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News
10/15/2009
Caution urged when using space heaters
Dear Editor:
Many people are worried about heating bills this winter due to the rising costs of fuel. I know many people will choose to supplement their heating system with portable electric space heaters. I urge anyone using an electric space heater to follow the manufacturer’s safety and operating recommendations. I also want to remind people that while electric space heaters are 100% efficient their use will increase your electric bill. Portable space heaters are not designed to heat an entire home; they should be used to provide supplemental heat.
If you need to use a space heater, use it sparingly, not as a main heat source. Space heaters work well to warm a bathroom for a few minutes, but they should not be used for hours and hours at a time, unless you are prepared for the increased electric use. A typical 1500-watt space heater will use 1 ½ kWh for every hour of operation. Leaving it on for an hour will add a few cents to your bill, but leaving it on for eight hours a day will increase your monthly bill by more than $35.
Again, please remember to use caution and follow the safety directions when using a space heater.
You may see ads for extremely expensive electric space heaters that run for pennies a day like a coffeemaker. These ads are misleading because the heater and the coffeemaker may be the same wattage, but the coffeemaker operates at full wattage for a few minutes not hours. It would be better to purchase a good quality, inexpensive space heater and save your money.
In addition to your utility, consumers can find energy information from many on line sources. A good web site to access is www.energysavers.gov. Northwestern REC also offers an online energy audit to help you learn about energy use in your home. The online energy audit can be found at www.northwesternrec.coop. Our web site also has information for residential consumers concerning the Stimulus Package.
Many residents may also qualify for government funded LIHEAP assistance which increased the income guidelines substantially for this year. Area residents can contact their utility company for applications and guidelines. Most utilities also offer an assistance fund with varying guidelines.
I hope you enjoy the winter, keep warm and safe and take advantage of all the energy related resources available.
Sincerely,
Mary Mulligan-Haines
Communications/Marketing Manager
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