If you are using electric baseboard heaters, they probably account for the largest chunk of your total yearly hydro bill. Your kitchen appliances and lighting probably account for less than half that amount combined! If you want to save on electric bills, make sure you are using your baseboard heaters efficiently. These energy-saving tips can help.
Adjust Your Heat When Possible
The biggest advantage of electric baseboard heaters is that you can control them room-by-room. Instead of a central system that heats all rooms in your home to the same temperature, you can decide to have one room warmer or cooler than the other.
A thermostat, usually located on a nearby wall, controls the heater or heaters for each room. It turns on when the air temperature in the room falls below a set temperature and off when the room reaches that temperature.
Consider turning down your thermostats if:
- You are away from home.
- At night while sleeping.
- If you are not using the room throughout the day.
How to Save Energy with Electric Heating
Heating costs rise about 5% for every degree above 20° C (68° F) that you set your thermostats. Save energy by:
- Setting thermostats to 16° C (61° F) overnight can save you as much as 10% on your energy bills.
- Keeping rooms at the coolest temperature comfortable for your household.
- Ensuring plumbing won’t freeze in the winter with a minimum temperature of 16° C.
More Energy Saving Tips for Your Home
Switch to Smart Thermostats
Most baseboard heaters are fitted with manual thermostats where you have to physically re-set the thermostat every time you want to change the temperature in a room. As you’ve probably discovered for yourself, it’s easy to forget to turn down a thermostat at night or when you’re away especially if you’ve got four or five or more separate thermostats throughout your home.
Benefits of programmable thermostats:
- Automatically adjust temperatures at specific times.
- Maintain a steady room temperature for comfort and efficiency.
- Set a schedule to lower the temperature at night and raise it in the morning.
Resist the Temptation to Turn Your Heat Up
When walking into a room and feeling cold, resist cranking up the thermostat as high as it can go to heat it up really fast. It doesn’t actually work. Turning your thermostat up to a temperature higher than you actually want only increases your energy bill – especially if you forget to turn the thermostat back down quickly. Your room will warm up in the same amount of time no matter where you set the thermostat, so don’t use more energy than you have to.
Keep Your Heaters Clean and Unobstructed
Dust and dirt can decrease the amount of heat your baseboard heaters are able to produce while at the same time increasing how much energy they consume.
- Vacuum heaters at least once a year (ideally in the fall)
- Your baseboard heaters should sit at least 2 cm (3/4″) above the floor or carpet to allow the cooler air on the floor to flow under and through the electrical element.
- If your carpet is especially thick, trim it down around the base of your heaters.
- Avoid obstructions like furniture or drapes for optimal airflow.
How Electric Heat Can Help You Save Energy
Control Expenses
With electric heaters, you often need to only pay for what you use rather than having to pay inflated rent rates to cover shared heating costs.
Safe and Reliable Heating
- Electric heaters do not burn fuel internally to generate heat, and there are none of the associated safety risks such as carbon monoxide poisoning or explosions.
- There are no radiators to leak or burst; therefore, there is minimal risk of damage to your contents
- There are no moving parts to break down
Improve Comfort
- Temperature can be controlled easily room by room
- Quick to respond
- Clean and very quiet
Get the Most Out of Your Investment with Larlyn Property Management
Appreciate the advantages of electric heat and use those to your advantage by following our energy saving tips – stay comfortable and save money. Our residential property and condo management teams are always ready to help you make your investment more comfortable and efficient for your tenants.
