While electric baseboard heaters are a common heating method for most homes, they are not the most efficient units available. Whether you have an electric baseboard heater in every room or only have a few in key areas of your home, it is important to optimize their usage and settings to keep your energy costs down. As leading providers of commercial and residential electrical services, the team at Expert Electric knows how difficult it can be to keep heating costs down. That is why we have compiled a list of energy-saving tips for electric baseboard heaters to help you keep your home comfortable while cutting down on energy costs.
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4 Ways to Save Money with Electric Baseboard Heaters
If you want to reduce energy costs for your electric baseboard heaters without compromising comfort, be sure to keep the following actions and considerations in mind:
1. Reduce Drafts from Windows
Most baseboards are located beneath windows to counteract the cold and dense air near them. Reducing drafts from your windows with draft proofing, window film, and coverings such as blinds or curtains will allow the necessary airflow from your baseboard to heat the room faster and more efficiently, reducing the amount of energy required.
2. Keep Each Heater Clean
Most electric baseboard heaters have an electrical heating element inside a metal pipe that generates heat based on your temperature settings. Dust, dirt, and other debris can accumulate on your heater or inside the unit, keeping heat from being distributed evenly in your space. Your heaters should be thoroughly wiped down and vacuumed 2 to 3 times per year to ensure optimal performance.
3. Change Your Temperature Settings
Most people set their thermostat higher than it needs to be to create a comfortable environment. While it may be tempting to maintain a high temperature in winter, temperatures around 18°C are comfortable for most activities and external weather conditions. In addition to maintaining a lower average temperature, be sure to reduce your thermostat settings before going to sleep as you will not need as much heat while you are in bed.
4. Use Them Only When They Are Needed
Electric baseboards do a great job at heating the room they are in, but their reach rarely extends beyond this boundary. That is why it is important to only use an electric baseboard heater if you are currently in the same room. If you will be leaving this room for a prolonged period, be sure to turn the heater off as it will be heating an empty space and wasting energy while you are gone.
To learn more about energy efficiency or to inquire about our electrical services, get in touch with the team at Expert Electric. We can be reached through our online contact form and will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our services or the details of your project.
