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Fall weather is about to arrive, which means the colder months are just around the corner. While we all want to get cozy this fall, some of us might have annoying cold spots across our homes that make that difficult. You may even be tempted to get a space heater this season to alleviate this headache. Space heaters can be great for the office, but before you are tempted to get one for your home, we break down the pros and cons of buying a space heater.
Dangerous Or Not?
The most significant danger when purchasing a space heater comes from the owner and how they use the device. Most accidents with space heaters are caused by owners that forget to shut off their heater when leaving their home.
Space heaters often get associated with house fires because individuals leave an unattended heat source near flammable objects. If you use your space heater, you need to be present to ensure no flammable objects are near the heater for too long. Unplug your space heater before leaving if you need to leave your home.
If you decide to buy a space heater, take the time to inspect the device before use. Inspect the space heater for any frayed wires or defects. Likewise, never plug your space heater into multiple extension cords. Electrical safety is crucial to avoid setting an accidental house fire.
Saving Money?
Space heaters can help you save money on your electric bill by providing the right amount of heat in each room. They are small and easy to move from room to room, depending on your heating needs.
Space heaters use less electricity than central heating systems because they don't have to heat a whole house or apartment. You can turn the space heater off when you're not using it, which will reduce the amount of energy used during those times (and also keep your floors from getting too hot!).
Cost Over Time
Space heaters cost significantly less than central heating and air conditioning systems, but they may not be the best option for your home.
While space heaters cost less to operate than HVAC systems in short uses, that is not true in long-term usage. If you're looking for a way to save money on your utility bills, you might be tempted by the prospect of purchasing a space heater. In many cases, having an operating HVAC system is actually cheaper than running multiple small units that consume more energy overall.
Best Use For A Space Heater
A space heater should only be used as a device to complement your already existing heating system. No matter which way you slice it, a space heater will never compare to the benefits of a whole home eating system. Space heaters do not have the capacity to cover large areas effectively, and are designed for point of use for smaller rooms.
However, this does not make space heaters completely useless. If you have a home office that does not get toasty like you personally want, a space heater can help alleviate the issue. Although we would recommend inspecting your home’s heating system to make sure there are no underlying issues that could be resolved to improve temperature control. If you think about it, with a properly functioning heating system you don’t need a space heater.