Heating Your Home in Winter: Safety and Savings Tips
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Winter is here, and you may be wondering how to keep your home warm and cozy without breaking the bank on your electricity bill or risking a fire; something we have seen an ever-increasing rise of here in the Cape, thanks to current load shedding schedules.
As your local electric service provider, Kommetjie Electrotech has some tips and advice for you on the options available and how to use heating appliances safely and efficiently.
First of all, you need to choose the right type of heating for your needs, bearing in mind the factors that affect the safety of heating appliances, such as the type of fuel, the design, the installation, the maintenance, and the usage.
Electric Heaters: There are different kinds of electric heaters, such as fan heaters, oil heaters, convection heaters, radiant heaters, and ceramic heaters. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the size of the room, the level of insulation, the desired temperature, and of course, the cost of electricity.
Oil heaters are silent, energy-efficient, and safe to leave on overnight. They do not dry out the air and have an inbuilt thermostat that controls the heat output. They are suitable for small to medium-sized rooms.
What is common for all types of heaters in your home or business is basic safety rules when using electric heaters:
- Keep electric heaters at least a metre away from beds, curtains, or anything flammable, which is just about everything in your home these days with the uptake in the manufacture of synthetic fabrics used in furniture, clothing, shoes and blankets, dog beds etc.
- Do not use extension cords or power strips with electric heaters. Plug them directly into the wall outlet.
- Do not leave electric bar heaters unattended or overnight. Turn them off when you leave the room or go to sleep.
- Do not use electric heaters in wet or damp areas, such as bathrooms or kitchens. Water and electricity do not mix well.
- Check the cords, plugs and electrical attachments of your electric heaters regularly for any damage or wear and replace them if necessary. Heaters which get moved around extensively are more liable to jog loose a wire connection, which can create a spark. If your heater is damaged in any way, do not use it and replace it with a working appliance.
- Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms in your home and test them monthly. They can alert you in case of a fire or a gas leak. It is best to get a professional to install your smoke detector to ensure it is working correctly and is maintained.
You can optimise your electric heating usage to save energy and money by:
- Insulating your windows and doors with double-sided curtains, blinds, rugs and draft stoppers to prevent heat loss and keep the cold air out.
- Comparing prices and features of different electric heating appliances before buying them. Look for energy-efficient models that have safety features such as timers, thermostats, overheat protection, and tip-over switches.
- Install a thermostat, which regulates the temperature and prevents excessive energy consumption.
Gas Heaters & Gas Fireplaces
Gas heaters are fast, powerful, and independent of electricity. As per the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association of South Africa (LPGSA), it is mandatory for all appliances, regulators, and hoses that use liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or natural gas (NG) to comply with the requirements of the relevant South African National Standards. The LPGSA also has a Safe Appliance Scheme that verifies the compliance of gas appliances sold in South Africa.
Gas heaters can heat up large spaces quickly and have a flame failure device and an oxygen depletion sensor for safety. They use a 9KG cylinder that can last for several hours depending on the heat setting.
There are both portable gas heaters and installed gas fireplaces available in South Africa. Some portable gas heaters can also double as a stove and are handy to take with you when camping outdoors.
Some of the safety features that you should look for when choosing a gas heating appliance are:
- Overheat protection and thermal cut-out, which prevent the appliance from overheating and causing a fire hazard.
- Tip-over switch, which automatically turns off the appliance if it falls over or is knocked over.
- Flame failure device, which cuts off the gas supply if the flame goes out unexpectedly.
- Oxygen depletion sensor, which detects if the oxygen level in the room drops below a safe level and shuts off the gas supply.
If you are installing a gas home fireplace, ensure you purchase a fire grill protection screen to prevent accidents caused by the proximity of pets and small children.
Enjoy a warm and safe winter in your home without spending too much on electricity bills. If you need any help with installing, repairing, or maintaining your electric heating system, feel free to contact KES; we are licensed and experienced electricians who can provide you with quality service and advice.
Stay warm!