Most energy efficient electric heating?

siulas

Hello,

I've read about Infrared, underfloor, lucht and few other electric heaters.
Would anyone have experience on which one of those is most efficient?
is there a place on the web with all of them compared?

Thanks
siulas

2011

% efficiency = (energy output / energy input) x 100

A 3kW electric heater that consumes 3kW of electricity will provide 3kW of heat. Using the above formula we can conclude that this electric heater (like alll electric heaters) is 100% efficient. This sounds wonderful, but it's not because electricity is expensive. This is why it is generally cheaper to heat a home using a gas boiler even if the boiler is only 80% efficient.
Hopefully this makes sense

siulas

2011 wrote: »

% efficiency = (energy output / energy input) x 100

A 3kW electric heater that consumes 3kW of electricity will provide 3kW of heat. Using the above formula we can conclude that this electric heater (like alll electric heaters) is 100% efficient. This sounds wonderful, but it's not because electricity is expensive. This is why it is generally cheaper to heat a home using a gas boiler even if the boiler is only 80% efficient.
Hopefully this makes sense

And how about lucht radiators that heat up oil inside them for 20 minutes and then keeps emiting heat from it? Is that just bs?

Sleeper12

siulas wrote:

And how about lucht radiators that heat up oil inside them for 20 minutes and then keeps emiting heat from it? Is that just bs?

Same formula as above. If you check up the price per kw of gas and electricity you'll see that all electric heating is more expensive to heat a room than gas or oil.

2011

Sleeper12 wrote: »

Same formula as above.

Exactly.
The oil in the heaters is not there to improve on 100% efficiency.

If electrical heaters were more than 100% efficient they would be defying the law of conservation of energy. This states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed.

siulas

In nutshell then it doesn't really matter which electric heater I put at home, they all are very similar in efficiency?
What would be the best way to reduce my bill then? Put insulation?

Sleeper12

siulas wrote:

In nutshell then it doesn't really matter which electric heater I put at home, they all are very similar in efficiency? What would be the best way to reduce my bill then? Put insulation?

Insulation is great for all types of heating. Electricity, gas and oil. So the rooms will heat quicker and hold the heat longer. I have gas heating and insulated the house about 9 years ago. Can't say I noticed a difference in the bills as they seem to go up each year anyway. It's the comfort level that you'll notice most of all.
You are hung up on electricity so I'm guessing that you are in an apartment or somewhere that you can't get gas or oil?

siulas

Sleeper12 wrote: »

Insulation is great for all types of heating. Electricity, gas and oil. So the rooms will heat quicker and hold the heat longer. I have gas heating and insulated the house about 9 years ago. Can't say I noticed a difference in the bills as they seem to go up each year anyway. It's the comfort level that you'll notice most of all.
You are hung up on electricity so I'm guessing that you are in an apartment or somewhere that you can't get gas or oil?

Yes, Unfortunately I'm in apartment and my only option is electric heating. I have Dimplex storage heaters at the moment and was trying to figure out if there is point to change them to something better, more efficient, but it's very hard to find direct comparison between all options. I've seen a lot of people rooting for underfloor heating as well, I'm just not sure if it's worth upgrading to anything at this stage.

ED E

siulas wrote: »

Yes, Unfortunately I'm in apartment and my only option is electric heating. I have Dimplex storage heaters at the moment and was trying to figure out if there is point to change them to something better, more efficient, but it's very hard to find direct comparison between all options. I've seen a lot of people rooting for underfloor heating as well, I'm just not sure if it's worth upgrading to anything at this stage.

If you've storage heaters using night rate electricity (a night rate meter) then thats the best possible case for electric heating.

2011

siulas wrote: »

Yes, Unfortunately I'm in apartment and my only option is electric heating.

Understood.

I have Dimplex storage heaters at the moment and was trying to figure out if there is point to change them to something better, more efficient, but it's very hard to find direct comparison between all options.

The advantage of storage heaters is that they use cheaper (night rate) electricity to heat up. Theoretically they will release much of this heat during the day. In reality they take longer to heat up and the heat is released in an poorly controlled way during the day. They should result in cheaper heating but most people are not happy with the result.

I've seen a lot of people rooting for underfloor heating as well, I'm just not sure if it's worth upgrading to anything at this stage.

This works best under tiles are they conduct the heat well. However it takes quite a while for them to heat up. Installing carpet or wooden flooring over underfloor heating does not work well as these materials are good insulators making it harder for the heat to be released where you want it (in the room).

Also replacing underfloor heating can be very expensive when the elements fail (they all fail at some point).

Oil filled electric heaters heat much quicker and give a "nicer" (less dry, similar to conventional radiators) more controlled heat.
If any electric heaters are used during the day the electricity consumed will be charged at peak (day) rate.

siulas

2011 wrote: »

Understood.



The advantage of storage heaters is that they use cheaper (night rate) electricity to heat up. Theoretically they will release much of this heat during the day. In reality they take longer to heat up and the heat i realised in an poorly controlled way during the day. They should result in cheaper heating but most people are not happy with the result.



This works best under tiles are they conduct the heat well. However it takes quite a while for them to heat up. Installing carpet or wooden flooring over underfloor heating does not work well as these materials are good insulators making it harder for the heat to be released where you want it (in the room).

Also replacing underfloor heating can be very expensive when the elements fail (they all fail at some point).

Oil filled electric heaters heat much quicker and give a "nicer" more controlled heat.

Thanks for your opinion, from reading online I'm keen to try oil filled heaters as they look nice, plus in theory I should use less electricity as I would turn them on only when I need them, not use them at night. But then as well it probably would take longer to heat up the room...
jesus, there are so many things to consider.. and so many options. I'm thinking maybe try calling few electricians and ask their opinion on electric heating options..

brightspark

While all forms of electric heating are practically 100% efficient, your usage of that heat may not be.

Storage heaters heat over night using cheaper electricity than a heater powered during the day, however if you are out all day most of that energy is wasted keeping an empty apartment warm.

The radiant heaters (halogens and infra red) will provide immediate direct heat to someone within a few feet of the heater, but I wouldn't like to leave one unattended and once you turn it off it will almost immediately become cold.
The infra red ones will also tend to heat objects such as people more than the air.

An oil filled radiator will heat up slower and release the heat over a slightly longer period of time, and will remain warm for a period after you switch it off. I'd consider them a lot safer than the radiant heaters especially where children or elderly people are involved.

So called smart heaters may save you money by more accurate temperature regulation meaning you don't over heat a room, but the cost of that smart control may take some time to recover!

I've no experience of underfloor heating, but I'm guessing it's expensive to install (especially in an existing property) and difficult to repair when it fails.

siulas

brightspark wrote: »

While all forms of electric heating are practically 100% efficient, your usage of that heat may not be.

Storage heaters heat over night using cheaper electricity than a heater powered during the day, however if you are out all day most of that energy is wasted keeping an empty apartment warm.

The radiant heaters (halogens and infra red) will provide immediate direct heat to someone within a few feet of the heater, but I wouldn't like to leave one unattended and once you turn it off it will almost immediately become cold.
The infra red ones will also tend to heat objects such as people more than the air.

An oil filled radiator will heat up slower and release the heat over a slightly longer period of time, and will remain warm for a period after you switch it off. I'd consider them a lot safer than the radiant heaters especially where children or elderly people are involved.

So called smart heaters may save you money by more accurate temperature regulation meaning you don't over heat a room, but the cost of that smart control may take some time to recover!

I've no experience of underfloor heating, but I'm guessing it's expensive to install (especially in an existing property) and difficult to repair when it fails.

When I was looking at underfloor heating i didn't of practicality, but you and @2011 have a good point there and it's probably not the best option.

I will try to speak to few electricians about oil based heaters and see what they say.

Thanks for your help

bootser

Have u had a look at inverter heaters? I bought one a couple of years ago and find it very good for heating my large kitchen/dining/living room area very quickly in the mornings. They burn very low odour kero but are plugged in for fan and timer.

brightspark

bootser wrote: »

Have u had a look at inverter heaters? I bought one a couple of years ago and find it very good for heating my large kitchen/dining/living room area very quickly in the mornings. They burn very low odour kero but are plugged in for fan and timer.

I hope you have lots of ventilation, not something I'd risk using but I'm a little paranoid about CO poisoning etc.

bootser

brightspark wrote:

I hope you have lots of ventilation, not something I'd risk using but I'm a little paranoid about CO poisoning etc.

I've been using it for a couple of years, also have a solid fuel stove and ofch indoor burner, have always had a CO alarm and regular servicing. The inverter is great to heat the downstairs in the mornings, I would think it would be great in an apartment?

siulas

bootser wrote: »

I've been using it for a couple of years, also have a solid fuel stove and ofch indoor burner, have always had a CO alarm and regular servicing. The inverter is great to heat the downstairs in the mornings, I would think it would be great in an apartment?

