It’s February, it’s freezing and the heating in my coworking space has been on the blink. I came into work the other day and realised that the central heating had not come on as scheduled. It was 11 degrees celsius in the office and very uncomfortable. Luckily, the plumber came in and got everything back on track but that episode did get me thinking about what I would do if the heating were to be out of action for any longer. I’d need to get some replacement heaters to warm the space to a comfortable temperature for working. At that point, I realised what a daunting task it can be to choose the best heater for your home. With countless options available, it’s easy to get stuck in analysis paralysis. But fear not, this guide will help you navigate the world of heaters.
Set Your Budget for Your Heater
The first step when researching the best heater for your home is to allocate a budget. There is no point researching heaters that cost thousands of pounds if you have a budget of £200. So decide how much you have to spend and then limit your search to that price range. It’s worth mentioning at this point that you can make your budget stretch further by searching out online deals and discounts. If you’ve been looking for a Devola heater for example, try searching online for a Devola Discount Code to see if you can uncover some great bargains. Sites like latestdeals.co.uk can become your new best friend when hunting for discounts. They regularly roll out promotions and discount codes that can drastically slash the price of the products you are looking to purchase, either by offering a flat reduction or a percentage off. Using these sites can help you find the products you want at more competitive prices.
But remember, getting the cheapest heater is not the goal. It’s about finding the best heater for your needs, at a price that suits your budget. Getting it discounted is just a bonus! First we need to find the right one.
Understanding Your Heating Needs
When trying to identify the best heater for your home, it’s essential to start by understanding your heating needs. This approach simplifies the process and ensures that your chosen heater can perform its role effectively.
Consider Room Size
This should be your first consideration. This involves measuring the size of the room you want to heat – is it a small office space or a large living room? Understanding your room size aids in finding a heater that is the right power capacity. For instance, a small personal space might do fine with a portable electric heater, while a larger space might need a more powerful, permanent installation.
Climate Considerations
The local climate is another significant consideration. Do you encounter freezing temperatures year-round, or do you only need some supplemental heat during the cooler months? Put differently, the severity, frequency, and duration of cold weather in your location should play a role in your decision. Residing in a generally chillier place necessitates a more robust and constant heat source than living in a temperate climate.
Efficiency and Energy Usage
Lastly, consider the heater’s efficiency and its impact on your energy consumption. An energy-hogging heater can significantly inflate your utility bills and is not the best choice for long-term use. Instead, look for heaters that are rated for efficiency. These heaters can deliver the same heat output using less energy — an essential factor for both your wallet and the environment.
In essence, understanding your heating needs is all about asking the right questions:
What size of a room will the heater be heating?
How cold does it get, and how often is heating needed?
How can I balance heating efficiency with energy usage to save on bills and also contribute to environmental conservation?
Answering these questions will help paint a more precise picture of exactly what you’re looking for so you can narrow down your options and make your search significantly easier.
When it comes to heating your home, there are several types of heaters to consider. Here’s a quick run-through to help you differentiate each type and make an informed choice:
1. Electric Heaters
Electric heaters have their own subcategories, each offering unique benefits:
Fan Heaters: These heaters work by blasting hot air across the room, making them a good choice for small, enclosed spaces. As a plus, fan heaters are usually compact and portable, so they’re easy to move from room to room. They also offer quick heating, making them a perfect companion on a particularly cold night.
Infrared Heaters: If energy efficiency is your main concern, you might want to consider an infrared heater. Instead of heating the air, these heaters warm objects and people directly, making for a more targeted heating solution. They’re excellent for heating specific spots in your living area or workspace.
2. Gas Heaters
While electric heaters provide instant heat, they can be costly in terms of electricity usage. That’s where gas heaters come in:
Cost-Effective: Natural gas heaters can be cheaper in the long run. They offer powerful heat and are especially great for homes with large rooms.
3. Oil-Filled Radiators
If you’re after a heating solution that’s both efficient and consistent, oil-filled radiators might be your answer. These radiators work by heating an oil-filled coil, which then radiates warmth into the room. It takes a bit longer for these heaters to warm up a room, but they retain the heat well and provide consistent warmth, even after they’re switched off. Because they heat at a slower pace, these heaters can be a safer choice for households with children or pets.
When selecting the best heater for your home, pay attention to its features. Here are the top three features to consider:
Thermostat Control
Purpose: Adjusting the heat output based on your comfort level is essential for efficient energy use.
