Now that fall has arrived and the weather is getting colder, homeowners have turned off circulating fans and AC units and may be looking for supplementary electric heating options. When your home's primary heating source is not adequate, or you are looking for additional heat in a specific area, supplementary electric heat may be the answer. Remember to ensure safe clearances of at least 3 feet from flammable materials such as curtains and bedding whenever using any kind of supplementary electric heating appliances.
Options for Supplementary Electric Heating
1. Baseboard Heaters
Heats only the room you need according to its own thermostat. Requires a dedicated, properly sized circuit. Should be installed by a certified licensed electrician. They are a good source of heat for a single room and a great way to supplement your heat.
2. Portable Heaters
Works as a supplementary heat source for a small area. Requires connection directly into the outlet, never use an extension cord or power bar as this may cause overheating. Make sure you don’t plug any other electrical device into the same outlet. A 1500-watt heater should be on a dedicated circuit, this will prevent the overloading of circuits. Portable heaters should always be placed on a level, flat surface to prevent tipping. Never leave supplementary electric heating appliances unattended.
3. Electric Fireplace
Heats a small room. Requires connection directly into the outlet, never use an extension cord or power bar. Should be on a dedicated circuit. There are many different designs, free standing or attach to the wall, and sizes available. Creates ambiance. An electric fireplace can be placed almost anywhere along a wall. A good way to supplement your heat in a smaller space.
Best Way to Reduce the Cost of Supplementary Electric Heating
Turning down the thermostat during the day when you aren’t home as well as at night will help reduce energy costs. There is no point in heating an unoccupied house or heating the whole house at night when you are under warm covers. Therefore, using programmable thermostats allow you to set temperatures at preset times. BC Hydro claims that lowering your thermostat by 2 degrees will save you 5% on your heating bill. Lowering it 5 degrees could save 10%.
Contact Blue Crest Electric and one of our technicians would be happy to install a programmable thermostat to help with heating your home.