Welcome to your "News You can Use around Your Home".
As people prepare for the upcoming season, heating is on their mind. We are receiving calls for heat cables, wiring for space heaters &baseboard heaters.
To help you prepare,this month we will shed some light on questions you may have regarding these beautiful "Electric Fireplaces" that are on display at many outlets.
Terry Carman 
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| "Stoking the Fire" with Electric Fireplaces |
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Picture plugging in your new electric fireplace, easy  chair strategically placed, cat on your lap, dog at your feet. Are you settled? Let's talk facts!
Electric fireplaces are essentially 100% efficient at converting electricity to an equivalent quantity of heat energy (BTU'S) but they are one of the (if not THE) most expensive heat sources to operate. If you are at all concerned with your utility bill you would be better served to find another means of supplemental heat, especially if it will see much run time.
However, if it is ambiance you are after, like coming in from the freezing garage to turn on the fireplace while cooking dinner, cleaning up with the cheery flames dancing in the background and then settling in to read a good book until turning off the flame at bedtime, then you will be happy and you will have paid approximately $1.10 in hydro for that pleasure.
On the plus side, this device is "plug and play" and can be placed anywhere there is available hydro. It can be unpacked and enjoyed immediately. Also, it does not compete for the oxygen in the room like other fuel burning appliances. There is no danger from stray sparks or embers like wood burning appliances, and yet it is surprisingly realistic. It will draw 12-13 amps and the safest way to run it is on a dedicated 15-20 amp circuit. A dedicated circuit means that the line from the electrical panel provides power only to that device. NEVER USE AN EXTENSION CORD TO RUN AN ELECTRIC FIREPLACE!
If used as the only heat source in a space, an electric fireplace will not likely provide enough heat for comfort. There definitely won't be any "lightly clothed" romantic moments in front of the fireplace because your chill bumps will have chill bumps. But used as supplemental heat, an electric fireplace can provide an esthetically pleasing, "hearth-warming" experience.
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| True or False |
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Your computer is using less energy when the screen saver is on.
False It is a common misconception that using a screensaver saves money. A screensaver does not use less energy. It is a series of moving images aimed at protecting the screen from having a static image ingrained into it.
Your electric blanket is less expensive than an electric plug-in heater.
True An electric blanket used for 6 hours/night will use approximately $.67/night while an average 1500 watt electric room heater will cost $1.01 |
