low. The oil filled heater works at a lower temperature (to avoid burning your skin if you accidently touch it). The operatin
