Alternatives to Central Heating
Central heating systems can be an expensive part of winter any winter holiday. Spring and summer are generally warmer, but you don’t want to wait too long to assess your heating needs or you’ll be frozen throughout winter. Infloor heat, for instance, can pump warm water into your floors and keep your feet warm in the morning at a lower cost than running central air all night. Here are some alternatives people have already begun using in their homes that will help you save money on your winter heating bills.
Space Heaters
A space heater is good for bedrooms on especially cold nights. These plug-in units are meant to heat a small space, usually large enough for a bedroom or bathroom. They are simple to set up, and blast you with heat almost immediately after turning them on. They are handy devices, but not meant to replace the entire heating system of your home. Students use space heaters a lot in college dorms, where insulation might be poor or utility costs might be high.
Floor Heating
Tile heating systems are installed beneath stone or wooden floor tiles. These systems use warm water, pumped directly beneath your feet, to provide warmth from the ground up. They have the potential to save tons of money on your home heating bill, and there are even DIY units for apartment dwellers. If your home is small enough, you can replace your heating system entirely with floor heating, and collect hundreds in savings each year.
These systems also have timers built in, where you can force your floor to heat up in the morning before you get out of bed.
Heating Blankets
A heating blanket is an excellent alternative for those looking to save money in an apartment, especially a studio. You have the advantage of mobility with a blanket, and they are easy to store without taking up too much room. Heating blankets are probably the cheapest source of heat on this list, and they are very useful, but they are not a replacement for your heating system.
Better Insulation
Often times, a draft in our home is the source of trouble with heating. Small cracks in our windows, or unsealed vents below doors can bring cold air in, or force hot air out. It’s important to properly insulate your home, caulking all potential cracks. The winter is the best time to do this, as it’s easy to walk your home and note where you feel cold. Then you know which rooms to check first.
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EZ Floor Heat sells Warm Tiles Thermostat equipment online. If you are looking for alternatives to heat your home, browse the selection on EZ Floor Heat.