Space heaters are convenient units that may be used to boost the warmth of a limited space. Ideally, they should be used for short durations to complement your home or commercial heating system, not instead of it. Using space heaters as your primary heat source comes with serious risks to your safety and your budget.
Health and Safety Risks
According to a U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission report, more than 25,000 home fires are caused by space heaters each year. Many fires start because space heaters are:
- Left running too long
- Left running near flammable materials, such as curtains and bedding
Older space heaters may not have a functioning thermostat, so there is nothing to automatically switch off the space heater.
Space heaters also do not have changeable air filters (if they have air filters at all), so they may result in lower indoor air quality. If family members have asthma or allergies, this can exacerbate breathing problems.
Budget Risks
A single space heater will not significantly increase your energy bills. But, if you are relying on space heaters to warm your entire house, then you will likely see a surge in your monthly power bill.
A Better Alternative
If you have been using space heaters instead of your home or business heating system because the system needs service, you will find that central heating maintenance and repair is more cost-efficient in the long run. Residential and commercial heating systems are engineered to use less energy to produce heat and force treated air throughout your building. Space heaters are not.
The experienced HVAC technicians can show you how you can save money while staying warm this fall and winter. Schedule an appointment for furnace maintenance today. If repairs are needed, we provide free estimates!