Sorting Through the "Hot Air"

With the cooler weather making its way into South Central Nebraska recently, we have noticed that ads are beginning to appear in local newspapers touting the benefits of space heaters. Some of the products advertised make claims that in the end cannot add up to the savings promised to the consumer. This issue is one for which we received many calls from our customers last winter, and these calls are beginning to come in again this fall.

The question we are asked from space heater users is this..."Where are the savings I was promised from my heater?"

First of all, you will not see a reduction in your heating expenses if you use the portable heater 24/7. Consider this...typical portable heaters utilize 1,500 watts, and for every hour you use the heater, you will spend about 9 cents. Doesn't sound like much does it? But consider these figures. If you use that heater one hour per day every day for a month, you will pay $2.70. Again this does not seem like a tremendous expense. But if you use the heater 24 hours a day, seven days a week, you will have added around $65 to your monthly electric bill. If you use more than one heater 24/7, you will double that amount!

If your goal in purchasing a portable heater was to reduce your expenses, then this is probably not what you had in mind when you purchased it!

In order for you to save money using a space heater, you must lower the thermostat on your whole house furnace, and use the space heater in the single room you are occupying in your home. Then set your space heater to a temperature that keeps you comfortable in that room.

Last year we had numerous calls from customers who did not see the savings they were expecting from their portable heater. In a few cases, customers had purchased more than one heater and used two or even three of them around the clock.

If you are considering the purchase of a portable heater, we urge you to be wary of outrageous claims for savings on heating. If you have any questions, please contact Southern Power District or your local energy supplier.

ALSO, THINK ABOUT SAFETY!
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 25,000 residential fires occur every year due to space heaters. These fires result in 300 deaths, and emergency care for an estimated 6,000 people. If you are using a heater, please consider these important safety tips:

• When selecting a space heater, look for one that has been tested and certified by a nationally-recognized testing laboratory (Underwriters Laboratory).
  
• Keep children and pets away from space heaters. Some heaters have very hot surfaces.


• Keep doors open to the rest of the house if you are using an unvented fuel-burning space heater. This helps to prevent pollutant build-up and promotes proper combustion. Even vented heaters require ventilation for proper combustion.


• Never leave a space heater on when you go to sleep or leave the area.


• Never use or store flammable liquids (such as gasoline or household cleaners) around a space heater.


• Place heaters at least three feet away from objects such as bedding, furniture and drapes.


• Never use heaters to dry clothes or shoes.