The real story about plug-in space heaters

In an effort to save on heating costs, many of us are more than willing to turn our thermostats down a little, wear and extra sweater, or use another blanket. But there is also an urge to plug in an electric heater. Electric heaters are 100% 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.Don’t trust new advertisements which claim their new space heaters will reduce your energy bill up to 50 percent. Buyer Beware.

Their claims, usually found in small print, are based on the assumption that you would operate this portable plug-in space heater in the room you occupy at the time, while turning down the thermostat in the remainder of the living area allowing it to become much cooler. It’s true that any time you turn down your thermostat, you will use less energy to heat your home. However, in many cases homeowners maintain the original thermostat setting and plug in the portable space heater only to be surprised that they actually used more energy to heat their home. The bottom line is that there are no “magic” plug-in space heaters that will reduce your electric use. Based on the above scenario, you simply sacrifice comfort in the rest of the home to reduce your heating costs.

Before you purchase an expensive space heater that claims an ability to lower your heating bill, please consider the potential operating costs of these units. You would be money ahead to take the $400 advertised costs of these “magic” space heaters and put it toward weatherization improvements to your home, such as sealing air leaks, addinginsulation or replacing old windows or doors.

Your cooperative is here to help you. This is your chance to utilize the benefits of being an owner of yourcooperative. If you have questions about heating your home economically and efficiently, please contact our office at (800) 658-2243.

Source: Itasca-Mantrap Electric Cooperative in Minnesota

Safe Electricity urges caution with space heaters

• Purchase only space heaters that have been safety tested and ULapproved. Read and follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions for operation and care.
• Before use, check to make sure the heater is clean and in good condition and have all problems professionally repaired.
• Place heater out of high-traffic areas and on a level, hard, non-flammable floor surface --- NOT on carpets, furniture of countertops.
• Never allow pets or children near an electric heater. Accidental contact could result in serious shock or burns.
• Do not overload circuits. Never use extension cords or multiple plugs with a space heater, and make sure the unit is not plugged into the same circuit as other electric appliances.
• Never leave space heaters unattended.

For more information, visit www.SafeElectricity.org

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