Drafty room? Before reaching for your space heater, consider whether it is better to plug it in or simply turn up the thermostat.
Space heaters are designed to warm small, targeted spaces -- not your entire home. If you find yourself relying on one often, it may be time to address your home's energy efficiency.
Fix efficiency first, then supplement with space heater
Improving your home's efficiency helps it retain heat, reduces drafts and reduces your energy use. Many solutions are affordable and DIY-friendly, such as:
- Seal air leaks. Use caulk and weather stripping around windows and exterior doors to prevent drafts.
- Add insulation where it matters. Attic insulation has the biggest return on investment, and loose-fill insulation is an affordable option.
- Check your heating system. Schedule regular service for your furnace or heat pump. If it is outdated or struggling, it could be time for an upgrade. Wayne-White Electric offers rebates on HVAC tune-ups and new heat pumps.
- Use programmable thermostats. These can help reduce energy waste by heating only when and where needed.
Once your home is sealed and insulated, a space heater can be used to increase comfort and warm specific rooms, like a home office or bedroom, without turning up the heat for the whole house.
A space heater is like a ceiling fan: it can improve comfort in a small area, but it is not a whole house solution. It also uses much more energy than a ceiling fan does.
Use space heaters as efficiently as possible:
- Heat only the room you are in currently.
- Close doors to keep heat contained.
- Choose the right size -- too small and it will not warm you; too big and it wastes more energy than necessary.
- Use a heater with a thermostat and timer to avoid overheating the room or wasting electricity.
Stay safe while staying warm:
- Place the heater on a solid, flat, nonflammable surface - never on carpets or rugs.
- Plug the heater directly into the wall outlet. Never use extension cords or power strips.
- Keep children, pets and anything flammable, such as curtains or bedding, at least 3 feet away from the heater.
- Choose a heater with built-in safety features including:
- Overheat sensor
- Tip-over shutoff switch
- UL, ETL or CSA International certification label
- Never leave a space heater unattended, especially around children or pets.
- Turn off the heater when you leave the room or go to sleep.
- Unplug it when not in use to prevent electrical hazards.
One 1500-watt space heater running 24/7 for a full month will add approximately $135 to your Wayne-White Electric bill. If you must use space heaters, just remember that they may be small, but they use a lot of energy to run!