Benefits: A heater with an adjustable thermostat allows you to set and maintain a consistent temperature in your room. This saves energy and ensures an evenly warm environment.
Timer Function
Convenience: Flexibility to have a heater operate according to your schedule.
Advantages: Heaters with a timer function can be set to turn on before you wake up or arrive home, ensuring a cosy space upon your arrival. Additionally, it helps save energy by turning off automatically once the preset time is reached.
Safety Features
Importance: Heaters can pose a fire hazard if not used carefully.
Essential Features:
Auto Shut-off: Turns the heater off if it tips over or remains inactive for a prolonged period.
Overheating Protection: Shuts off the heater if its internal components become too hot, preventing potential fire incidents.
These features should be considered non-negotiable, as they make your heater safer, more energy-efficient, and convenient to use.
Setting up your heating system involves choosing between DIY and professional installation. The best choice depends on the type of heater and your experience with the various systems. Here’s how you can decide:
Types of Heaters and Installation Options
Electric Heaters
Includes: Fan heaters, infrared heaters
Ease of Installation: Simple; often plug-in-and-go
Ideal For: DIY enthusiasts
Safety Tip: Place at a safe distance from flammable materials.
Gas Heaters and Oil-Filled Radiators
Complexity: More complex, may require connection to central heating or a gas line
Recommendation: Professional installation by a qualified tradesperson is advised to ensure safety and compliance with local codes and regulations.
Maintenance is crucial for performance and longevity. Here’s how to care for different types of heaters:
Electric Heaters
Regular Tasks:
Dust regularly
Inspect the electric cord for frays or damage
Gas and Oil-Filled Radiators
Professional Services:
Annual to biennial servicing by a professional
General Maintenance Tips
Checks for:
Dust accumulation
Unusual noises
Sudden changes in heating abilities
Signs of Mechanical Issues: These could indicate a need for repairs.
Heater Lifespan
Expectation: Every heater has a shelf-life
Planning: Be proactive in anticipating replacements to avoid surprises.
Armed with this information, you’re ready to make informed decisions about the installation and maintenance of your heating system. From DIY setups to regular maintenance, you now have a comprehensive understanding beyond the initial purchase.
Selecting that best heater for your home hinges on several key elements – your specific heating requirements, thorough cost analysis, as well as a focused view on long-term usage. In the vast universe of heating options, there’s an ideal match that caters to your comfort needs and stays within your budget.
The best heater does more than just provide heat. It reduces your heating bills and saves money whilst adding to the cosy ambiance of your living space. Remember, the right choice isn’t just about dealing with cold – it’s about creating a home that truly feels like one.
The energy crisis that began back in 2021 has left us all looking for ways we can reduce heating bills and save money. According to the latest figures from the UK Government, the recent increase in the cost of gas and electricity means that a typical household with average energy use is now paying around £2,500 a year on their energy bills.
Government contributions to help households cover the increased cost of energy bills started in October 2022 for a period of six months so this is due to come to an end shortly which leaves households having to cover the shortfall themselves. So we are now faced with trying to find ways to reduce heating costs and save money so we don’t end up with massive bills to pay.
12 Ways to Reduce Heating Bills
1. Stop Draughts
Firstly, look at draught-proofing your home. Having heat leak out of your home is a surefire way to throw money down the drain. One of the most effective ways to save energy, money and carbon is to have your home professionally draught-proofed. This usually includes the windows, doors, floors and skirting boards and will cost roughly £240. However, the investment pays for itself in as little as two years as you will likely save £125 a year. It’s worth remembering to draught-proof an open chimney as this could save you an additional £90 a year on energy bills.
Once you have draught-proofed your windows, you can further prevent heat loss by choosing heavy curtains. Heat loss through windows accounts for roughly 25-30% of energy use in our homes so curtains with a thermal lining can be great for reducing heating costs in the home.
According to Hilary’s, their made-to-measure thermal curtains can help reduce heat loss through windows by up to 41%. And don’t forget to draw your curtains as it gets dark on an evening to maximise the benefits.
While we are talking about draught-proofing the floors, it is wise to invest in a thermal underlay to stop heat loss. Thermal underlays are designed to trap heat, prevent heat loss and stop cold air from penetrating the room from a cold concrete subfloor or through draughty floorboards.
