Key Takeaways:
- Most people use heating gadgets during the winter to keep their homes warm, but using a heating system can save money.
- To transition into winter, you should prepare your home by sealing windows and doors, moving furniture away from drafts, and servicing your system.
- Investing in a programmable thermostat can help you save money on energy bills.
- Newer furnaces are more efficient than older models and will save you money in the long run.
- There are many types of heating gadgets available for purchase, like space heaters, electric blankets, programmable thermostats, and smart heating systems.
As winter draws closer, you may be wondering how you will keep your home warm. If so, know that you’re not alone! Most people use heating gadgets during the winter. However, did you know that using a heating system can save money? In this blog post, we offer some tips for making the switch from cooling to heating this winter!
Tips To Heat Your Home
Changing from one type of heating and cooling system to another can be overwhelming, especially if you are new to it. However, you can easily transition into the winter months with some preparation and guidance.
- The first step is ensuring that all windows, doors, and other gaps in your home are properly sealed and not allowing cold air to get in.
- You want to ensure that furniture and other items are moved away from windows and places where drafts might enter.
- Before turning on your heating system, it is always a good idea to have it serviced by a professional. This will ensure that all components are functioning properly and that any necessary repairs or maintenance can be completed before the cold weather arrives.
- Newer furnaces are much more efficient than their older counterparts, so if it is time for you to upgrade your heating system, choose an option with a high AFUE rating. This ensures that your system will use less energy and save money on your monthly bills.
Types Of Heating Gadgets For Your Home
Now more than ever, homeowners are turning to efficient and cost-effective heating gadgets to provide comfort during the cold winter. Many options are available for heating your home, like space heaters, electric blankets, programmable thermostats, and smart heating systems. These are all great options to consider when deciding which method of heating best suits your needs and budget.
Related: Heat your home safely this winter
Space Heaters
Space heaters are great for providing localized heating to a small space. They come in various sizes, shapes, and styles and provide warmth when needed in specific areas. They are usually portable or wall-mounted units that can be used when a particular room needs additional heat.
Advantages Of Space Heaters
- Space heaters can be quite cost-efficient for only those areas requiring extra warmth. This is due to their smaller size, meaning they don’t have to work as hard as a central system to heat one or two spot areas.
- In addition, they can move around with relative ease, meaning you can use them in rooms of choice while still turning down your thermostat in other places to save money on your overall energy bill each month.
Disadvantages Of Space Heaters
- They can be a safety hazard if not used correctly. They should never be placed near furniture, curtains, or other flammable materials and must only be plugged into an outlet in good working order.
- In addition, it’s important to monitor space heater usage and ensure the area around them stays clear to prevent potential fires.
- Additionally, be cautious that space heaters may dehydrate your abode’s air, which could lead to health concerns such as allergies or asthma attacks.
Electric Blankets
Electric blankets are a type of heated blanket that use electricity to warm up the fabric. They come in many sizes, colors, and styles to fit any bed or couch. Electric blankets are great for providing extra warmth during those cold winter nights.
Advantages Of Electric Blankets
- Electric blankets provide a safe and easy way to warm your bed before getting in.
- Additionally, electric blankets are easy to maintain as they only require periodic cleaning and checking for any damage.
Disadvantages Of Electric Blankets
- Electric blankets can be expensive.
- They may not provide uniform heat throughout the bed or couch due to uneven heating elements.
- They also risk overheating if left on too long and should never be used by underage children.
Related: Explore the best heating blankets here
Programmable Thermostats
Programmable thermostats help to customize your home’s temperature throughout the day, reducing energy bills. You can set a schedule for when you’re away from home and on vacation so that your heating system automatically turns off and back on before you return.
Advantages Of Programmable Thermostats
- They allow you to adjust temperatures in your home easily.
- You can customize your heating schedule to save energy and money.
- They’re easy to use, even for those with limited tech skills.
Disadvantages Of Programmable Thermostats
- If not properly maintained, they can become inaccurate, leading to higher energy bills.
- Some programmable thermostats require extensive installation.
- If not installed correctly, they may not work as intended.
Smart Heating System
A smart heating system is an automated device that can be programmed to adjust the temperature in your home. It features intelligent sensors that detect changes in room temperature and adjusts accordingly. You can also control it remotely using your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
Advantages Of Smart Heating Systems
- They are extremely energy efficient and reduce energy bills significantly.
- Smart heating systems are programmed only to heat the rooms that are being used, thus saving energy.
- You can control your smart heating system remotely and adjust it according to your schedule and needs, resulting in improved comfort and convenience.
Disadvantages Of Smart Heating Systems
- They are more expensive to install than traditional heating systems.
- Installation of smart heating systems is complicated and requires specialized knowledge.
- The components in a smart heating system may require regular maintenance, which could incur additional costs.
- You should have a good internet connection and compatible devices for your smart heating system to work as efficiently as possible.
Installing A Heating System: Pre-Requisites
Following are the steps you need to take before starting the installation process:
- Inspect your current heating system to determine whether it needs repair or replacement.
- Select a heating system based on your budget, needs, and environment.
- Contact an HVAC technician to install the new heating system in your home.
- Ensure all electrical connections and air ducts are correctly installed.
- Before leaving, double-check that everything is in working order.
- Schedule regular maintenance with the HVAC technician to ensure your new heating system runs efficiently.
- Invest in a programmable thermostat to maximize energy efficiency and reduce costs.
By following these steps, you can easily switch from cooling to heating this winter.
Winter is coming, and your heating system isn’t ready?
You don’t have to suffer through another winter without heat – call the experts at Daigle Plumbing Heating & Coolingin Salem. We can repair or replace any heating system so you can stay comfortable all season long.
We know how important it is for your family or business to be warm and comfortable during the winter. That’s why we offer quick, reliable service that will have your heating system up and running in no time.
