Kitchener Heating Services: Are Space Heaters Dangerous?

Kitchener Heating Services: Are Space Heaters Dangerous?

As winter amps up for bone-chilling nights and frigid days, space heaters are often the go-to for homeowners that have furnace issues. Whether it’s because of maintenance issues, lack of proper cleaning, or a need for replacement, inconsistently working furnaces can be both frustrating and uncomfortable all winter long. Space heaters offer a temporary fix while saving for repairs or replacements but can also be highly dangerous. Learn more about the common concerns surrounding space heaters and who to call for heating services in Kitchener. 

Space Heaters Should Be a Temporary Fix

Despite shared memories of grandparents or parents pulling old space heaters out of storage for the entire winter season, space heaters are not meant to serve heating needs consistently. Further, when space heaters become older, the hazards surrounding them are even more significant than before. 

There are typically two types of space heaters that people have in their residential homes and commercial buildings. For the most part, in the residential heating of homes, you will find an even mix of the two, electric and fuel-burning. Due to building codes and emissions rulings, commercial heating from space heaters is only electric. 

Electric

Electric space heaters are powered by, you guessed it, electricity. These space heaters plug into an outlet to help heat the surrounding area. 

Fuel-Burning 

Though primarily a thing of the past, fuel-burning space heaters still exist and are still very dangerous. Fuel-burning heaters emit more radiant heat, similar to open fire, but from fuel use. Without proper ventilation, the effects can be both hazardous and devastating. 

Space Heaters Pose Real Dangers in the Home

Though some people believe that space heaters are sometimes necessary to take the chill out of the air, a properly working furnace should be able to get the job done without adding additional hazards to your health.

Fires 

Both electric and fuel-burning space heaters are renowned for starting house fires. Nearby materials can get too hot and catch on fire with the option. In electric space heaters, circuits are often overloaded and electrical fires that can spread across the home start with one single outlet. Fuel-burning space heaters can easily be knocked and spill fuel, accelerating flames. 

Poisoning 

Carbon monoxide can be identified by using special detectors installed in the home, which are practical for the appliances but cost additional money. Fuel-burning space heaters also pose an additional threat with carbon monoxide poisoning, sometimes referred to as the silent killer, because the signs often go unnoticed until too late. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:

  • Dizziness
  • Nausea 
  • Confusion 
  • Shortness of breath
  • Blurred vision 
  • Weakness 
  • Headache 
  • Loss of consciousness 

Injuries 

Like any household item that poses a threat, accidents are likely to happen. Whether you turn your back for one minute and the heater topples over, or your child pours juice on top of it, causing a short, or the dog hits the flame with a tail wag and spreads fire to the curtains, you simply never know what could happen with space heaters in the home. 

Space Heaters Can’t Replace Proper Heating 

While space heaters seemingly provide a quick and straightforward solution to winter heating woes, it is only a tach to a more significant problem. As time passes, minor issues that prohibited the furnace from working properly will only grow. Soon, space heaters will not band-aid the entire home, and the furnace will still be broken. Both fuels and electricity costs rise as the winter season wears on. Rather than wasting money, begin saving or exploring financing options to address the needs of your furnace. 

For more information on scheduling an assessment of your central heating system for furnace installation, maintenance, or repair services, contact the professionals at CJ Brubacher HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services today.

Tips On How To Conserve Heat This Winter in Waterloo

4 Tips On How To Conserve Heat This Winter in Waterloo

Few things are more uncomfortable during the winter than being cold in your own home … Except, maybe, the heating bill that comes with trying to prevent that very fate from befalling you. Heating is one of the most significant utility expenses that homeowners face, if not the biggest one. For many Waterloo homeowners, it accounts for 40% of their total utility bill each month. If you recently experienced sticker shock after a month of lounging around indoors in a tee-shirt and bare feet, the good news is that you can take steps to reduce your heating bill without sacrificing your comfort, beginning with learning about what affects your heating costs. From there, explore all options available to you and maybe consider putting on a pair of socks. Finally, invest in heating services in Waterloo.

1. Turn the Thermostat Down

When the thermometer shows negative temperatures outside, the last thing you probably want to do is turn your thermostat down. However, adjusting the temperature down by 10 degrees for even just a few hours a day can save you as much as 10% on your annual heating bill. You don’t have to sacrifice your standard stay-in uniform, either. Set the thermostat for between 60 and 63 when you leave for work in the morning and again when you go to bed at night. When you’re up and moving, you can keep the temperature at a comfortable 72.

2. Make Sure Doors and Windows Are Tightly Shut

According to commercial and residential heating surveys, of the nearly $2,000 to $3,000 Canadians spend on their seasonal heating bills, roughly 10% to 20% could be going right out the window — quite literally. Drafts and air leaks around windows account for significant energy loss in both commercial and residential buildings. Trying to heat your home with an outdated heating system doesn’t help either. If you want to reduce your bill by as much as $400 each winter, stop the leaks. Tape up around your windows if you cannot afford new, energy-efficient ones. Place towels along the bottoms of doors to prevent cold air from seeping in, and make sure your windows are locked up tight.

For more permanent solutions, consider replacing old, single-pane windows with new double panes. Replace old seals, caulk up any gaps between casings and walls, and make sure all exterior doors fit snugly in their casings.

3. Bundle Up

Okay, so as much as you love rocking bare feet and short sleeves all winter long, doing so makes little sense for your wallet. One of the easiest ways to reduce your heating bill is to dress appropriately. Wear pants made of a substantial material, a warm sweater and wool socks while indoors. At night, cuddle up under a blanket. Double up on the comforters on your bed to offset the adjustment in your thermostat. By doing these simple things, you can drastically reduce your heating bill while maintaining your comfort levels indoors.

4. Let the Sun Heat Things Up

Almost as simple as dressing appropriately, one of the easiest ways to reduce your residential or commercial heating bill is to throw open the shades. You may see less of the sun during the winter months in Waterloo, but that doesn’t mean it never shines. Take advantage of the days when the sun’s rays are strong by opening your curtains, blinds or shades first thing in the morning. Likewise, shut them at night to provide an extra layer of protection to keep the heat in and the cold out.

These are just a few simple ways you can reduce your heating bill on your own and without making any significant changes to your home or lifestyle. However, if you want to see a real change in your annual bill, invest in commercial or residential heating services in Waterloo. Our team at CJ Brubacher Ltd can assess your heating system and either maintain or update it so that it works at maximum efficiency. To learn more about how our services can help you, request a free estimate today.