No, a lightbulb is not a 100% efficient heater, though it converts almost all its electricity into a combination of heat and light. While an incandescent bulb converts about 90% of its energy to heat, and an LED bulb converts a higher percentage to light, a dedicated electric heater is far more practical for heating because it directs the heat where it's needed without the unnecessary and often undesirable ligWatts are watts, so a lightbulb is the same efficiency as a heater.
What do you think happens to that light when it hits the walls of the pump house? It all turns to heat. I agree that heat tape that directs the heat to what actually needs to be heated is a better option. But otherwise it doesn't really mater what you use, an electric motor, a laptop, a DVD player, all the watts in end up as heat.No, a lightbulb is not a 100% efficient heater, though it converts almost all its electricity into a combination of heat and light. While an incandescent bulb converts about 90% of its energy to heat, and an LED bulb converts a higher percentage to light, a dedicated electric heater is far more practical for heating because it directs the heat where it's needed without the unnecessary and often undesirable lig
And all this time I thought an 80% efficient electric motor turned 80% of the watts into mechanical energy.But otherwise it doesn't really mater what you use, an electric motor,
Conservation of energy is a thing in physics. While we may not agree with the laws of physics, we do have to obey them.And all this time I thought an 80% efficient electric motor turned 80% of the watts into mechanical energy.
I hadn’t considered the case of a motor consuming energy and not providing any mechanical effort. Although I work with some folks that fit that bill.Conservation of energy is a thing in physics. While we may not agree with the laws of physics, we do have to obey them.
All the electrical energy that goes into the motor needs to go somewhere, unless there is a drive shaft sticking out the side of the pump house, then that somewhere is heat. Unless you can think of other places that the energy goes?
Not quite. Majority of those watts are converted to light and then some of it, heatWatts are watts, so a lightbulb is the same efficiency as a heater.
Incandescent bulbs turn about 10% of their input into visible light, the rest is infrared. But in a closed space, the light is eventually absorbed by something, which produces heat.Not quite. Majority of those watts are converted to light and then some of it, heat
A heater doesn't output light so more watts go to heat.
Not quite. Majority of those watts are converted to light and then some of it, heat
A heater doesn't output light so more watts go to heat.
In northern IL yrs ago we use to use a 100 watt HD bulb in our cement well pit.I am getting ready to build a pump house for my new solar powered water well. No electrical outlet, so I am looking for a 12 volt incandescent light fixture for minimal heat this winter (East Texas) to run off my 12 volt deep cycle batteries. Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks.