With winter coming around, people often leave their furnaces on all day to heat their homes. In some cases, this can be a waste of energy and money.
To ensure you have a safe and efficient heat source during the cold months, consider these choices to keep you and your family warm throughout winter.
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If you live in a condo or apartment building, you may not be able to install an oil furnace. However, there is a safe and efficient solution for this issue.
Electric space heaters can deliver warm air at your fingertips — and it is much safer than using an oil furnace.
Because it is smaller, it works best in concentrated spaces, so you might need to buy a couple more to make sure each section in your apartment is covered.
But the good thing about this is that you don’t need to turn on all of them at the same time if you’re only staying in one space.
- Hot and cool air fan
- Quiet and fast heating
- Safety features to prevent fires
- Extremely affordable
Electric Blankets
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An electric blanket can warm your body without having to turn up the thermostat. There are various types of electric blankets available on the market today.
Some offer a “pre-heat” feature that warms the blanket before it is turned on, while others warm only the sleep surface. Electric blankets are affordable and an efficient way to stay warm during cold winter months.
- Can reach high temperatures in minutes
- Save on house heating
- Safety tested
- Extremely affordable
Gas Fireplaces
A gas fireplace adds charm and luxury to any home. They allow you to stay warm and cozy indoors, especially during the cold winter months.
Some models, such as drop-down and wall-mounting fireplaces, require minimal installation and maintenance. Others offer a full surround sound stereo system that puts you and your family in a tropical paradise.
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are efficient and can save you money on your energy costs. They circulate air to bring in the heat from the outside and transfer it into your home. Heat pumps can also supplement and replace your existing furnace and deliver consistent levels of heat.
The clever design of a heat pump allows it to use outside air as a “heat reservoir” during the day, making it more efficient at collecting heat from pollution sources, such as smog, UV rays, etc.
Propane Heaters
A propane heater is a safe and efficient supply of heat for your home or business. It does not produce emissions, which are dangerous to your health.
A propane heater’s efficiency is very high, allowing it to heat a large space efficiently. Make sure the manufacturer offers a “clear-view” or open-air burner in addition to a standard cover and damper when you buy one.
- Can heat large areas with 100% efficiency
- Quiet and fast heating
- 1-year-limited warranty
- Extremely affordable
Kerosene Heater
A kerosene heater is a safe, efficient, and portable heat source that quickly moves or stores. Kerosene heaters are inexpensive to operate, require little maintenance, and are convenient because they do not require electricity to run.
Kerosene heaters should only use 1-K Kerosene, which will help the unit run more efficiently. You should also make sure to purchase a unit with an auto-shut-off feature in case anything gets on the heater.
Boiled Water Heater
A boiler can be used as an emergency heat source for your home during the winter, but it needs regular maintenance and upkeep throughout the year to prevent freezing.
Still, it’s worth looking into, especially with all the advantages you can enjoy out of it. Boilers need less fuel and produce heat more consistently, so they’re more cost-efficient.
They also help improve indoor air quality, and are much quieter than a typical furnace.
Fireplace
A wood-burning fireplace is an efficient means of heating, but needs regular maintenance and upkeep throughout the year to prevent freezing.
To maintain the efficiency of your fireplace, make sure you clean the glass doors and check for cracks in the damper area.
Wood-Burning Stove
A wood burning stove is an efficient and safe source of heat for the home. Like the wood-burning fireplace, however, it also requires regular maintenance and upkeep throughout the year to prevent freezing.
You also need to check for cracks in the chimney area somewhat frequently.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many different types of heating sources you can use to keep warm and cozy in the winter.
Just make sure to keep them well maintained throughout the year so they don’t break down, and you can easily use them as needed.
A properly maintained unit will run efficiently for longer, making it a worthwhile investment.
Thank you. This is a great article.