Updated: February 27, 2024
Should you use a furnace or a space heater to heat your home? Several factors determine what option is best. These include the house you live in, the type of central heating system you have, and where your house is located in Cape Coral.
How Expensive Are Forced Air Heating Systems?
Forced air heating systems are the most widely used heating methods in Florida. They can use a heat pump, furnace, or solar energy. Furnaces are used the most in homes in Florida. Every year, furnaces evolve to become more energy efficient. However, the amount you will pay each winter to heat your home will vary based on fuel rates and electricity prices.
Most furnaces have an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency rating of over 80. Energy-efficient units have a rating over 95. A small unit is sufficient to heat a small house without a space heater. However, if you have an older home that is large and drafty, you may need a more powerful unit to heat your home.
What Is the Cost of Using a Space Heater?
A 1,500-watt space heater will cost around 1.5 times your electricity cost per kilowatt-hour. If in your area you spend $0.12 per kilowatt-hour, your space heater will cost approximately $0.18 each hour you run it.
You need to compare the cost of running a space heater to the cost of heating the whole house per hour. It could be that it’s more cost-efficient to run the space heater in one room at night and then turn off the heat to the rest of the house. If you choose to use a space heater, you should run it as little as possible.
Most professionals recommend space heaters as a last resort. This is because central heating is more efficient in heating the same amount of space. If you find that your gas bill is a lot higher than it used to be, there might be an issue with your furnace. Our professionals at Ultimate Homes & Cooling can help you evaluate how well your furnace is functioning and help you make necessary repairs.
A space heater might save you money if you only use it in one room. However, connecting three space heaters at $0.18 per kilowatt-hour in different rooms will cost you $0.54 per hour. It is a whole lot less expensive to turn up the heat and keep your entire home comfortably warm. According to the Department of Energy, it costs 43% more to heat your home with an electric space heater than it does to use your furnace.
Getting the Most Out of Your Home’s Furnace
The more efficiently your furnace runs, the lower its operating cost. You should monitor your heating system throughout the year and perform regular maintenance when it is not in use. It is recommended that every fall you have technicians evaluate your unit and do preventative maintenance, including removing corrosion from the system, cleaning the heat exchanger, and ensuring that your air ducts and heating pipes are adequately sealed.
A programmable thermostat can save you money by allowing you to change your home’s temperature from anywhere. If you have rushed out to work and forgot to turn down the thermostat, you can do so from anywhere and save money.
If your windows are orientated toward the sun, leave the curtains open during the day and let the sunlight naturally heat your home. Our technicians can help you evaluate other things you can do to maximize your furnace’s efficiency.
Is It Time to Upgrade Your System?
Sometimes, the most cost-efficient solution is to replace an old HVAC system with an energy-efficient option. Newer furnaces require less energy, burn less fuel, and can heat your home for a fraction of the cost of older units.
Multi-stage furnaces give you complete control over how much heat is produced and where the heat is distributed in your home. Our team can help you determine if a new system is the best option for your heating needs.
Working With Cape Coral’s Top Indoor Comfort Specialists
Ultimate Homes & Cooling provides residents with the best in home comfort. Whether you need a quick repair or a new system installed, we are committed to doing what needs to be done to keep you comfortable. Our services include AC installations, furnace replacements, HVAC maintenance plans, heating repairs, and cooling repairs. We offer pool heaters, air purification, and UV lights.
For two decades, we have served the Cape Coral community.
Contact Ultimate Homes & Cooling today and learn more about our services!
