Space HeatersKeep warm this winter without getting burned
With heating oil prices at record highs, many Mainers are starting to think about this coming Winter and how to combat the high cost of heating.
There are several alternative heating options available to the homeowner. The Bangor Fire Department suggests taking the time to research your heating options and carefully weigh the pros- and cons- of the various heating systems.
Even more important . . . take the time to think about fire safety when it comes to using these heating systems. Fires started from heating equipment is the second leading cause of fire in the U.S. and is the leading cause of fire from December to February.
Space Heaters
+ Portable heat for small spaces
+ Most inexpensive alternative heat source (up front cost)
+ Nearly maintenance free
- Less heat than other alternative heat sources
- May not heat an entire area sufficiently
Space heaters are probably the most inexpensive way to provide alternative heating, but these are also responsible for one-third of the home heating fires. Space heaters are also great for heating up small spaces, but in some homes the heaters may not be able to heat the entire space. Space heaters may be electric, propane or kerosene-fueled.
Safety Tips:
* Never run a space heater unattended (it’s too easy for a pet to knock it over or a small child can get burned)
* Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement . . . typically 3 feet away from anything that can burn
* If you opt to use a kerosene or propane-fueled space heater only re-fuel the heater when it is cool
* Some kerosene and propane space heaters may require you to crack open a window to allow in some fresh air.
Pellet Stoves
+ Simpler and more inexpensive installation (compared to conventional woodstoves)
+ The ability to regulate the temperature with a thermostat
+ Ease of use (storage of pellets, ordering pellets vs. cutting up firewood, long burn times, etc.)
- Availability (in Maine some of the more popular makes and models are unavailable due to high demand)
- May not work with power outage (some models have battery back-up)
- Maintenance (compared to other alternative heat sources)
Pellet stoves have been in use in Europe for a long time, but it wasn't until the past few years that Americans have begun to express interest in these stoves which typically burn wood pellets, corn or other bio-products. Due to high demand in Maine and New England right now, finding some of the more popular makes and models might be a challenge. Getting the benefits of wood heat without cutting, splitting and stacking firewood is part ofthe appeal . . . as well as the ability to dump in a load of pellets, set the thermostat and let the stove run without fussing with the air controls.
Safety Tips:
* Follow the manufacturer/Fire Code installation requirements . . . especially floor protection and venting requirements.
* Running a pellet stove requires some routine maintenance (cleaning out the burn pot, fuel hopper, etc.)
* Only buy pellet stoves that are UL-approved. Your best bet is to check with a local business – these folks can recommend the proper sized stove for your needs and install the stove professionally.
Woodstoves
+ Cheapest heat (for fuel)
+ Will continue to work in a power outage
+ Few moving parts to fail
- Requires diligent maintenance (i.e. cleaning out ashes, checking/cleaning chimney)
- Time and work required to cut, split and stack wood
- Not as clean as some other alternative heat sources (i.e. bark falling on floor, fly ash, etc.)
- Cost of the chimney
More and more folks are taking a good, hard look at woodstoves again as the price of heating oil continues to hover around $4 a gallon . . . and with good reason . . . the one thing Maine has plenty of is wood. In addition, EPA rules governing woodstoves means that today's woodstoves burn more efficiently (i.e. less wood used) and pollute far less than woodstoves of yesteryear. However, running a woodstove can be a lot of work to process the wood, clean out ashes, check the chimney for creosote build-up, etc. and the cost of installing a chimney (pre-fabricated metal chimney or masonry chimney) can be as expensive as buying a new stove.
Safety Tips:
* Only buy UL-approved woodstoves. Do not attempt to build your own.
* Check your chimney regularly. If there is a quarter inch or more of creosote the chimney should be cleaned.
* Store ashes in a metal pail and leave outside, away from the home or anything that can catch on fire
* Install your stove to manufacturer/Fire Code specifications . . . i.e. proper floor protection, clearances and venting.
* Only use seasoned firewood
* Do not attempt to start a fire with flammable liquids such as gasoline, kerosene or other fluids.
Final Thoughts
All the experts agree -- insulating a house is the most important thing you can do to keep the heat inside your home. Caulk windows and doors and use storm windows or insulating shrink wrap available from hardware stores on leaky windows. During the day open drapes and curtains on southern-facing walls to take advantage of the solar heat coming through the windows and close them at night.
Set thermostats at 68 degrees F when the house is occupied and turn it down to 60 degrees F at night or when everyone is away to save money. Kitchen and fan baths can pull out a houseful of heated air in just one hour so use these sparingly, making sure you turn them off as soon as you are done needing them.
Iif you are considering using an older or second-hand woodstove, pellet stove or have a fireplace that you want to use this Winter call up your local fire department or Chimney Sweep service for an inspection. Many municipalities will offer free basic inspections.
No one wants to freeze this Winter . . . but more importantly no one wants to lose their home this Winter due to a fire. If you are having problems staying warm this winter please contact your local municipality for assistance rather than doing something unsafe.