solar water heater kit

solar water heater kit

As winter approaches we can be sure of one thing - higher heating costs. With rising energy costs, homeowners are looking for ways to reduce their utility bills while keeping their homes warm for the winter. Energy-saving heaters provide an economical solution to this dilemma.

Adjust Your Thermostat

One of the most useful tips to save energy is to adjust your thermostat and maintain the temperature at a comfortable level. Lowering the temperature one degree will save up to 2% off your utility cost. If nobody's at home, set the thermostat to a reasonable temperature, say 60 degrees. Do not turn off your heater completely.

Using an Energy Saving Heater

An energy efficient space heater can provide auxiliary heat especially in rooms that are not heated. Space heaters are practical and useful. You can turn down the central heating by a few degrees and use the space heater to provide warmth only where it is needed. With a space heater, you can heat the area where you are sitting or working. This will help save money on electricity.

Types of Space Heaters

Space heaters have some common features including protection against tipping and protection against overheating. Most heaters consume 1500 watts. There are different types of space heaters:

• Ceramic Element Heater: This type of heater has a ceramic core and is considered to be safer than coil-based space heaters. Ceramic space heaters are able to maintain a higher temperature much longer than other electric heaters and are more energy efficient.

• Oil-Filled Radiators: This energy saving heater comes with an oil-filled radiator. Once the oil is heated to the right temperature, the internal heating elements turns off automatically while the heater continues to maintain the room at a comfortable temperature.

• Coil-based Convection Heater: Metallic coils are heated and release infrared energy that heats up the air passing through them. Warm air is pushed into the room by a fan.

• Halogen Heaters: This is the latest in heating technology. They use light to provide warmth. Halogen heaters provide heat instantly. With a cool touch cabinet, tip-over protection and double safety grill, this type of heater is ideal for home use especially with children and pets around.

Choosing an Energy Efficient Heater

Modern heaters are now more efficient because they are equipped with an automatic system that uses a thermostat to turn then on or off as needed. For more efficient heating look for an energy-saving heater that circulates air so that the heat will be uniformly distributed around the room. With a portable space heater, you can keep the central heating down and heat up a room only when needed.

Get a free home energy savings kit! Find more energy saving advice on our website.

DIY Passive Solar Water Heater