Electric Heating Systems

Home heating can put a big dent in your budget during the cold winter months. However, it doesn't have to be that way! You don't have to sit around wrapped in blankets either. Believe it or not, it is possible to heat your home efficiently without breaking the bank. There are several different options to help you keep warm and save money all winter long.

Most people have one central source of heat for their home. It may be a forced air furnace that is fueled by natural gas, heating oil, or even coal. Some homes are heated with electricity, however most built in electric heating systems are not efficient and are very costly to use. The central heating system of a home usually means you have one central thermostat that controls the whole home. This is one of the main reasons why whole house heaters are not the most efficient way to heat.

Usually in a home, people tend to congregate in common areas such as the kitchen, family room, den, etc., during the day. At night they retire to their bedrooms. But when you are using a central heating system you are heating the whole house all day long, no matter if there are people using the rooms or not. Sure, you can shut vents and close doors, but it is still ineffective and wasteful. There are better ways to keep your home warm and comfortable.

There are several different home heating options that will keep your home comfortable, but you won't be unnecessarily heating unused areas of the home. Fireplaces have long been a source of heat for homes, but most of the heat would escape up the chimney. With newer energy efficient gas fireplaces you can warm a room or even a good portion of your home effectively and efficiently.

Wood burning stoves are another option for heating your home. The warmth from a wood stove is cozy and reminiscent of a cabin in the mountains. Of course you will need to make sure you have plenty of wood on hand to keep it burning. A wood burning stove or fireplace is a great backup source of heat as well. Even if you don't use it on a regular basis, it is nice to know it is available in case of a power outage.

Many people turn to space heaters to supplement their main heating source, but as portable heaters have evolved they are becoming a great choice for a primary heat source. The electric space heaters on the market today are extremely energy efficient. They can heat up to 1500 square feet and cost pennies a day to run. The best part about these heaters is they are made very safe. They have stay cool cabinets and several safety features built in so the unit shuts off if it tips or overheats.

Heating your home doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. By finding alternative ways to keep your home cozy and warm, you can stay warm and save money all winter long.