Space Heaters-Are You Saving Money?
As an electric cooperative, we are always looking out for you, our members. Even though our job is to provide you with safe, reliable and efficient electricity, we only want to sell you the electricity you need. To do that, we have a constant drive to help you make the most efficient choices when using electric energy.
Even though the cost of electricity here in the Midwest is more reasonable than residents in other parts of our nation experience, we still try to help members find solutions to control energy use. During the winter months, to help you find ways, we often start by asking the question, “How do you heat your home?”
In an effort to save on gas costs, many of us are more than willing to turn our thermostats down a little, wear an extra sweater, or use another blanket. But there is also an urge to plug in an electric heater. Electric heaters are 100 percent efficient and can be a means of saving on your gas costs as long as you understand how to best use it and how it might affect your energy bill.
A space heater is a space heater, generally putting out 1500 watts. An Infrared Heater is a space heater with a different design. Advertising will show differences in safety or construction quality, but two completely different 1500 watt space heaters will cost the same to operate if used for the same periods of time.
Space heaters are designed for temporary use. If your space heater runs 24/7 for an entire month, your gas bill may be lower; however, you should then expect your electric bill to raise.
CONTINUOUS USE 0F A 1500 WATT SPACE HEATER
AT AN ELECTRIC RATE OF $0.08 PER KILWATT-HOUR
1 HOUR $0.12
1 DAY $2.88
1 WEEK $20.16
1 MONTH $86.40
You can imagine how this will increase with each heater that is running in lieu of a lower thermostat setting. Will you save the equivalent amount of money on your gas bill? Are you just as comfortable with one or two space heaters as you are with heating your whole house?
There are lots of space heaters on the market today. Some as low as $50, and others as high as $500. The buyer should always beware. Know what you are buying, know who you are buying it from, how you are going to use it and what your payback will be.
Allow your electric cooperative to work for you. Ask for a home energy audit. Implement some of the suggested improvements.
If you spend $50 on caulk, it may go further towards saving money than a new $50 heater. Spending $500 to replace two ancient windows or improve your attic insulation may have greater payback than a $500 space heater with additional monthly electric costs.
Your cooperative is here to help you. This is your chance to utilize the benefits of being an owner of that cooperative. Call on us, trust us and replace band-aid savings with long-term savings so you can be comfortable in every room of your home.