Heaters
- Infrared heaters are more electricity efficient than
other space heating systems. These types of heaters can be
used both for spot heating and area heating. They transfer
energy directly by radiation, creating heat and comfort
instantly without the use of air-circulation fans. An
infrared heater will warm the people in the room rather than
the space. Infrared heaters often use metal-sheeted infrared
radiation elements, reflector lamps or quartz tubes,
- The oil filled heater is the safest type of heater for
the bedroom. A thermostat control switches the unit on and
off as required, but to save energy, only use on the lowest
comfortable setting,
- Electric blankets consume little electricity. However,
the correct method of use is to switch them on to the
highest setting and warm the bed just before climbing in –
then switch them off completely,
- Close doors and windows when using a heater.
Insulation
During winter, the heating of rooms may be one of the largest
sources of electricity consumption in a home. Improving a home's
thermal insulation can save hundreds of Rands a year in space
heating costs and improve the home's comfort.
Insulate the Ceiling:
Insulating the ceiling helps make a home a comfortable
electricity efficient place. As much as 50% of heat losses in a
house can be attributed to a lack of ceilings and ceiling
insulation. If a home's ceiling is well insulated, heating and
cooling expenses can be kept low. The effectiveness of ceiling
insulation depends on the type of material from which it is
made, its thickness and its density.
Ceiling insulation varies from fibreglass insulation to a
type of insulation prepared from a mixture of paper and other
materials. The latter is blown into the ceiling, sealing the
total roof area. Any of the methods are equally effective and
the supplier of these insulations will be able to offer reliable
information about ceiling insulation.
Seal Air Gaps In The Home:
The flow of air into and out of a home occurs inadvertently
as infiltration / exfiltration and deliberately as ventilation.
Air leakage into and out of the home is one of the contributors
to high heating and cooling costs. Air infiltrating a house
through leaks must be heated in winter and cooled in summer and
this represents an additional load on the household's
electricity consumption. This additional load can account for as
much as 20% of heating and cooling costs. Air leakage also
permits dust, noise, fumes and moisture to enter a home.
Air leakage can occur wherever different materials or parts
of the house meet. Caulking and weather-stripping are the ideal
methods for closing the loopholes in your home through which
heat escapes. Caulking simply means sealing cracks and holes in
areas where air leakage can occur. Inexpensive and easy to
apply, caulking requires just a few tools.
Weather-stripping is effective at eliminating air leakage
when it fits tightly against closed windows and doors. Many
types of weather stripping are available, including foam rubber,
felt, flexible vinyl and spring metal or plastic tension strips.
Make The Most Use Of The Home's Thermal Mass:
Thermal mass is a term used to describe any material that
absorbs and releases significant amounts of heat when a
temperature difference occurs between it and the surrounding
air. Concrete, brick and tile contribute to the thermal mass of
a home.
Thermal mass can be taken advantage of to substantially
reduce the use of heating and cooling appliances. As the air in
a house cools and falls below the temperature of the thermal
mass, the thermal mass slowly releases its stored heat, keeping
the home warm for longer periods. This process of absorbing and
releasing heat helps your home maintain a comfortable
temperatures range. The value of thermal mass increases when it
is exposed to room air, rather than covered by materials that
hinder its heat absorbing and releasing effects. For example, a
concrete floor covered by vinyl performs much better than a
floor covered by carpeting.
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