Heating
Heating Installation in San Antonio, TX

The winters in San Antonio, TX aren’t harsh, but there are nights that can be cool. Having suitable heat in your home on those chilly nights is beneficial. Before the temperatures dip too much, you need to think about the source of heat that you’ll use this winter.

As tempting as it may seem, using space heaters to heat your home isn’t ever a good long-term solution. Space heaters are a good option if you just need to take the chill out of a room or need a boost for the main heater. However, trying to use a space heater as a primary source of heat could put your home and family in danger.

Deadly Danger

One thing to know about a space heater is that they are by far the most dangerous option for home heating. According to the National Fire Protection Association, around 68% of home heating fire deaths are due to using space heaters.

The dangers of space heaters come in many forms. Understanding these may help you to recognize they aren’t a good option as a primary heat source.

Overheating

Space heaters are meant for short-term use, and they have a large power load. Because of this, they can overheat quickly. The issue here is that there may not seem to be anything amiss at first. The overheating may start at the plug, which can catch on fire. This risk is even greater if the space heater is plugged into a power strip or an extension cord. Even using a surge protector won’t help mitigate this risk.

Proximity to Flammable Materials

Picking an ideal location for a space heater often means placing it in the center of the room. These heaters get so hot that having them near bedding, furniture, curtains, or anything flammable can be disastrous. All space heaters have warnings that tell you how far they should be away from objects. Heed those warnings to improve safety if you have to use a space heater for a short period.

Tipping Risks

Many newer space heaters have designs that turn them off if they’re tipped over. This isn’t present in some older models. But, even if a space heater has that feature, there’s always a chance it will malfunction. You can reduce that risk by making sure that you’re always watching the space heater if you have to use one to assist the main heater.

Energy Usage and Bills

Another problem with using space heaters as a primary heat source all winter is that it can cause your heating bill to rise. Space heaters aren’t energy efficient for heating a whole home. They’re best used for a small area for a short period.

Wear on the Electrical System

Using several space heaters across a home can lead to continual drain on the electrical system, which means your home will consume considerable electricity. This may also lead to components in the electrical system failing prematurely.

Lack of Consistency

Most people want to know that they’ll be comfortable as they walk around their home. With space heaters as the primary heat source, you’ll likely walk through zones that are cold and then hot. This can be frustrating because there’s no consistency.

One room that can suffer greatly is the bathroom. It’s incredibly dangerous to use a space heater in the bathroom because of the presence of water and moisture. This could mean that the room has to remain unheated, which can be uncomfortable while you’re showering or bathing.

Health Concerns

Space heaters dry out the air. This can lead to several problems, such as dry skin, respiratory issues, and cracked lips. It’s unsafe to use humidifiers in the room with the space heaters because of the increase in moisture.

Noise Levels

Most space heaters produce a noise when they’re on. That noise can drown out other sounds, such as the television. It may also become irritating if the noise doesn’t ever stop.

Alternative to Space Heaters

Now that you know the dangers of using space heaters as a primary heating source, it’s good to know the alternatives. One of the best alternatives is to use a central heater. This may be a stand-alone heating system, or it can be part of an HVAC system.

Once you know that you want to have a central heater, you have to determine the heat source. The most common sources for homes in the San Antonio area are electric and natural gas. Both of these can provide reliable heat to your home around-the-clock for the duration of the winter if you desire.

Safety Features to Consider

There are many factors that make central heaters a better option for long-term usage. These systems have built-in automatic safeguards that prevent them from overheating. The components are built to last, even when they’re being used regularly.

Using a central heater can keep your utility costs down. These are typically more efficient than a space heater. Making sure that you keep up on maintenance can help with this. This quickly offsets the initial cost of the central heater, so be sure to factor this into your decision.

The central heater is going to provide more reliable comfort for your home during the cooler times of the year. You can use a programmable thermostat to ensure the ambient temperature remains just right. And, because these units have filters, you won’t have to worry as much about allergens as you’d have to if you used space heaters.

A central heater can also increase your home’s value. Keep the installation documents and maintenance records to provide to the next homeowner to ensure you get full credit during the negotiations and sale price for the unit.

Some homeowners worry about making the transition from no central heat to installing a unit. When you contact our pros, we’ll perform the install properly, including attaching your new system to the ductwork and even showing you how to use it. You’ll be shocked at how much you enjoy having central heat instead of relying solely on space heaters.

Bottom Line

The bottom line is that using space heaters as a primary heat source is risky. Even if you can avoid fires, it can lead to uncomfortable conditions. Instead of dealing with that, consider making the investment into a central heater for your home. This can save you money in the long run, and it can help to keep your family safer.

Getting your home’s heater in working order before the cool winter nights set in is a priority. Air Authority, A Riteway Service Company has heating technicians ready to work with homeowners to determine the most efficient heating unit and get it installed. If you already have a heater that needs maintenance or repair, we can help with that, too, as well as service cooling systems. We proudly serve customers in and around the Greater San Antonio, TX area, so give us a call today.

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