| The dilemma -- you would like to Reduce Heating | | | | heated, floor length and width as well as the ceiling |
| Costs, but you need to upgrade or replace the | | | | height. If you arrive at the store armed with this |
| heating system in a room away from the central | | | | information, the sales clerk or department |
| heating system.In my case adding this room to | | | | manager can help simplify the task of selecting |
| the central system would overtax the existing | | | | the materials you will need. |
| central heating system. The addition is heating a | | | | If you purchase one of the economy units, you |
| former unheated room in our basement. | | | | may also need to purchase an in-line thermostatic |
| It is cold outside and the available basement room | | | | switch to control the temperature. You may find |
| is away from the central heating system that | | | | it desirable to add a few dollars and invest in a |
| only serves the upper level of the home. To | | | | unit that combines the thermostat with a timer |
| extend the existing system to accommodate the | | | | so the unit can be operated at lower |
| added room will require installation of additional hot | | | | temperatures when the room is unoccupied. Most |
| and cold air plenum as well as an auxiliary fan, just | | | | units will limit you to six feet or less of cord. |
| to move the air. Also, the existing propane | | | | Other units may require hiring an electrician to |
| furnace would have to be re-built to add zone | | | | install the unit. |
| heat and accommodate the additional room. | | | | The actual installation usually means placement of |
| A quick solution was to purchase an electric | | | | the radiant heat unit along an outside wall several |
| heating system for one room. The unit is a | | | | inches above the floor and clear of any furniture, |
| freestanding floor unit. The unit can be plugged | | | | dressers, drawer chests that block movement of |
| directly into an existing wall outlet, served by a | | | | air and heat to radiate about the room. In this |
| 15-amp breaker. Here are some of the checklist | | | | case, I had to use a floor unit on wheels to |
| items in addition to remaining within any electrical | | | | position the unit in the room since all of the wall |
| load, zoning or condo restrictions. Check the | | | | space is occupied with desk, bookshelves, chests |
| current load on the electrical circuit, where the unit | | | | of drawers and other furnishings. |
| is plugged in. Check the Amperage of the breaker | | | | How does it work? This unit meets the needs |
| or fuse serving the outlet. Also, check if you are | | | | very well and is easy to adjust since the two |
| using 110Volt or 220Volt units since they may be | | | | switches permit minimum heat generation during |
| available with several options. Write this | | | | off hours and the 'high' switch for extra heat |
| information on a sheet of paper. | | | | when the outdoors temperature really drops or if |
| Add the dimensions of the new area to be | | | | extra heat is needed. |