10 Tips to Reduce Heating Bills This Winter

Home heating accounts for over 29% of the average household's monthly utility bill, far more than any other system in the house.

Maintaining and updating your heating equipment could help you save money and feel more comfortable, regardless of the heating system you have at home.

It's important to remember that upgrading to a more energy-efficient heater will affect your energy expenses differently than taking a whole-house strategy. Keeping your equipment in good working order and upgrading it when necessary, together with implementing the suggested insulation, air sealing, and thermostat settings, will save you up to 30% on your energy bill and help you reduce your impact on the environment.

Use Fireplace Heating to Lower Energy Bills

As winter arrives in full force and temperatures drop below freezing, your home will require some assistance to remain warm. Most people rely on their central air conditioning system to stay cool, but this can be very pricey, particularly for bigger houses.

Why not heat your home with a fireplace if you want to remain warm without breaking the bank?

Fireplaces come in different forms; there are traditional wood-burning fireplaces that you must have seen in many classical movies. It looks cozy, but it's not environment friendly. Then there are gas fireplaces that may be a better option the wood burning. But there is another option that emits no smoke or fumes and is kid friendly.

Electric fireplaces are a new rage! They are cozy, classy, require less maintenance, are environment friendly, and most importantly, are cost-effective. How?

Read this gas and electric fireplace comparison for a better understanding;

Gas Fireplaces	Electric Fireplaces
Easy maintencae	Low maintenance
Annual cost is about $60	Annual cost is about $25
Burns cleaner and fewer polluting emissions	No pollutants
Not kid or pet friendly	Safe for children and pets
Heat is lost through chimney	It converts all energy into heat
Costly to purchase	Cost about 8 to 12 cents hourly or $25 dour a year

Our Recommended Cost-Effective Electric Fireplace

If you are in the market for an electric fireplace that looks classy, has multi features, and is cost-effective. We have just the right option for you.

Napoleon 50-inch Clearion Elite See-Thru Electric Fireplace

The privacy glass of the fireplace goes from transparent to opaque
Users could customize the amber bed flames
It heats up to 800 sq ft

Putting up a transparent electric fireplace might be a show-stopping addition to many rooms if you have the means to do so. The Napoleon Clearion Elite See-Thru Electric Fireplace is one of a kind. However, it comes at a high price and must be wired directly (120V or 240V).

Based on the manufacturer's claims, this model is the first two-sided see-through electric fireplace and has the added benefit of movable privacy glass.

Transparency may be adjusted across spaces, from completely see-through to partially see-through to completely opaque. It's a frequent option for partitions separating social spaces like the kitchen and living room. But since the glass's opacity can be changed on the fly, it may also be used in more personal areas of the house.

This see-through electric fireplace's flame and ember lighting choices add to the ambiance. Flames can be blue, orange, or a combination of both, and 15 different ember colors can be mixed and matched to create the perfect effect for any event or setting. Moreover, the heater can provide extra heat for a moderately to generously sized space. A 120V installation can provide heat at a rate of 5,000 BTUs, while a 240V installation can deliver 10,000 BTUs.

How Much Will My Electric Bill Increase With a Fireplace?

Electric fireplaces are an excellent place to start since they are convenient, cost-effective, and come in many designs. Most electric fireplaces have a maximum heating capacity of 400 square feet and need 1,500 watts.

While there are larger versions that use more energy to heat more significant areas effectively, most homeowners will find that the typical 1,500-watt models are sufficient for heating their living rooms with an electric fireplace.

What's the hourly cost of an electric fireplace?

Using a 1,500-watt electric fireplace at its highest setting will cost you around 18 cents an hour, assuming you pay the national average kilowatt-hour (kWh) rate of 12 cents. A few cents may reduce the cost per hour if you use a lower heat setting, and it can decrease to under a penny if you use the LED-backlit fire display but not the heater itself.

Monthly Price of an Electric Fireplace

You must count how many hours you spend in front of your electric fireplace each month and multiply that number by the price per hour to get your total monthly expenditure. According to our calculations, it would cost roughly $10.80 per month to use our fireplace with all the settings at maximum for the 60 hours we anticipate using it during the winter.

The following table compares the hourly, weekly, and monthly costs of operating electric fireplaces with different levels of power consumption, including the most common level (i.e., 1.5 kWh), the highest level (i.e., 1.5 kWh), and the lowest level (i.e., 1 kWh).

