• ctag@lemmy.sdf.org
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    5 days ago

    This time of year I take the computer running my home NAS and move it to my bedroom and set up BOINC. Literally keeps the room 7-10 degrees (F) warmer.

    • Duamerthrax@lemmy.world
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      5 days ago

      It’s also about the same electric-to-thermal efficiency as a regular space heater, so if that’s how you heat, there’s no reason not to.

      • Psythik@lemmy.world
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        5 days ago

        Unless of course you have a heat pump (or an A/C with a reversing valve, which is the same thing). Which by all means please use that instead. You’re not going to top a heat pump in terms of efficiency. We’re talking 300% efficient heat production minimum. Best you can hope for with electric heating is 100%.

        • Captain Aggravated@sh.itjust.works
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          5 days ago

          Well then you have me, I waited until winter to rip my DVD collection to my NAS, because if I was going to spend several weeks with 2 or 3 PCs blasting at 100% CPU, I might as well wait until it’s furnace season rather than air conditioner season.

        • Gladaed@feddit.org
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          5 days ago

          Even if you have a heat pump, the PCs efficiency does not change compared to a space heater. The heat pump existing does not change this.

          • Psythik@lemmy.world
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            4 days ago

            Well obviously. The point I’m making is that you shouldn’t just use your PC to heat your home unless you’re already using it as a PC simultaneously.

      • doggle@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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        5 days ago

        Pretty sure it’s 100% efficient (100% energy consumed is emitted as heat) meaning it’s exactly as efficient as a space heater. Only way to get more efficient is a heat pump.