LESLIE: Gene in Alabama has a question about heating and cooling. What can we help you with?
GENE: Yes, I was wondering is it more efficient to run a heat pump with the electric strips or I was looking at using a quartz infrared heater.
TOM: Well, that’s – you’re asking about the difference between a central heating system and a space heater, correct?
GENE: Yes, but the space heater covers up to like 1,000 square feet.
TOM: As a rule of thumb, the central heating system is going to be more efficient than a space heater.
LESLIE: Well and space heaters, you know, are kind of dangerous.
TOM: Well, they potentially could be; although …
LESLIE: Well, you know, you have to be careful and monitor how you use them.
GENE: This particular one is cool to the touch. It’s – it uses tubes to heat …
TOM: Your question is whether you should use a space heater or a central heating system and a heat pump central heating system is going to be more efficient than a space heater; especially one that runs on electric resistance heat. So I think you’re better off extending the heat pump system if you can.
GENE: OK. Thank you.
TOM: You’re welcome. Thanks so much for calling us at 888-MONEY-PIT.
Great info!