Category	Hourly Cost	Weekly Cost	Monthly Cost
Average	$0.22	$7.58	$32.50
Common	$0.23	$7.88	$33.75
Lowest	$0.15	$5025	$22.50
Highest	$0.23	$7.88	$33.75

8 Practical Ways to Decrease Your Electric Fireplace's Monthly Expenses

We all know that electric fireplaces can raise significant utility bills, so let's discuss some strategies for cutting back on those expenditures.

Here are 8 simple ways to cut costs (most of which also help the environment):

You need to turn down the heat. The cost of operating an older electric fireplace is significantly reduced when the temperature is set to low. Most electric fireplaces have more than one heat setting; if you don't need the highest setting, you can save money on your bills by using a lower one.

Use the thermostat (if available). An electric thermostat can help you keep your home at a comfortable temperature while reducing your energy bill. Thermostats are standard on many of our modern models of electric fireplaces. It's worth a shot if you have the chance to do so.
Use a ceiling fan for circulation. In addition to using an electric fireplace, a ceiling fan in a clockwise motion can help distribute the room's heat more effectively. Improving the electric fireplace's heat circulation can make it more efficient in heating the space.
Dim or turn off lights/flames. In the case of older electric fireplaces, this can be an efficient means of lowering monthly expenditures. The lights and flames of today's electric fireplaces are more energy-efficient LEDs. However, they continue to use up power. Modern electric fireplaces often have a dimmer that allows you to adjust the intensity of the flames.
Seal leaks. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that closing drafts and increasing insulation may reduce heating and cooling costs by 15%. To save money on your electric fireplace, purchase draft excluders for your windows and doors. In the long run, you will likely save more cash.
Think about switching to a newer, better version. Check our newest collection now for the most energy-saving electric fireplaces currently available. Electric fireplaces nowadays are more energy-efficient than their predecessors. In addition, they provide a plethora of options that might allow you more control of your appliance. Advanced features allow for less wasted power and lower monthly expenditures.
Cut back on your usage. This is the best strategy for cutting expenditures. If you want to save money on electricity, switch off the electric fireplace when you leave the room and wear more layers. The following advice is for those who have absolutely no intention of modifying their habits to lower operational expenses.
Switch power providers. A utility company might offer discounted prices if it wants to attract new customers. Try looking elsewhere; you could find a better offer. Your electric fireplace's energy costs will go down, and so will your other appliances.
Check your heater annually. Make sure your heating system is clean and ready to go before the cold weather sets each winter by scheduling a yearly checkup in the fall. Breaking down in the middle of winter is inconvenient, uncomfortable, and expensive; getting a checkup can help you avoid those issues. In addition to extending the life of your equipment, annual inspections may save your heating costs by ensuring your heater is functioning efficiently.

Unplug. Make sure to unplug your fireplace when not in use or when the season is out.

Do not leave open vents. Having guests over and you don't want to use your own bedroom? Do not leave the vent open for the furnace. You can channel the heat to the rooms that need it by sealing off the ones that don't.

Is it safe to use an electric fireplace?

Electric fireplaces are safer than any other kind of fireplace because there is no fire. Thus, there will be no fires and no harmful byproducts.

Even when in use, the surface of an electric fireplace will not get too hot to the touch.

Safer than gas or ethanol fireplaces, these may be installed with less space between them and your TV and other gadgets. They can be mounted on flammable surfaces like drywall or cabinetry.

Safety Tips

While routine cleaning and upkeep are essential, there are other precautions you can take to ensure the safety of your fireplace and house.

Electrical Dangers

See whether there is any water or other potential electrical hazards around your electric fireplace and its connection. Keep any water containers, such as aquariums, sinks, and water heaters, at least three feet away from the fireplace.

Wall Plugs with Safety Covers

Use a different electrical outlet for your fireplace and other appliances. Check if the fireplace's power source can handle the current flow before plugging it in. It will blow a fuse if that doesn't happen.

Avoid Flammable Materials

Avoid placing flammable items near electric fireplaces. Maintaining a clean interior and exterior is also important for preventing fires.

The following safety and maintenance guidelines will help you and your family enjoy many cozy winters with an electric fireplace.