Yes, inverted heater seems like a bit of a hassle, there is no way to set it up as radiator on the wall

I have been just reading up a little bit online about lucht heaters, somehow I thought they are oil based, but it seems like not. Any suggestions on oil based electric radiators? How about farho heaters?

Joe1919

siulas wrote: »

In nutshell then it doesn't really matter which electric heater I put at home, they all are very similar in efficiency?

I would dispute the above, if you consider that the purpose of the heater is not to heat the room as such, but to make the people in the room feel more comfortable.
A radiant heater, for example, can make a person more comfortable at a lower room temperature (heat losses are less) and hence may be more efficient. They will even work outside in a patio.
Some radiant heaters are great if you want quick heat, say in the morning for breakfast before you go out. I will include the gas supser here (4.5 kw of instant radiant heat).
There are other differences e.g The electric oil filled radiators are very slow to warm up compared to fan heaters etc.
I personally hate the noise of fan heaters and cant stand the glare of halogen heaters.

Bruthal

2011 wrote: »

% efficiency = (energy output / energy input) x 100

A 3kW electric heater that consumes 3kW of electricity will provide 3kW of heat. Using the above formula we can conclude that this electric heater (like alll electric heaters) is 100% efficient. This sounds wonderful, but it's not because electricity is expensive.

That's because the efficiency is only being measured at the final point. But payment for electricity includes the inefficiencies which are all before the heater element.

Bigus

Google heat loss formula.

I.e. Heat loss is directly proportional to temperature difference .

As regards electric heater efficiency, under floor heating will be more efficient as it heats a much larger area up to a much lower temperature, i.e. Heat loss is dependent on temperature difference so a huge floor heated to 20 degrees C might have the same amount of energy contained heat as a radiator at 65 degrees C , but we both know which will lose the heat more slowly.

Also underfloor heating will result in less room temperature fluctuation, so can be run at a lower room temperature setting , yet feel warmer than a few hot radiators and cold floors.

However underfloor heating is very dependent on good insulation underneath.

brightspark

Bigus wrote: »

Google heat loss formula.

I.e. Heat loss is directly proportional to temperature difference .

As regards electric heater efficiency, under floor heating will be more efficient as it heats a much larger area up to a much lower temperature, i.e. Heat loss is dependent on temperature difference so a huge floor heated to 20 degrees C might have the same amount of energy contained heat as a radiator at 65 degrees C , but we both know which will lose the heat more slowly.

Also underfloor heating will result in less room temperature fluctuation, so can be run at a lower room temperature setting , yet feel warmer than a few hot radiators and cold floors.

However underfloor heating is very dependent on good insulation underneath.

And as 2011 has already stated the flooring material will also have an effect, not always positive.

loyatemu

air heat pump will increase the efficiency of electric heating to 300%+ - if you're starting from scratch that's worth considering.

2011

loyatemu wrote: »

air heat pump will increase the efficiency of electric heating to 300%+ - if you're starting from scratch that's worth considering.

That is not correct. As per post #5 you can not break the laws of physics by having a heater that has an efficiency of greater than 100%.

See post #2 for the efficiency formula.

A heat pump can provide a more cost effective heating system which is quite different from a more efficient system.

2011

Bruthal wrote: »

That's because the efficiency is only being measured at the final point. But payment for electricity includes the inefficiencies which are all before the heater element.

The losses you refer to are not electric heater losses so they have no impact of the efficiency of the heaters themselves.

My advice remains the same, don't use electricity to heat a home unless you have no other option. It's simply too expensive.

Bruthal

loyatemu wrote: »

air heat pump will increase the efficiency of electric heating to 300%+ - if you're starting from scratch that's worth considering.

It's not really increasing efficiency of electric heating as such though, as its not electric heating. It's a refrigeration circuit transfering heat from one place (air outside) to another place (air inside). And the transfer mechanism is an electric pump.

And when the air outside is much colder than inside, a higher volume of air outside must move across the evaporator to extract the same heat from it to maintain the temperature inside, so the systems efficiency drops the colder it is outside.

Bruthal

2011 wrote: »

The losses you refer to are not electric heater losses so they have no impact of the efficiency of the heaters themselves.

