Heating Alternatives
11/9/2021 (Permalink)
Heating Alternatives
It is has been stated by Mid-American Energy Co. that heating bills for natural gas could rise by 46% to 96% over last year because of rising gas costs. Consumers who use propane for their heating source should expect their heating costs to go up to 69% over the previous years. This leaves many households to use alternative ways to heat their homes, such as electric heaters.
Dangers of Space Heaters
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, space heaters are the leading cause of over a thousand house fires every year. Space heaters are a great alternative to heating when used correctly. Here are some easy ways to ensure that you are safely using your space heaters.
- Keep space heater on the floor:
In the middle of a snowstorm, it might feel aesthetic to place it on a countertop or on a nightstand to have it blow directly onto you. Please refrain from using the space heater in this manner by placing it on the ground, free from any flammable fabrics/Items.
- Keep away from water:
As we know, water and electricity do not go together. When placing the space heater in a good location, keep in mind the area of the room. It’s best to keep it out of the kitchen and the bathroom to ensure that there is a chance of water access.
- Plug it into the wall:
The biggest takeaway from this article would be to remember to not plug it into a surge protector, extension cord, or anything that isn’t the wall outlet. When plugging it into an extension cord, you’re adding extra electrical connections that increase your chance of creating resistance, allowing heat to build up. When inserting the space heater into the wall, you will want to take into account the 3-foot rule or place it 3 feet away from the wall. This gives the proper distance from the heater to the wall, ensuring that the wall isn’t getting heated.
We understand that the projected increase of propane and natural gas heating options might bring you closer to space heater alternatives. We hope that you place these heaters in a thoughtful and strategic location to ensure that you minimize the chance of creating a perfect scenario for a house fire