When looking for thermal underlay, it’s all about the tog rating. Any underlay with a tog rating of 2.0 or above will be good for keeping your rooms warmer and helping to minimise heating bills.
If you are looking to replace your flooring, think carefully about what you will opt for. Wood and laminate are naturally colder underfoot than carpet, taking longer to heat up and making the room ‘feel’ warm. Choosing carpet is an easy way to make your home feel warm and comfortable.
Heating and hot water make up 50% of our annual household energy bills so making sure that the boiler is working efficiently is an absolute must if you are looking for tips for reducing energy bills.
Signs to look out for that show it’s time to replace your boiler may include funny smells, changes in noise or volume, a yellow flame (the boiler flame should be blue), water leaks, radiators taking longer to heat up, the pressure needing to be frequently adjusted, the boiler breaking down or higher than normal bills.
It is not cheap to replace a boiler though. The average cost to replace a gas boiler with thermostatic radiator valves comes in at £4k and an oil boiler is slightly more at £4.7k.
Making sure that your heating controls are efficient is another way to reduce heating costs in the home. The type of heating controls that you can have will largely depend on the heating system that you have in place but ensuring you have maximum control will enable maximum savings.
Whether you opt for a timer system, a programmer, weather-compensating or load-compensating thermostats or a smart thermostat heating system, making sure that the house is only heated when necessary is the best way to reduce heating bills. According to The Energy Savings Trust, installing and correctly using a programmer room thermostat and thermostatic radiator valves could save you £180 each year in an average semi-detached house.
Also, think about turning down your thermostat if you can. The UK government recommends a minimum temperature of 18c and the average household temperature is anywhere between 18-21c. If you are able to turn it down by 1c you can save up to £145 per year.
7. Insulate Tanks, Pipes and Radiators
A further way to lower your heating bills is to ensure you insulate your hot water cylinder. According to The Energy Saving Trust, topping up your hot water tank insulation from 25mm to 80mm thick, using a British Standard jacket, could save you around £70 a year, which is more than the cost of the jacket.
It also pays to insulate all exposed hot water pipes as this will keep the water hotter for longer. This is easy to do if you can access the pipes easily, otherwise, you may need to call in the professionals.
Finally, look at installing radiator reflector panels behind any radiators that are fixed to external walls. These will reflect heat from the radiator back into the room and prevent it from escaping through the wall.
8. Insulate your Loft
If your home is uninsulated, you will lose approximately 25% of the heat through the roof. Unless you live in a mid-floor flat, it is essential to make sure that your roof is adequately insulated. You should have at least 270mm of insulation as this will save you around £35 each year on your bills. If you have less than this you should consider topping up. As long as you have no issues in the loft and it is easy to access it is quite a straightforward DIY job.
9. Install Cavity Wall Insulation
For years, we thought our home had cavity wall insulation because it said it did when we bought the flat. However, as time went on we had our doubts and eventually called in a professional to do some investigating. Turns out we didn’t. That meant that about a third of all the heat lost from our home was escaping through the walls. Insulating your cavity walls could save around £395 a year on your energy bills and cut your carbon footprint by 670kg.
10. Replace Single-Glazed Windows
If you live in an older building that has single-glazing, it’s definitely worth looking into upgrading your windows. Whether that means installing brand-new double-glazed windows or secondary glazing, making sure you are not losing heat through old or poor-quality windows is imperative if you are looking to keep heating costs at a minimum.
Installing solar panels may be out of budget if you are not looking to do any large-scale upgrades, however, it is worth noting there are government schemes that help with the cost of solar panels. Whilst the upfront costs can be a lot, you could save up to £325 a year on your bills (based on a typical installation with occupants home from 6 pm, in north England).
New government legislation means gas boilers will be banned in all new homes built after 2025. This means that new homes will need an alternative heating system, such as heat pumps for example. In May 2022, the government also introduced a Boiler Upgrade Scheme designed to encourage homeowners to switch to low-carbon heating systems by providing grants to help with the transition.
Heat pumps are heralded as an attractive longer-term, sustainable heating option. The most common heat pump for homes is an air source heat pump, which generally costs around £7k – £13k to install. However, it can save you anywhere between £230 and £1500 per year on your energy bills for an average-sized, three-bedroom semi-detached home, with radiator upgrades as required. The exact amount you will save depends on the system you are replacing.
