best electric fireplaces energy efficient image
hmm
I am thinking for next winter about possibly using space heaters. Or even an electric fireplace which would be both pleasing to the eye and warm. I live in New England.
A wood stove! Why didn't I think of this before... I guess I had to post the question to realize the answer myself... ;-D
Answer
Don't forget the old standbys: insulation, air infiltration (does your local power company offer energy audits?), poor heat circulation within a room (are you heating the ceiling while your feet freeze?), more efficient windows and/or window films, insulated draperies or shutters closed at night, and the remarkably effective old camping standby that if your hands or feet are cold, put on a hat (up to 30% of body heat is lost through the head).
The very cheapest energy is that which you do not use.
One thing you do have to be careful of with a tighter and possibly cooler house: condensation on interior surfaces is a leading cause of mold. Air to air heat exchangers can increase air circulation while retaining heat.
Don't forget the old standbys: insulation, air infiltration (does your local power company offer energy audits?), poor heat circulation within a room (are you heating the ceiling while your feet freeze?), more efficient windows and/or window films, insulated draperies or shutters closed at night, and the remarkably effective old camping standby that if your hands or feet are cold, put on a hat (up to 30% of body heat is lost through the head).
The very cheapest energy is that which you do not use.
One thing you do have to be careful of with a tighter and possibly cooler house: condensation on interior surfaces is a leading cause of mold. Air to air heat exchangers can increase air circulation while retaining heat.
Whats the difference between an electric and gas furnace? as far as cost and upkeep go?
BS and tha
I'm looking at Condos right now one has a gas furnace and water tank, while the other 2 have an electric(forced air) furnace and an electric water heater.
Which is more expensive to run in terms of energy bills? Do Electric Furnaces last longer then gas? Are they cheaper to replace? Does an electric furnace use a heating element or what?(vs a gas using a flame)
The one I'm looking at still has an electric furnace from the mid 70's. Should i be worried?
Answer
Electric is MUCH more expensive to operate. It uses something called "heat strips" to provide heat. Have you ever seen a fake fireplace that provides heat by blowing air over a coil that heats up? It provides heat but is very expensive to run because it has to keep the coil red hot to provide heat. Well that's the same way an electric furnace is going to heat your condo, except it has strips that it heats up and blows air over.
I would definitely go with the one with gas heat. By the way, a forced hot air furnace can still be gas. That's what we had in New Jersey and my bills were not out of line.
A gas furnace costs more to replace, but a lot less to operate. Same with a gas dryer. It's more to purchase, but less to operate.
An electric furnace from the 70's is probably not a very energy efficient model so I would definitely think twice.
Good luck with finding your new condo and happy moving!!
Electric is MUCH more expensive to operate. It uses something called "heat strips" to provide heat. Have you ever seen a fake fireplace that provides heat by blowing air over a coil that heats up? It provides heat but is very expensive to run because it has to keep the coil red hot to provide heat. Well that's the same way an electric furnace is going to heat your condo, except it has strips that it heats up and blows air over.
I would definitely go with the one with gas heat. By the way, a forced hot air furnace can still be gas. That's what we had in New Jersey and my bills were not out of line.
A gas furnace costs more to replace, but a lot less to operate. Same with a gas dryer. It's more to purchase, but less to operate.
An electric furnace from the 70's is probably not a very energy efficient model so I would definitely think twice.
Good luck with finding your new condo and happy moving!!
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