Electric heating is not 100 percent efficient really though. The change of electrical energy to heat energy in the heater is practically 100 percent efficient. But you have to generate and trasmit the electricity. And that, is what users pay for. No disagreement on anything you posted, I'm just pointing out for anyone reading, that electric heating is expensive for those reasons, which was why I highlighted that part of your post I quoted. I was referring to electric heating being expensive.

loyatemu

2011 wrote: »

That is not correct. As per post #5 you can not break the laws of physics by having a heater that has an efficiency of greater than 100%.

See post #2 for the efficiency formula.

A heat pump can provide a more cost effective heating system which is quite different from a more efficient system.

OK, semantics. If you are heating your house with electricity, a Heat Pump is a better, more efficient option than using direct electricity (e.g. storage heaters). In my house, we obey the laws of thermodynamics!

2011

loyatemu wrote: »

OK, semantics.

I'm an engineer trying to design a more efficient turbine system at present so this is at the forefront of my thought process, apologies I wasn't trying to be smart.

However in the case a heat pump is unlikely to be an option for the OP as the home in question is an apartment.

If you are heating your house with electricity, a Heat Pump is a better, more efficient option than using direct electricity (e.g. storage heaters).

Semantics again but as Bruthal has pointed out a heat pump is not really electric heating even though there is an electrical cost associated with running a heat pump. I accept your point entirely that a properly installed heat pump will heat a home at a lower cost than electric heaters would.

In my house, we obey the laws of thermodynamics!

Sleeper12

loyatemu wrote:

OK, semantics. If you are heating your house with electricity, a Heat Pump is a better, more efficient option than using direct electricity (e.g. storage heaters). In my house, we obey the laws of thermodynamics!

In my house we obey the laws of the wife.

Roen

Could be ****e, but IR heating is another option.

DoozerT6

I'm in a similar position to the OP - I'm an apartment owner, with my only option being electric heating unfortunately. I have storage heaters, which I see as a waste during the day when I'm not there, very expensive to run, and not warm enough on very cold nights. I have also considered installing the newer electric heaters, but am hesitating due to the overall costs.

Would it be any more cost effective to buy (probably two, as I have a large kitchen/living area) oil filled electric heaters and set them to come on at specific times during the day? During the morning before work if I set even just one of them to come on for 30 mins or so they would still be using the night saver rate, but during the evening I would be thinking of setting them to be on maybe between 4.30pm and 10pm. They might be on a bit more at weekends if I'm at home but I could figure that out as I went along. How would something like that compare to storage heating cost-wise?

In all honesty I'm a bit clueless about stuff like this - I just tend to turn things on and hope they work, I don't really know HOW they work, so I appreciate any responses.

siulas

I know that in other countries where apartment blocks put together money and install geothermal heat pumps for whole block, has anyone seen anyone do that in here? What would be costs of that?

loyatemu

siulas wrote: »

I know that in other countries where apartment blocks put together money and install geothermal heat pumps for whole block, has anyone seen anyone do that in here? What would be costs of that?

you'd have to retrofit the entire block which would be very expensive, you'd also have to get the agreement of a majority of owners which could be very difficult to achieve (particularly if a lot of the units are rented out and it's the tenants who are paying the bills).

antoinolachtnai

One thing you might be able to do, if you have a balcony or can hang a unit outdoors, is to install a heat pump. A heat pump transfers heat from the outdoors to the indoors. For every kWh of electricity input the heat pump should deliver 2-4 kWh of heat into your living space.They do need expertise to size correctly and get up and running properly.

siulas

antoinolachtnai wrote: »

One thing you might be able to do, if you have a balcony or can hang a unit outdoors, is to install a heat pump. A heat pump transfers heat from the outdoors to the indoors. For every kWh of electricity input the heat pump should deliver 2-4 kWh of heat into your living space.They do need expertise to size correctly and get up and running properly.

What would be rough initial costs of it?

antoinolachtnai

siulas wrote: »

What would be rough initial costs of it?

Hard question. For an air water heat pump I'd say you will be looking 5k at least. If the place suited mounting air conditioner units (an air to air heat pump) on the wall or ceiling that might be a bit cheaper but wouldn't heat hot water at all.

Earthhorse

OP, just to let you know I'm in a similar position to yourself and opted to get the Lucht (Technoterm) heaters. My apartment has storage and electric heaters that are old and need replacement. Like yourself, I did a lot of research and find it hard to come across definitive arguments one way or the other on the matter. So why did I go with Lucht?

