How can one stay warm during the winter months? This question has been difficult to answer throughout history. The majority of people nowadays take keeping warm as a given whether they use gas furnaces, or any other option. However, it is important to consider the cost of the heat. It is important to manage your energy costs. So, one might ask: What is the cheapest method to heat a room in your home?
You don’t have natural gas furnaces so how can you afford comfort? That can make you wonder about the cheapest way of heating a house with electric heat. Electricity is generally considered to be the most costly way to heat a residence because the electric rates you pay will often be much higher than those for natural gas or oil.
Electric furnaces using resistance coils to heat the air for circulation consume a lot of energy. Installing gas-fired equipment in some homes would prove difficult and costly. When electricity is not an option, what are the alternatives? There are many possibilities, but one is more promising that the rest.
The cheapest way to heat a home with electricity Space heaters
Instead of relying only on the central furnace to blow hot air into your rooms and keep them warm, use electric heaters instead. These areas may include your living space, your bedroom, the kitchen, or the bathroom.
You get a lot for your money with small portable units and mid-sized electrical heaters. Using only electric heaters for the heating needs of your room could result in a lower utility bill.
Modern space heaters have a high efficiency rating and can provide a lot heat in a relatively short period of time. You have much more control over your space’s temperature and energy consumption . These are the best way to heat a house without electricity.
Safely and Effectively Use Space Heaters
Even though electric heaters may be an attractive option, they come with risks. When used incorrectly, electric heaters can create a fire hazard. When using them in your own home, you need to be aware of the following common sense rules:
- Space heaters shouldn’t be left on their own. If you need to leave the room, make sure that the unit is turned off.
- Keep all flammable and dangerous materials at least 6 feet from the heater. Place nothing on or near the heater.
- Before you go to bed, switch off the space heaters.
- Space heaters must not be plugged in to extension cords and surge protectors as this can increase the possibility of fire.
- You should also be aware of the cable. Tipping the heater can cause serious injury.
These are the simple rules to ensure you get comfortable heat at a fair price.
Are Heat Pumps Always the Best Way to Heat a Space?
Heatpumps use the air outside to collect heat to bring in, and are another electrically powered option. But they work best at temperatures over freezing. Most heat pumps will turn to more efficient heating by using emergency resistance coils if it becomes too cold.
While heat pumps may offer greater savings than an electrical furnace for primary heating, they can still be a good choice. These heat pumps can be used with space heating as needed and could even prove to be an affordable way to heat your home.
hybrid heaters may be another option. These hybrid systems combine gas furnace heat with electric heat for high efficiency. The electric heat can supply all you need, even when it’s cold outside. The gas unit comes on when temperatures fall. This option isn’t only dependent on electricity but can also prove to be very economically viable. Your home, layout, and winter temperature will all play a major role in deciding the best option.
It doesn’t matter whether you want to heat your home using a simple portable space heater, a larger unit or a more conventional heat pump, electricity is an affordable option. This is especially true for other strategies to manage your energy bill.
If you are looking for the cheapest way of heating your home with electricity, a professional installer may be able to give advice. In some cases, you may need to look into a replacement system, such as a Gas Furnace. With a professional on your side, the process of assessing your home is much easier and more straightforward. Reaching out for assistance is your first step to exploring alternative options.
