As the temperatures outside get colder, it is much more common for people to use indoor space heaters throughout their home. This is especially common when there are various cold spots throughout the home, due to insufficient insulation or an issue with the HVAC system. However, it is important to note that it is often much more efficient and safer to have your HVAC system repaired, rather than implementing indoor space heaters throughout your home. Space heaters may initially seem like a convenient strategy for heating a room, there are many risks that come along with the use of an indoor space heater in your building.
If you need to get your HVAC system in shape for the winter months, contact our expert team at Genuine Comfort for more information regarding our HVAC services. Your HVAC system is often far more effective at maintaining a warm, comfortable environment within your home throughout the winter.
Higher Electricity Bills
It is common for an indoor space heater to use a great deal of energy in order to provide heat to your building. This will increase the likelihood that your energy bill will increase by a substantial amount. These heaters are not a particularly efficient strategy for heating a building. Due to the inefficiency of these systems, they will generally require much more energy, which will cause your energy bill to skyrocket. It is often far more cost effective to have repairs made to your HVAC system in order to provide heating to your building. This is the most affordable way to keep your home comfortable throughout the winter months.
Circuits that Become Overloaded
A space heater often requires a significant amount of energy to help it heat up various areas throughout your home. In addition to this, they tend to have a rather limited range, so if they are your primary heating strategy, you will often need to use multiple space heaters throughout your home. The amount of energy that indoor space heaters require can cause a circuit to become overloaded. This creates multiple issues that can potentially arise. For example, power failures are a common side effect of an overloaded circuit, which can be both inconvenient and can cause your building to become extremely uncomfortable. Circuits that become overloaded also increase the risk that you will have a fire within your building.
Possibility of Electrocution
Whenever you use an item that operates with the use of electricity, you run the risk of electrocution. This is especially true if you attempt to use a space heater in a room where water is often used, such as the bathroom or kitchen area. It is important to be aware of the risk of electrocution and take precautions to stay safe when you use an indoor space heater. Never mix electricity and water. You also need to regularly inspect the cords of the space heater for signs of fraying or damage. Not only can this help to reduce the chances of electrocution, but it can also reduce the risk of a fire.
Increased Risk of Fire
One of the most well-known risks of indoor space heaters is that these units can increase the risk of a fire within your building. Pay attention to the heating element of your indoor space heater. Ensure that the area around your space heater is clear in order to minimize the risk of fire. It is also important to refrain from placing your space heater up high, where it can be knocked over by a pet or child. When the space heater gets knocked over, it may lead to a fire. You should never leave a space heater on overnight, so that you are immediately aware if there is an issue regarding fire and your space heater.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Some indoor space heaters run off of gas. These space heaters often produce carbon monoxide. When carbon monoxide builds to a certain level within your home, it can be deadly. Ensure that you have a working carbon monoxide detector and don’t use a gas-fueled space heater in a space that isn’t properly ventilated. It is also important to keep in mind that some levels of carbon monoxide can be dangerous, before they build to a point where it is detected by your carbon monoxide detector.
Possibility of Burns
The heating element of your space heater necessarily has to get extremely hot in order to heat up any area of your home. When you, a child, or a pet brushes against this heating element, burns are extremely likely. It is often best to use a space heater that has a covered heating element to reduce the chances of burns. Never leave a space heater unattended with your pets or children.
Staying Safe During the Winter
In general, not using a space heater during the winter is the best way to keep your home safe and reduce the risks of indoor space heaters. There are several steps you can take to keep your home more comfortable, without resorting to the use of a space heater. If your HVAC system isn’t effectively heating your home, contact our experts to have it inspected and ensure that it is up to the task of maintaining a comfortable temperature within your home. It can also be beneficial to improve the insulation of your property to prevent heat from escaping your building.
If you still intend to use a space heater, it is important to take the steps to stay as safe as possible. Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure that they are functioning as they are supposed to. It is often beneficial to upgrade to the newest models of space heaters, because they tend to come with more safety features than older heaters. Don’t leave a space heater on when you sleep or leave the building. Inspect your space heater on a regular basis for signs of damage and keep your space heater away from rooms with water.
Contact Us
In most cases, it is far more efficient to ensure that your HVAC system is functioning effectively to maintain a comfortable home in the winter. Our experienced team can help you fix, maintain, or install the ideal HVAC system to maintain a warm, comfortable home throughout the cold winter months. To learn more about how to implement an HVAC system to heat your home, contact our experts at Genuine Comfort today!
Follow Us