It is now more important than ever to reduce energy consumption. With a few easy steps, we can save power when using a halogen heater.
In this short article, we provide seven tips on saving on your heating costs when using your halogen heater.
Tip 1: Heat only when required
The number one tip is to only heat when it is required. It is easy to get comfortable and leave a heater on when it is not really required.
To limit the running time of your heater wear warm clothes. You can also eat a warm meal just as it is starting to chill for the night. If you are settling in to watch TV pull up a blanket.
Tip 2: Before buying check the energy rating
Like with buying any electrical appliance, you should compare the energy rating. This will provide an idea of the relative power use between appliances. Also detailed is an estimated power consumption for a year based on average use.
Tip 3: Select the correct heater for your space.
Select a heater for each of the areas you wish to heat. Larger areas will require a heater with a larger power rating. A large room you may need a 1600W model while a small room a 400W model may suffice.
It is possible to reduce the power of the heater. This is achieved by applying power to less elements than the heater is fitted with. For example a 3-bar 1200W heater can use two of the bars to provide an output of 800W. If only one of the bars is turn on the output is 400W. This is a great was to heat different sized rooms with a single heater. In such a case only turn on enough elements for the size of the room.
Tip 4: Stop the heat from escaping
When the heater is being used close the doors to the room to limit draughts. However, you will need to ventilate the room from time to time.
Windows provide a very efficient avenue for loss of heat. Close the curtains to limit the lose of heat through your windows.
A well-insulated room will retain heat more effectively.
Tip 5: Only heat occupied rooms
If you are going to leave a room for an extended period turn the halogen heater off.
Not only is this an important factor for power saving but it is also a safety consideration. Leaving an unattended heater can result in fires that are easily identified early if you are there.
Tip 6: Use the timer
If your heater has a timer use it to turn the heater off at a predefined time.
Tip 7: Perform maintenance
Clean and maintain your electric heater to keep it running at peak performance. This includes removing dust and debris from the unit, cleaning or replacing filters, checking electrical connections and lubricating components when necessary. Other than ensuring that the elements are clean the reflector is very important.
Summary
By following these tips you will keep your heating costs as low as possible. As pointed out the best way to reduce your heating costs is to only run the heating when it is required.
If you wish to make an estimation of your heating costs see our Halogen Heater Running Cost Calculator.
For general information on these heaters please refer to Halogen Heater Guide.
