Tips for heating cold zones in your home

Winter made an early arrival in many parts of the nation, and this preview may have you thinking about how you’re going to keep your house warm when winter really sets in. Ohio winters can be unpredictable and harsh, so it’s a good idea to start planning for colder days now. If you have specific zones in your house that are cold, even when the furnace is running, you may want to look into some supplemental heating sources. The service team at Atlas Butler can help you prepare for winter by doing an inspection and tune-up of your furnace, as well as recommend supplemental heating systems.

Fireplaces

There is nothing more relaxing than a crackling fireplace in the winter. Fireplaces can help heat rooms as well as lend a cozy ambiance. Traditional wood-burning fireplaces require annual maintenance for safety and functionality, and the chimney also needs inspection and cleaning in order to avoid chimney fires. If you don’t have a fireplace in your house, there are ways you can “fake it.” Gas and electric fireplaces can also add heat without the mess and upkeep of their traditional counterparts. Wood-burning fireplaces can be converted to gas and as a plus, gas fireplaces actually add more warmth to your rooms. The downside is increased gas or electric bills, depending on which model you choose.

Space heaters

Space heaters often get a bad rap because they are one of the most prevalent causes of winter house fires. However, if you use common sense and take safety precautions, a space heater can be a satisfactory and economical source of extra heating for your home. There are various types of space heaters.

  • Convection space heaters are the most common, and they heat up and disperse air throughout the room, are fan-driven and run on electricity.
  • Radiant space heaters heat up the element itself and “radiates” heat; they are better suited for small areas. Filled space heaters run on electricity and are filled with a substance, such as oil. Once they heat up, they will warm the area for longer periods of time compared to other space heaters.

Pellet stoves

Pellet stoves are the next generation of wood-burning stoves. Depending on the size, one of these stoves can heat an entire house. They burn organic wood-based pellets that emit clean energy. Pellet stoves are often less expensive than fireplaces and are easier to install. The drawbacks are that they need ongoing maintenance, such as being filled and cleaned out on a daily basis. They also require annual servicing.

Keep Your Furnace Running Smoothly

The goal of supplemental heat sources should always be to supplement the heat that your furnace puts out – not replace it. If your furnace is not working properly, the supplemental heat will be less effective and cost you more. Atlas Butler has been proudly serving Central Ohio for decades, and we can make sure that your furnace is running properly.  Schedule an appointment to have one of our heating technicians take a look at your furnace or call us at 614-681-2167.