Have you taken any steps to reduce heating bills in your home? If so what have you done and which ones have you found to be most effective?
In this episode of “Ask Danny,” we’re talking with Josh Hembree, owner of Hembree Heating and Air Conditioning. (3 Echoes Content Studio/Josh Hembree)
In this episode of “Ask Danny,” I’m talking with third-generation heating specialist Josh Hembree, general manager of Hembree Heating & Air Conditioning in Mobile, Ala. He’s answering some of the most-asked questions we get about heating your home.
Josh Hembree of Hembree Heating and Air Conditioning. (Photo courtesy Josh Hembree)
About Josh
Born and raised in Mobile, Josh moved away for a bit to earn a law degree, but his entrepreneurial spirit and drive to continue family legacies brought him back to run the family business.
Josh loves helping people, from serving in his church to offering his community the best care the heating and air industry has to offer.
He’s been married to Kala for six years, and they have a 4-year-old daughter and a 1-year-old son.
Before winter comes into full force, have an HVAC professional service your heating system. (aytacbicer, Getty Images Signature)
Preseason Maintenance
Q. With the weather getting colder, what should homeowners do right now to help keep their homes warm this winter?
Josh: We always recommend preseason maintenance – pre-season preventative maintenance, if you will. Your home heating system needs some love, and often times if you proactively do that, you can avoid problems before they become a problem.
It’s even more important going into the winter season to have your heating system inspected compared to your air conditioning system because safety inspections on heating systems can save your life. For instance, making sure the vents are working properly to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Don’t be alarmed if there’s a burning smell when you turn on your heater for the first time this season. (tab1962)
What’s That Burnt Dust Smell?
Q. Homeowners are always asking me, what is that smell when you turn on the heater for the first time? So ill ask you, what is that smell?
Josh: When the first cold snap happens, our phones start ringing off the hook with that questions. It’s a very common odor when you first turn your heater on. The good news is there’s a simple explanation for it.
When your system’s been cooling all summer long — the heating system has not been run in months — little pieces of dust can accumulate on the inside parts of the system.
So when you turn your heating on for the first time in a long time, there are certain parts of the system that are designed to get hot. Those heating parts actually heat up the dust and cause that burning smell.
Oftentimes, it’s nothing to worry about, and the smell will go away after a short while.
A heat pump reverses the flow of refrigerant to pump warm air back inside your home. (jpproductions, Getty Images)
Heat Pumps
Q. I think most homeowners don’t really understand how a heat pump works during the winter. Tell us.
Josh: What we’re talking about here is a heat pump versus a gas furnace heating system. Those are the two primary types of heating systems you can have.
In regards to a heat pump specifically, in the summertime, when you’re system’s running in cooling mode, have you ever walked out to your outdoor unit and felt the air blowing out of the top it? It’s hot air.
A heat pump simply works by being able to reverse the flow of refrigerant in your system. When in cooling mode, the cold gasses are pumped into your home, and in heating mode, the process is reversed and hot gasses are pumped into your home.
So it’s actually reversing the flow of refrigerant to heat or cool your home.
And, on the bitter cold days of the year, when you’re heat pump is struggling to keep up, there are electric heat strips in the system that kick on to heat your home fast.
In theory, you can recirculate warm air from a cast iron stove throughout your home, but you shouldn’t rely on this method. (fodera72, Getty Images)
Third-Party Heating
Q. Is it feasible to only run your system on fan mode to circulate heat from another heat source? (like a fireplace, space heater, or cast iron stove)
Josh: This is a unique conversation that I honestly don’t have often. But, it could work. So long as that third-party heat source is close to the return of your central system. That way your central system will have the best chance of sucking up the heat and redistributing it throughout the home.
However, in our experience, in most cars that third-party heat source is not going to produce enough heat to keep the entire home comfortable. Airflow in the wintertime can be uncomfortable unless it’s properly heated.
It could work in theory, but it’s just not likely to be able to work well.
Also, make sure the third-party heat source is not putting off carbon monoxide. If it is, that could get into a safety issue with your central system pumping that throughout the whole home.
In unique situations, it might help some, but don’t rely on it.
Listen to the entire podcast for more home heating tips.
Want to reduce your home’s utility bills and its carbon footprint? Switch your heating and cooling system to a heat pump!