Well, first I wanted to get rid of the current heaters because:
- they were old and needed replacement; the storage heaters emit a burn odour that isn't awful but which I'd prefer not to have and also are leaving burn marks.
- the electric heaters in the bedroom create a very dry heat, you can really feel it in your throat and nasal passage.
- the current heaters are ugly and I want something that looks nicer.

Why did I go with Lucht:
- personally, I was convinced, if not bowled over by the economics. Leaving the storage heaters on at the night rate ends up costing more than if you have the Lucht heaters on for every half hour of every hour you're around.
- you have more control over the timing and output with the Lucht heaters.
- according to one commenter on here I think, they don't produce that dry heat.
- they look well.

I have to say my current storage heater does a good job of heating the living area but by the same token we've had a mild winter and the heat does dissipate later in the day.

I'll be more than happy to report my experience back to you once I've been using them for a while.

In the meantime, if you're thinking of getting a space heater, I came across this website: http://thesweethome.com/. They do really in depth reviews of product categories and pick out the best from each one.

Here's their review of the best space heaters: http://thesweethome.com/reviews/best-space-heaters/

Ultimately I may end up getting a wood burning stove dependent on whether I can open my chimney flue back up.

But all this talk of heat pumps and the like is probably not realistic for an apartment situation. The truth is no one is as invested in the practicalities and outcomes of your decision as much as you are and in the electric heating game there doesn't appear to be a standout winner.

antoinolachtnai

Apart from using a lot of electricity, the lucht heaters aren't particularly cheap. Putting a stove in an apartment? It's not a particularly cheap or convenient way to provide heat, especially if you don't have plenty of storage.

I don't know if they are really that much more realistic than a heat pump. Obviously, it depends on the situation.

There certainly aren't any stand-out winners. I would say that if you can do anything to insulate the apartment it could make a big difference to comfort and economy.

Earthhorse

antoinolachtnai wrote: »

Apart from using a lot of electricity, the lucht heaters aren't particularly cheap.

Do they use more electricity than the alternatives? Compared to the alternatives are they particularly expensive?

Putting a stove in an apartment? It's not a particularly cheap or convenient way to provide heat, especially if you don't have plenty of storage.

Storage for what? The wood? And again, particularly cheap or convenient compared to what?

2011

I have a wood burning stove myself. Recently I came up with a great new idea that cuts the running cost of my stove by 50%. I simply burn 50% less wood than before. Sounds ridiculous? Well Lucht heaters use exactly the same technique:

Lucht Economical Radiator 1.8kw
20min of Charge = Gives 1 hour of Heat
(Lucht heater consume 1.8kw for 1/3 part of an hour only. Which equals 0.6kw per Hour)

There is only one downside to this, the heat output is directly proportional to the input. So if I reduce the average input by two thirds I will also reduce the average output by two thirds.

I accept that a Lucht heater is a more aesthetically pleasing, is non smelling, and has better control than a traditional storage heater, but the only way they use less electricity is by switching off which results in less heat being emitted. It is notable that their website does not claim that they are more efficient.

_Brian

Underfloor heating is designed to deliver small amounts of energy over long periods. The energy delivered is so low it is easily lost through inadequate insulation and airtightness.

I wouldn't consider it unless the insulation is excellent and the apartment properly sealed with controlled ventilation, younwill spend a lot of money and he disappointed, I've seen this happen.

76544567

A few years ago my dad installed a heat pump in his living room. It good his overall electricity bill by half. Basically he spent most of his time in The living room so that's where he wanted to heat the most.
He bought the unit for about €300 and you just mount it on an outside wall and make the hole for it.
It looked like one of those air conditioning units that you see in apartments on The continent. About 3 ft long with a remote control and find that can bet set to oscillate or stay still and just blow out air.
For the bedrooms and kitchen he had oil rads on timers.
I often thought I would love to get one of those heat pump units for my.house but never got round to it.
Should look into it.

