Florida homeowners tend to keep their air conditioning running all year round to maintain their indoor temperature. However, to stay comfortable indoors when those cold days hit, you’ll need to consider your heating options. Many people opt to use a space heater rather than a central heating system when temperatures drop, assuming it will save them money.
This article will explain when you need to heat a single room vs when you need to heat your home quickly, when you maintain your home’s temperature, the cost of a space heater and central heat, if a space heater can save you money, if space heaters are dangerous, and other tips to save on money.
When You Need to Heat a Single Room
Running your space heater will quickly make a room warm. However, you should be cautious about using one to heat up your entire home. This is a costly mistake most people make. In fact, most higher-end space heaters use a lot more energy compared to smaller space heaters. There are many other tips you can use to heat up your space without using a space heater.
When You Need to Heat Your Whole Home Quickly
When you need to heat your whole home quickly, we recommend using your central heat to do so. Not only will you be saving money, but it will heat up your home using less energy than a space heater in each room. It will cost so much more money and energy to use a space heater in each room.
The average space heater uses 1,500 watts of energy per hour. In Florida, it may cost an extra $222.22 a year, or around $44.44 a month. You can read the section on tips to save on heat below for more information.
When You Maintain the Home at a Reasonable Temperature
While central heating systems tend to lend more temperature control in a home, space heaters used in a particular room can quickly change temperatures when adjusted up or down. If you plan to use a space heater, use blankets, extra layers of clothes, and other measures in combination with the space heater to keep energy consumption lower.
However, getting a central heating system would be a great investment. You should consider this because a space heater is not the same as central heating. They have very different uses, and space heaters should be used for smaller rooms instead of a whole home. Additionally, this will save you a lot of time and money doing so.
Space Heater vs. Central Heat Cost
The cost of using a space heater compared to using central heat depends on use, so consider the space you’re heating. If you’re heating a single room, a space heater should be cheaper, but this does depend on how often you are running it.
However, if you’re trying to heat your whole home and maintain a consistent temperature, central heat is likely the most cost-efficient and less expensive in the long run. This is because it will heat up your entire home and not use as much electricity in the long run.
Can space heaters really save you money?
A common question is, can space heaters really save you money? The answer is it depends. As we discussed earlier, the difference between using it for a single room versus a whole home is very different and can have different outcomes. It can save you money as long as you are not running it all the time and expecting it to heat your whole home.
Are space heaters dangerous?
Space heaters can be dangerous depending on how you use them. They are not designed to be on 24/7. In fact, they are designed to heat a small area for 2-3 hours at a time. Ensure you are not leaving your space heaters on for too long. Additionally, you should be in the room when they are running to ensure they are running properly. If you take those steps, you should be good to go!
Tips to Save on Heat
There are some other ways you can save on heating your home. They include:
- Adding more layers to your wardrobe. During the colder months, you should invest in some long sleeves, hoodies, sweat pants, and so on. This will help you stay warmer throughout the month compared to wearing lighter clothing options.
- Fix any drafts coming in from under doors or windows. Air can escape through the bottom of your doors or windows. Due to this, you will want to use a draft excluder. This will stop any drafts from coming through your windows or doors. This, in turn, makes your home warmer.
- If you have a chimney, ensure no air is flowing. Try a chimney balloon. This is a balloon that blows up and blocks the air that may be flowing through your chimney. You will want to remove this before you use a fire, though. If you forget to do so, the balloon will simply deflate.
- Program your thermostat. You can program your thermostat for when you’re home to be warmer than when you know, you’ll be out of the house. You may be able to program this using your smartphone too.
Contact Complete Air Mechanical to Discuss Your Home’s Heating
Contact Complete Air Mechanical for any of your heating and air conditioning needs. Our team of trained and experienced technicians are here to solve any of your HVAC issues this–and every–season.
Call us today at (407) 915-0144 or schedule an appointment online.