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More than 5.34 million homes sold in 2018 alone and that number is likely only going to increase. While some of those homes went to buyers that owned homes in the past, many of them went to first-time homebuyers.
Owning your own home is distinctly different from renting. You’re responsible for maintenance, repairs, and upgrades that will make your house feel like a home.
One of the best upgrades you can make to any house is improving its HVAC system. Installing electric heaters offers a budget-friendly way to make your house more energy-efficient and comfortable for years to come.
If you’re like most new homeowners, you feel a bit overwhelmed by the process. Here are a few tips to help make your installation a success.
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1. Get Your Furnace Inspected
Before you start looking into installing electric heaters, you need to pay attention to your current HVAC system. If you already have an electric furnace in place, contact your HVAC contractor and get the system inspected.
If it’s in good condition, they may be able to tune it up so the unit will run more efficiently. Once it’s running properly, you’ll spare yourself the frustration of having to look into different types of electric heaters for your home.
However, if the furnace is old or outdated, you’ll want to consider a full furnace replacement. Often, replacing the furnace will be cheaper than installing new electric heaters.
This is because your home is already set up to work with the furnace. You won’t have to pay for new fixtures or have to deal with running new wiring to different parts of your home. Click here to learn more about the process and what you can expect from getting your furnace replaced.
2. Figure Out What Type of Electric Heaters You Want
There are many different options on the market and the type you choose largely depends on your budget and your preferences. For example, you can always use a free-standing electric space heater that plugs into a wall outlet.
These are incredibly cheap and can get put away at the end of spring, freeing up floor space. However, they are more likely to break and you should only use them when someone is at home. Shorts and electrical surges are common and can spark fires if someone isn’t around to keep an eye on the heaters.
Ductless mini-split units provide a dual purpose heating and cooling option. They work like air conditioners in the summer and heat your home in the winter. Even better, you can install them in any room without issue, but the cost more upfront.
Electric baseboard heaters offer the perfect balance between efficiency and affordability. However, they can force you to sacrifice floor space and could change the layout of your furniture and décor.
Think about what you want to accomplish with your heaters before you start shopping for options. This will help you make the right decision for your home and your budget.
3. Consider Placement
If you’re wondering where to place your heater or which rooms to install them in, start by going room by room.
Prioritize the rooms that you use most. Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, and common areas are always going to need reliable heat.
You’ll also want to install mounted electric heaters in rooms with plumbing. This will help keep your pipes in good condition through the winter months. The warmer the rooms stay, the less likely you are to experience a ruptured pipe.
As a general rule, it’s best to install heaters away from furniture and electronics. If you have a wall that doesn’t have much in front of it, that spot can be ideal for your heater installation.
The more space your heaters have in front of them, the easier it will be for them to work properly. Remember, they need space for the warm air to circulate and travel throughout your house.
4. Invest in Programmable Thermostats
Once you have your electric heaters picked out and know which rooms you’ll get them installed in, you’ll want to make sure your thermostats are up to the task. Thermostats allow you to control the heater’s cycles and temperature settings easily.
Standard units work by telling the heater to turn on anytime the room drops below your preferred temperature setting. Your home will stay at that temperature whether you’re at home or away. While this works for most homeowners, it can end up costing you money on your electric bill.
Programmable thermostats let you set different temperatures for different times of day. If you’re at work, you can set the system a few degrees cooler to save money on your bills. Remember, the less often your heaters turn on, the less electricity they use.
You can then set the thermostat to increase the amount of heat a few minutes before you get home. This way, your house will be close to your ideal temperature when you’re there to enjoy it and slightly cooler when you’re away.
5. Let the Pros Handle Installing Electric Heaters
Unless you’re relying on portable space heaters to keep your home comfortable, you’ll want to hire a pro for your heater installation. Most modern electric heaters include manufacturer warranties to protect you from defects or unexpected failures.
Those manufacturer warranties are only valid if you let a licensed technician install the units. If you handle the installation on your own, the warranty will be void. Should something happen, you’d end up paying the full price for repairs or replacements.
Contact your HVAC technician and let them install your heaters for you. They’ll make sure the units get placed where they’ll do the most good for your home.
Electric Heaters Are a Great Upgrade for Your Home
Installing electric heaters is a wonderful way to revamp your new home’s heating system. Just make sure you work with a professional and let them help you find the perfect system for your home’s needs.
This way, you’ll have heat that you can depend on when you need it most.
Looking to find out more about the benefits of electric heaters or need more tips to make your house a home? Check out our latest posts today.
