| One of the major concerns of homeowners and | | | | you can purchase a programmable outlet |
| renters alike is controlling the cost of home | | | | thermostat that plugs in between the outlet and |
| heating. Other than shopping around for the best | | | | the heater. An outlet thermostat can be moved |
| price on a particular fuel, consumers have little | | | | from room to room with the space heater and |
| influence over what they ultimately pay. Where | | | | performs double duty in the summertime with a |
| they are able to exercise a high degree of control | | | | window air conditioner. |
| is in their choice of an energy efficient heating | | | | 2. Another way to make your space heater more |
| appliance. | | | | energy efficient is by reducing power consumption |
| Of all the appliances available for supplemental | | | | with a power strip/surge protector. Many new |
| heating including pellet stoves, wood stoves, | | | | electronic appliances such as TVs, battery |
| natural gas fireplaces inserts, and space heaters; | | | | chargers, and electric space heaters are always |
| electric space heaters are the most energy | | | | "on" even when not in use. The popular term for |
| efficient. | | | | this overlooked source of power consumption is |
| Since electricity is 100% efficient, so also are | | | | "phantom load" and probably accounts for a higher |
| electric space heaters. Although you can't improve | | | | percentage of your electric bill than you would |
| on the heat delivery efficiency of a space heater, | | | | imagine. |
| you can improve any space heater's power | | | | You can put a stop to unnecessary power |
| consumption efficiency with two simple measures. | | | | consumption by plugging all of your "instant on" |
| 1. Use your space heater's thermostat. If your | | | | appliances into power strips and switching them |
| heater is equipped with a thermostat, set it at a | | | | off before you go to bed or leave the house. |
| comfortable level and let it do its job. Allowing the | | | | Not only will a power strip reduce the |
| heater to continually run on the High setting will | | | | unproductive use of electricity, it will protect your |
| not deliver a level of extra comfort equal to the | | | | appliances and home wiring from potentially |
| cost of the extra power. | | | | dangerous overloaded circuits and power surges. |
| If your space heater doesn't have a thermostat | | | | |