It's winter time and it is quite normal for us to seek methods that will ensure that we are kept warm and snug during those cold evenings at home – the place where we will be spending most of our time for a few months to come. The bad thing is that our living costs can increase quite a lot during winter months with high electricity bills and expensive heating solutions that we purchase in the hope to save some money, whilst still being able to stay warm.
There are a lot of heating options on the market today, but most of them are expensive, as some have to be installed permanently, (like fireplaces), or they use expensive fuels such as gas and wood ... or electricity.
Do these high costs leave you shivering in a corner, because you just cannot invest in a proper heating system or simply cannot keep up with the high cost of electricity? Well, don’t despair, because going RED can help you save money and keep warm this winter!
What is Infrared heating?
According to Jean du Toit, sales manager at Eco Heat, infrared heaters work by emitting radiant heat, also known as thermal or infrared radiation. “This heat comes from electromagnetic waves that travel through the air and are absorbed by objects. Radiant heat is safe and similar to the heat you feel from the sun on your skin, but does not contain the harmful UVA and UVB rays.” He also adds that the heat generated by an infrared heater is focused and projects a ray of heat over a defined area and that this allows the user to target specific areas to be heated and avoids money being spent to heat unnecessary areas.
Andre van der Walt from Striking describes this type of heater quite correctly in saying that it works like the sun. “They warm objects / people directly and not the air around you like most other heaters do (e.g. air cons, panel heating), thus saving energy. They are also instant when switched on and don’t need a warm up period like other heating equipment.”
Did you know? Eskom rates infrared heaters as more electricity efficient than other space heating systems because it can be used both for spot heating and area heating.
What to keep in mind when choosing a heating device
When choosing a heating device for your home, you have to think and plan very carefully. Think about what you want to achieve with this device and what the size of the area is that needs to be heated. According to Eco Heat and Striking, infrared heaters are great for this purpose because it has the amazing ability to heat a specific area quickly and effectively.
You must also compare prices and consider the impact this heating device will have on your wallet. Do not be afraid to ask questions while shopping around for heating devices, so you can make an educated decision.
It is also important to consider what the décor and safety requirements, of the area in which you would like to use this device, are.
Jean du Toit says that when it comes to infrared heaters, you have to check the design of the reflector. “Infrared heating works like a spotlight and the better the reflector design, the more targeted the heat provided will be. Infrared heating works best when mounted on a wall or other permanent structure. Be sure to check the technical specifications of any individual infrared heater before buying.”
The advantages and disadvantages of infrared heaters:
Andre van der Walt says that the only disadvantage of this type of heating device is the small amount of light it transmits whilst heating. He adds that their heaters are “90% aluminium, which is a “green” metal and fully recyclable”, and that it does not require a lot of maintenance.
According to Eco Heat, other advantages of infrared heaters are that it:
- Doesn’t dry out air like conventional heaters
- Burns no oxygen, no resulting drowsiness
- Doesn’t produce any gasses or pollutants
- Produces instant sun-like warmth with infrared heat
- Is minimally affected by wind, drafts, or air movement
Eco-friendly tips on staying warm this winter
… with Eco Heat
- Do an energy audit: An energy audit will help you to find out where you are wasting energy. It involves analyzing where you use energy and how efficiently you are using it. Some findings common in energy audits are drafty windows or fireplaces, energy loss due to poor insulation and inefficient appliances.
- Insulate: Keep the warm air in and the cold air out this winter with effective insulation. According to Eskom, “As much as 50% of heat losses in a house can be attributed to a lack of ceilings and ceiling insulation.” Check out Eco Insulation or Isotherm for more information.
- Weather strip doors and windows: Use weather stripping and draft stoppers to combat heat loss through windows and doors. Weather stripping can be done using specific weather stripping materials or with caulk or silicone.
- Use curtains wisely: Use the curtains in your home to make the most of the heating power of the sun. Open curtains to allow sun in and then close promptly after the sun has set or moved – trapping more of the most eco friendly heat available. Upgrading to thick curtains (especially on large windows) will increase the efficiency of this tactic.
- Heat effectively: Use the right heater for the job. Ensure that the heater you select matches your expectations and is appropriate for the area you want to heat, preventing you from switching a heater on and off over and over again. Always be sure to heat only those rooms/areas where heat is needed – it wastes money and electricity to heat empty spaces.
- Other: Don’t overlook the heating powers of a cup of tea, coffee or cocoa. Just be sure to conserve energy when heating water in your kettle – ensure that you heat only what you need. If you’re in need of a new kettle, check out the Eco Kettle. It allows you to select the number of cups you need and heats only that amount.
No comments on this post yet.