Cold weather is just around the corner and we wanted to discuss some problems and even hazards of using space heaters to warm your home.
How do you plan on warming your home this winter? Most homeowners today use either a furnace or a heat pump. They are the two most popular central heating systems.
If your furnace or heat pump isn’t working, or you just want to supplement the heat in one or two rooms, you may be considering the use of space heaters.
Space heaters can pose several problems and should be used with caution.
Expensive to Use
Space heaters are expensive to use and they are less efficient than furnaces and heat pumps. With their lower efficiency ratings, space heaters consume more energy to generate the same amount of heat. Using space heaters can result in higher utility costs.
Don’t Provide Centralized Heating
You can’t use space heaters to warm your entire home; you can only use them to warm small spaces. One of the downsides to using space heaters is that you will still have plenty of cool spots or even entire rooms within your home that are cold.
Some Are Only Suitable for Outdoor Use
While there are plenty of space heaters that can be used indoors, others can only be used outdoors. For example, most propane space heaters are designed for outdoor usage. Like all propane-burning appliances, they generate combustion gases. Using a propane space heater indoors will result in these combustion gases accumulating inside of your home and that can be very dangerous for you and your family.
Increased Risk of Fire
Using space heaters to warm your home will increase the risk of a fire. Statistics show that space heaters are responsible for over 25,000 fires each year. About one-third of all home heating fires are attributed to space heaters.
Requires Supervision
Space heaters require supervision. You shouldn’t leave them unattended. Whether you’re taking a business trip out of town or driving across the street to the grocery store, you’ll need to turn off all of the space heaters in your home. This could potentially create problems such as cold pets or even frozen pipes if you are away for an extended period.
If you intend to use space heaters for your whole house or as a supplemental heat source this winter please read our post 6 Space Heater Safety Tips You Need To Follow.
If you are experiencing a problem with your air conditioning or heating call us at 512-336-1431 to schedule an appointment. We’ll be glad to come out and take a look at the issue.
1431-183 A/C & Heating proudly serves Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Leander, Liberty Hill, and North Austin.