Also.if you are in a small apartment you should try to have the whole apartment at the same temperature. If you have say the kitchen hit and the bedrooms cold you will end up getting mould in the bedrooms.

loyatemu

antoinolachtnai wrote: »

There certainly aren't any stand-out winners. I would say that if you can do anything to insulate the apartment it could make a big difference to comfort and economy.

it depends on the aspect, but most apartments would be fairly well insulated by virtue of being surrounded by other apartments (certainly compared to a house which has more external walls).

siulas

76544567 wrote: »

A few years ago my dad installed a heat pump in his living room. It good his overall electricity bill by half. Basically he spent most of his time in The living room so that's where he wanted to heat the most.
He bought the unit for about €300 and you just mount it on an outside wall and make the hole for it.
It looked like one of those air conditioning units that you see in apartments on The continent. About 3 ft long with a remote control and find that can bet set to oscillate or stay still and just blow out air.
For the bedrooms and kitchen he had oil rads on timers.
I often thought I would love to get one of those heat pump units for my.house but never got round to it.
Should look into it.

Also.if you are in a small apartment you should try to have the whole apartment at the same temperature. If you have say the kitchen hit and the bedrooms cold you will end up getting mould in the bedrooms.

That sounds interesting, where did he buy it?

antoinolachtnai

siulas wrote: »

That sounds interesting, where did he buy it?

I imagine it was something like this? http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/Blaupunkt-Air-Conditioning-Heat-Pump-Inverter-System-3-5kW-Cooling-3-8kW-Heating-/112260502522?hash=item1a233f53fa%3Ag%3A3MUAAOSwLF1X7g1V&_trkparms=pageci%253Aa40f7bb8-d8bf-11e6-a951-005056b24358%257Cparentrq%253A92930f761590a78849904094ffba82ef%257Ciid%253A9

It would require professional installation but there are plenty people who would supply and fit one of these.

siulas

antoinolachtnai wrote: »

I imagine it was something like this? http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/Blaupunkt-Air-Conditioning-Heat-Pump-Inverter-System-3-5kW-Cooling-3-8kW-Heating-/112260502522?hash=item1a233f53fa%3Ag%3A3MUAAOSwLF1X7g1V&_trkparms=pageci%253Aa40f7bb8-d8bf-11e6-a951-005056b24358%257Cparentrq%253A92930f761590a78849904094ffba82ef%257Ciid%253A9

It would require professional installation but there are plenty people who would supply and fit one of these.

I'd say this or lucht radiators are best options, but I believe in long term I would save more money with this sort of heat pump.
Thanks

2011

siulas wrote: »

I'd say this or lucht radiators are best options

Why?

siulas

2011 wrote: »

Why?

I like aesthetics of lucht
from all options listed, heat pump is probably most economical?..

2011

siulas wrote: »

I like aesthetics of lucht

I would agree with you on that front.

from all options listed, heat pump is probably most economical?..

Once properly installed and selected, yes.

antoinolachtnai

Consensus!

Earthhorse

2011 wrote: »

I have a wood burning stove myself. Recently I came up with a great new idea that cuts the running cost of my stove by 50%. I simply burn 50% less wood than before. Sounds ridiculous? Well Lucht heaters use exactly the same technique:

There is only one downside to this, the heat output is directly proportional to the input. So if I reduce the average input by two thirds I will also reduce the average output by two thirds.

I accept that a Lucht heater is a more aesthetically pleasing, is non smelling, and has better control than a traditional storage heater, but the only way they use less electricity is by switching off which results in less heat being emitted. It is notable that their website does not claim that they are more efficient.

I get the point you are making and that in this forum people are going to give the technical answer but although the question is about efficiency I think it's not just about that. Infrared panel heaters and electrical storage heaters are technically as efficient as each other but the latter are better are heating spaces and are more economically efficient.

If I recall from reading at the time the technology in Lucht is that they have rods in the heaters which get heated by the electric heater during the heating cycle and then release that heat as the heater switches off. This does not seem like an astounding claim to me but basically a refining of the idea in electric storage heaters. So they may be no more efficient at converting electricity to heat but they are more efficient at delivering it when needed. It may be truer to say that they are more effective and as a result more economically efficient.

But let's say that Lucht are lying to us and all that talk of rods and heating cycles is stuff and nonsense. In that case, the Lucht heaters are nothing more than a standard electrical heater with an integrated timer and thermostat. If we compare this to your (I assume fictional?) wood burning stove will we really get the same result? Well, perhaps if I were an autustic savant woodsman I might.

I find with my Dimplex heater in the bedroom that I turn it on initially for 20 to 30 minutes then switch it back on and off in 10 to 20 minute cycles. It's a bit of a pain. With the Lucht I should be able to set a temperature and let the technology handle that. With the stove I would need to fit a thermostat and then work out some system of having different sized logs to feed it based on experience. Not going to happen as it's completely impractical.