This energy-efficient system provides up to three times more heat than the energy they use. They also can reduce electricity use for heating by about 50 percent compared to electric furnaces or electric baseboard heaters, according to Energy Saver.
Plus, with the recent passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, you can actually get money back when you install one.
Right now, you can receive a $300 tax credit for purchasing efficient heating and cooling equipment. And beginning in 2023, all households will be eligible for rebates up to $4,000, while low-income households could receive up to $8,000 for home efficiency. (For the tax credit program, the incentives apply to equipment installed on Jan. 1, 2023, or later.)
Read on to learn more and determine if this energy-efficient HVAC system is right for you.
Platinum 19 Low Profile Variable Speed Heat Pump close up on logo
What is a Heat Pump?
Don’t let the name fool you — heat pumps both heat and cool your home.
This HVAC system heats your home by collecting heat from the air, water, or ground outside and concentrating it for use inside. It does double duty as a central air conditioner by collecting the heat inside your house and pumping it outside.
During the heating season, a heat pump moves heat from the cool outdoors into your warm house. Then, during the cooling season, it moves heat from your house into the outdoors.
Because these systems transfer heat rather than generate heat, they can efficiently provide comfortable temperatures for your home.
A ductless mini-split system heats and cools a small space. (Deposit Photos)
Types of Heat Pumps
The three main types of heat pumps are air-to-air, geothermal and water source, according to Energy Saver.
Air-to-Air
Air-source heat pumps transfer heat between your house and the outside air. These are the most common type and can be used in all climates. There are also cold-climate air-source heatpumps designed specifically for cold climates.
Ductless mini-split systems are air-source heat pumps that can be installed in homes or additions without ducts. They’re small and offer flexibility for zoning or heating and cooling individual rooms.
Geothermal
Geothermal (or ground source) heat pumps transfer heat between your house and the ground or a nearby water source. Because they move heat that already exists in the ground, they are among the most energy-efficient and comfortable heating and cooling technologies available.
Water Source
Absorption heat pumps are driven by a heat source such as natural gas, propane, solar-heated water, or geothermal-heated water. They usually only make sense in homes without an electricity source.
If you live in an area with below-freezing temperatures in the winter, a heat pump alone will not be enough to keep you comfortable. (Willoxpix, Getty Images Signature)
How Do I Know If My Home Needs a Heat Pump?
Every home and homeowner has unique needs, but generally, a heat pump is right for you if your winters are mild — rarely dipping below freezing. For instance, it’s ideal for a climate like the Southeast, which has mild winters.
Also, if you live in an area with low electric rates, then you’re a prime candidate for one.
What’s the Difference Between a Heat Pump and a Furnace?
A furnace converts fuel (either gas or oil) into heat that’s then delivered throughout your home.
Heat pumps, on the other hand, don’t burn fuel like a furnace — they run on electricity and circulate outside air to warm your home during the winter.
And because they don’t have to be matched with a separate heating or cooling system, they can be a less expensive option over time.
Pairing a heat pump with a gas furnace capitalizes on both systems’ strengths. (3 Echoes Content Studio/AdobeStock)
What Are the Benefits of Hybrid Heating?
One of the best ways to improve a heat pump’s efficiency is to pair it with a gas furnace. This dual-fuel system is also called hybrid heating. Here’s how it works:
During milder temperatures, the heat pump operates because it’s more efficient. As the outdoor temperature gets colder, the system will automatically switch over to the gas furnace.
This switching back and forth means the most efficient heating method is always used, which in turn saves on your utility bills.
American Standard’s heat pumps run at lower speeds for longer periods than conventional systems. They have reduced noise and result in lower electricity bills. (American Standard Heating and Air Conditioning)
American Standard heat pumps operate quietly, have customizable heating and humidity controls, and they offer a variety of models to best suit your needs.
If efficiency is your top priority, then you’ll want the AccuComfort Platinum 20 Variable Speed. It comes with AccuComfort technology that allows the multi-stage heating and cooling system to consistently adjust to run at a more efficient speed to maintain your personal level of comfort. Plus, with up to 20.00 SEER and 10HSPF, it’s both efficient and quiet.
Is noise your main concern? The AccuComfort Platinum 19 Low Profile is American Standard’s most efficient and quiet to date. It’s specially designed to meet the noise requirements of some cities and is perfect for installations near bedrooms and outdoor living spaces.
Learn more about these heat pump models and discover more options at americanstandardair.com.
