Should you Make the Switch to an Electric Heater?

While a natural gas furnace may provide warmth, it can also pose a substantial risk for your health and safety. One of the most alarming hazards is the potential emission of carbon monoxide - a colorless and odorless gas. High levels of this gas can be lethal, yet its silent nature can make its presence difficult to detect until it’s too late. Particularly vulnerable groups include:

• Children
• Pregnant women
• Elderly
• Those with chronic illnesses

In the early stages, symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning may seem benign. As exposure continues, these symptoms may escalate to confusion, chest pain, and extreme weakness. More disturbingly, long-term exposure to even low levels of carbon monoxide can lead to impaired cognitive function, emotional instability, irritability, and impulsiveness.

Such symptoms can often be mistaken for other illnesses, making carbon monoxide poisoning a silent and insidious danger. Should you suspect the presence of carbon monoxide in your home, immediate action is necessary:

• Open windows and doors for ventilation.
• Turn off the gas wall heater.
• Seek urgent medical attention if you present with any symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Before using the gas heater again, ensure it is professionally serviced and safe.

Right out of the gate, electric heaters present a more cost-effective gas heater replacement. Their initial purchase price is typically less than gas heaters. This is worth considering for those looking to upgrade their heating system on a budget.

Beyond the upfront furnace cost, the lifespan of electric heaters is another strong point in their favor. These heating units boast a lifespan of 20-30 years, compared to the shorter lifespan of gas heaters, which typically run 10-20 years.

As homeowners, we all know that maintenance can be a pain, both physically and financially. In this regard, electric heaters triumph again, requiring far less maintenance than their gas counterparts. This means less time spent preparing to replace your furnace, and more time enjoying the warmth of your home.

Perhaps the most appealing is the straightforward installation process. Electric heaters do not require a complex network of pipes or a natural gas source to function. The electric heater installation process requires wiring or plugging in the device into an electrical wall outlet. This is especially true for a wall heater, space heater, or a heating element tucked away in a corner.

The safety aspect of electric heaters is also better. They pose zero risk of oil or gas leaks. This eliminates the frightening prospect of carbon monoxide poisoning, providing a safer environment for you and your family.

Making the switch to electric heating is an exciting step towards a safe and energy efficient home. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. There’s an assortment of electric heaters available, each designed to suit specific spaces and requirements. Identifying the right type of electric heater is the first step towards achieving optimal comfort.

For a home with a central heating system, consider an electric furnace installation. It’s efficient and integrates seamlessly with your existing system.

No central duct system? No worries. A mini split system is a superb option, allowing for independent temperature control in each room.

If consistency is what you’re after, floor heating is a worthy investment. The system operates with a current flowing through cables installed under your flooring. This ensures uniform warmth throughout your home.

For those living in apartments, an electric stove heater or an electric fireplace can serve as a focal point for warmth. Not only do they efficiently heat your space, but they also offer a safer alternative to traditional open flames.

Large spaces like garages and warehouses can benefit from industrial heaters. They are designed for wide-scale heating, ensuring no corner is left in the cold.

On the other hand, a space heater is your best bet for heating a small, specific area. Its portability allows you to target specific rooms that need heating.

For the allergy-prone, a baseboard heater can be a godsend. It doesn’t blow dusty air from other parts of your home, making for a healthier heating option. Kickspace heaters are a compact alternative to baseboard heaters. They are designed to fit in narrow spaces such as under cabinets or stairs.

As there are many types of electric heaters, there are also many methods of heating.

Hydronic heaters are a form of radiant technology that provides uniform, consistent warmth. This method involves heating water in a boiler, which then circulates through a network of metal tubes installed within your walls or floors. As the heated water travels through these tubes, it releases heat into the surrounding air, creating a cozy environment.

Convection heaters are an efficient solution that offers quick and reliable heating. They operate by drawing in cool air from the room and passing it over a heated coil or element within the heater. This process heats the air, which then rises naturally and circulates around the room.

Forced-air heating is another popular technology, commonly used in central heating systems. Here, a furnace or heat pump warms the cold air drawn into the system. This heated air is then forced out through ductwork or vents and distributed, comforting warmth in every corner of your home.

Lastly, radiant heaters work by emitting infrared energy, creating direct, focused warmth. The infrared energy is absorbed by objects and people in the space, thereby warming them directly. This process provides instant warmth, making radiant heaters a great choice for quick heating in specific areas.

Regardless of your choice, HomElectrical sells a wide variety of heaters at competitive retail prices. Shop today to find the perfect heater for your fall and winter needs!