At the end of the day, home heaters do just that, but the most cost-effective way to use them varies from one design to the next.

Electric district heaters are common in older homes, apartments, and even some offices in Clark County because they are cheaper and easier to install than a central air system. Although installation costs are low, they cost homeowners and tenants more than other heating methods. Using them strategically will balance personal comfort and usage costs.

“Electric district heaters are designed to be adjusted independently to cover one area at a time,” said Anthony Jeffries, Clark Utilities Energy Consultant. “Using them to heat the whole house at once, like a central system, is a guaranteed way to end up with high electric bills.”

A single wall-mounted district heater running eight hours each day for a month will add about $30 to the electric bill. Multiply that by an entire house of perhaps six zones and the cost adds up very quickly.

This doesn’t mean you should keep them away and shiver until spring. Instead, take a goal-oriented approach. Only heat occupied rooms. Adjust the temperature to a comfortable level and close the door. Turn off the thermostat or set it to a low setting when you’re not in the room.

Zone heater thermostats are not very accurate. This can cause large fluctuations in the temperature of the room. Additionally, these thermostats may not be installed near where you live and where heat is desired. By placing inexpensive ambient thermometers in rooms where zone heaters are regularly used, you can better read the performance of your heater and thus gain better control over the dial and, accordingly, ensure your own comfort.

Another option is to replace the heater’s original dial thermostat with a modern line voltage thermostat. They are more accurate and programmable, but installation is best left to a professional.

Whichever dial you have, set the heater to 68 degrees when it’s up, then into the lower 60s when you’re away or sleeping. Wearing a sweater or covering up with a blanket is always free and always cheaper than a heater. No matter what, keep the temperature above 55 degrees to avoid mold or moisture problems.

Hanging and closing heavy curtains at night or on cold days will keep the heat in the room longer. Whenever possible, open them to let sunlight in for the greenhouse effect to work.

For safety and efficiency, never block the heaters with furniture or curtains. It’s also a good idea to vacuum up any accumulated dust or pet hair.

The best way to reduce energy costs and live more comfortably with zone heaters is to replace them with a ductless heat pump. While these are costly up front, they use significantly less energy than district heaters. Moreover, they also provide air conditioning for the summer months.

For more information about ductless heat pumps and possible rebates for installing them in electrically heated homes, visit ClarkPublicUtilities.com. You can also speak with an Energy Advisor of the Day and even schedule a free home energy inspection by calling 360-992-3355 during business hours.

Written by Energy Consultant Clark Public Utilities. Send questions to [email protected] or Energy Adviser, c/o Clark Public Utilities, PO Box 8900, Vancouver, WA 98668.