| | Keeping warm this winter
Some consumers occasionally supplement their main source of home heating (heat pump, gas or propane furnace) with an electric space heater. If you are thinking of using an electric space heater this winter, here are some things to keep in mind.
Electric space heaters are generally more expensive to operate than combustion space heaters, but they are the only unvented space heaters that are safe to operate inside your home. Although electric space heaters avoid indoor air quality concerns, they still carry hazards of potential burns and fires, and should be used with caution.
When buying and installing an electric space heater, you should follow these general safety guidelines:
- Electric heaters should be plugged directly into the wall outlet. If an extension cord is necessary, use a heavy-duty cord of 14-gauge wire or larger.
- For portable electric heaters, buy a unit with a tip-over safety switch, which automatically shuts off the heater if the unit is tipped over.
- DO NOT use an electric heater as a clothes dryer by placing clothing over it, and never use it to thaw frozen pipes.
- Keep the heater in safe working condition by replacing missing guards and controls. Never operate a defective heater.
- Don't place the heater where children might play near it or where people might trip over or bump into it. Place it on a level surface for stability.
- Make sure you purchase the correct sized heater for the room you'll be heating. Most models come with a sizing table that will serve as a guide for how large or small a heater you should purchase for the space you'll be heating.
- Regardless of the type of heating system you have, install and maintain at least one smoke detector that is in good working condition on each floor of your home.
- When shopping for a small space heater, look for the Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) labeling. Energy Star does not yet rate portable and small heaters as energy efficient.
If you know of someone needing assistance paying their winter heating bills, refer them to Westar Energy's website for information on our average payment plan and grants available to help with utility bills.
Energy Efficiency Facts
Change your incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent lights. Only 10 percent of the electricity used by an incandescent light bulb is turned into light. The other 90 percent is wasted as heat. CFLs use 75% less energy than traditional bulbs.
Keep bulbs clean too. A heavy coat of dust on a light bulb can block up to half the light.
Some energy-smart refrigerators use less electricity than an incandescent light bulb.
Across America, all of our home refrigerators together use the electrical equivalent of 25 large power plants every year. If you're in the market for a new refrigerator, shop for one that has the Energy Star label.
Every year, more than $13 billion worth of energy leaks from homes through small holes and cracks. That's more than $150.00 per family.
Be sure and check around windows and doors for air leaks especially during winter. Seal and caulk any leaks you find.
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