Many people have electric heat in their home and notice at the end of the month how their electricity bill increases. The consumption of electricity related to this type of activity shoots up quickly in cold seasons. Electricity as a heating method is very comfortable and efficient, but it is considered one of the most expensive on the market. However, to avoid these problems there are heat accumulators.
What is this about heat accumulators? If you want to know how to save as much as possible on heating, here we explain everything related to accumulators. You just have to keep reading 🙂
What are heat accumulators?
A heat accumulator is a device that is responsible for transform electrical energy into thermal energy at a lower cost than conventional systems. Using electricity, these devices store heat inside during the hours of lowest electrical cost, as happens with the nightly ratesThe accumulated heat can be released in a controlled manner during the day, allowing rooms to be heated efficiently.
This system offers a key advantage: you can take advantage of the Electricity rates with time discrimination, which allow cheaper energy to be consumed during off-peak hours and heat to be used during more expensive hours. This allows for significant energy and economic savings.
Advantages of heat accumulators:
- There is no heat loss during use.These devices are designed to store only the amount of energy needed, avoiding waste.
- Greater savings and comfort. Thanks to its ability to be programmed to charge during the lowest cost hours, energy consumption can be reduced by 50% to 60%.
- easy maintenanceThey are easy to clean and only require annual inspection and changing the batteries in the chronothermostats.
- Modern and compact aestheticsToday's accumulators have designs that easily integrate into home decor, without taking up too much space.
Electric heating systems
There are several types of electric heating systems that use heat accumulators, each with particular characteristics:
- Oil radiators. Of the oldest, they use thermal oil to retain and release heat gradually.
- Radiating floorIdeal for modern homes, although it requires a high initial investment. It is installed under the floor and distributes heat evenly throughout the home.
- Heat pumpThey consume little energy, but their effectiveness is limited when heating only one room, since the heat disperses quickly.
- Radiant platesThey use heat waves to heat spaces evenly.
- ConvectorsThese devices heat the air using resistors and distribute it quickly into the environment.
Types of heat accumulators
There are two main types of heat accumulators:
- StaticThis type releases heat naturally, and is more suitable for spaces where a constant temperature is required, such as areas inhabited all day.
- dynamicThese accumulators are equipped with a fan that helps distribute heat more efficiently. It also allows for greater control over temperature management in different areas of the home.
In many homes, it is recommended to combine both types to maximize energy savings. Static types are installed in the areas with the most frequent use, while dynamic types are used in rooms where the presence is intermittent.
Main features of heat accumulators
Heat accumulators have characteristics that make them ideal for domestic heating:
- Efficient storage managementThese devices have limited storage space for thermal energy, which allows taking advantage of the lower electricity rate without exceeding the amount of accumulated heat.
- Insulation quality controlFor optimal operation, it is important that the home has good thermal insulation. If the windows or doors are not properly fitted, the accumulated heat could escape quickly.
- Installation simplicityThey are easy to install and do not require major works. In addition, their maintenance is minimal.
However, it is also important to note that accumulators have some disadvantages, such as the need for schedule the heat load in advanceIf you do not pre-charge the battery, you could find yourself without heating at unexpected times.
Considerations before installing heat accumulators
Before deciding to install heat accumulators, it is advisable to evaluate certain factors that will determine whether it is the most suitable option for your home:
- The price of accumulatorsAlthough the initial investment may be high, this cost is amortized in the long term by the savings in monthly electricity consumption.
- Availability of time-of-use ratesTo maximize savings, it is essential to have an electricity rate that allows you to take advantage of the lowest cost hours.
- Control over heat discharge. Depending on the type of accumulator, control over heat release may be limited, as in the case of static accumulators.
New technologies in heat accumulators
In recent years, heat accumulators have undergone a significant evolution in terms of technology and efficiency. The most recent models offer programation advance y connectivity via wifi, which allows users to manage the operation of the battery using their mobile phones. This technology offers greater control over energy expenditure and ensures maximum comfort for the user.
Likewise, many accumulators have incorporated self-regulating charge systems, which allow the amount of stored energy to be automatically adjusted to suit the needs of the home. This reduces energy waste and significantly improves the efficiency of the device.
Finally, solar storage solutions are gaining popularity. These models use solar energy captured by photovoltaic panels to store heat and further reduce heating costs. Although their adoption is not yet as widespread as traditional electric models, they represent a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative for the future.
In short, heat accumulators are an excellent choice for those looking for an efficient and economical heating solution. Thanks to technological advances, it is now possible to control virtually every aspect of the accumulators remotely, which further optimizes their use and reduces the associated energy costs. It is advisable to study the characteristics of each model before making a purchase decision, taking into account the specific needs of the home and the available electricity rates.