They multiply like rabbits.  “When I walk into a home and I see five space heaters, I start looking for five problems,” says Mechanical Extremes’ Harold Wilkes.  People use space heaters because they are not comfortable, but these seemingly harmless devices hog electricity.  “And that translates to higher utility bills, month after month, year after year.” Consumers Energy electric rates increased almost 12% on January 1, 2021 (16.6 to 18.1 cents per kwh plus other adjustments).

Once in a home, Harold begins his analysis by checking the whole envelope.  “Often you’ll find a space heater near a leaky window because of the draft.” Fixing the window could mean saving energy costs and being more comfortable.  Other culprits include lack of insulation on basement or crawl space walls, and in the attic. “You’d be surprised at the payback insulation can make.”

What else can be done?  It starts with some good news.  “Compared to electricity, natural gas is a bargain.”  With that in mind, consider these points:

• Check heat vents.  It’s surprising how often a maladjusted vent prevents proper flow.
• Run your furnace fan at all times to circulate air to improve comfort level.  But only do this if your furnace has a DC motor.  A DC motor is cheaper to operate, and an AC motor will eventually fail if run constantly.  Some furnaces can be retrofitted with a DC fan motor.
• Add a heat run to a problem area.  Mechanical Extremes custom fabricates ductwork, so it’s possible to install new runs even in older homes.  Warm up the cold spots.
• New construction?  Install radiant heating in the floors.  Your feet will stay warm.  As the heat rises, you’ll be comfortable all around.

For commercial buildings, the last point is truly relevant.  Typically, more cold outside air enters these structures due to people coming and going.  That creates drafts.  And if you work at a desk and don’t move much, chances are you’re going to feel the chill.  A warm floor corrects that.

One last thought.  If all else fails, space heaters are an option.  But choose carefully.  Avoid any heater that has coils.  Consider a brand for its reputation, like this one—EdenPure.

Here are a couple photos from the Mechanical Extremes’ gallery.

The first photo shows tubing being installed in the office section of Mechanical Extremes’ new building.  Concrete then covered the tubing.  During the heating season in the completed building, the heat will rise from the floor keeping feet warm and magnifying all-around comfort.

Below, Harold Wilkes works on custom ductwork.  Custom fabricated ducts allow heat runs to be installed in existing homes in places where off-the-shelf ducts won’t fit.