Electric Heaters: Tips for Staying Warm and Safe this Summer

Guest Blogger #542, Entry #1221, May 25, 2012

The summer is fast approaching and it’s the time of year again when we take time out from work to enjoy some time off to relax and explore the world. It’s inevitable that at some point in the summer you’re going to dive in to your pool to relax or have some fun with the family. You can have some of the best days of your life kicking back in your garden with family and friends in the pool or hot tub, it’s often getting out the water that can be unbearable.

If you don’t have an outdoor heated pool you may feel the effects of the weather a lot more than the lucky folk with heated ones. Even on the hottest days getting out the water can be a gigantic pain and it can often be cold and send chills all over your body very quickly. Having an electric heater close by can be very handy when you are fighting away those summer chills it’s nice to embrace the warmth. When you want to stay warm, even after getting out of the water, you can use an electric heater and place it near the area where you get out of the pool or hot tub to help you get warmer quicker.

Warm yourself when you get out of the pool

Image via: Master Pools Guild

Electric heaters have almost become a necessity in the home and garden, so it’s important to understand how to use them properly and be able to control and use them to your advantage. Take a look at a few tips on how to get the most from your electric heaters this summer:

Placement

When looking to install or place a heater into your home or garden its often best to consider the  possible locations of the heater to ensure you get the most out of your purchase and to make sure you can use it safely and properly.  First take a look around your home or garden and find appropriate spaces where the heater could be positioned, it’s often best to keep it away from potentially flammable materials.

Remember the place you decide to place the heater will also affect the amount of heat you will receive, it’s best to avoid open spaces as wind can often draw heat away quickly rendering it useless. Placing an electric heater under cover, in a porch or a shelter can prevent the weather from taking away the heat.

Warm your outdoor home even in the summer!

Warm weather

You may find that you end up using a heater when it’s a warm day, when the clouds are blocking out the sun rays. When using your heater in hot weather it’s advisable to not have it on full capacity, this is as the extra heat can cause the heater to overheat and stop working, damage the components and be an extreme hazard in the garden if touched. If you need to use the heater consider selecting a low heat and gradually turning it up. This will give the heater a chance to warm up and ensure you don’t waste money on wasted energy.

When not in use a heater should be stored or covered to protect it against this sun, this will increase its longevity and ensure the colour does not fade. After use consider cleaning your heater with a damp cloth to wipe away any dirt or dust attached when it was in use, this way you won’t get blockages and heat restrictions.

Types

Remember that electric heating systems will be used for more than one thing/occasion so it’s important to buy the best heater to suit your needs. Heaters can come in all shapes and sizes so choosing one to reflect your house or gardens theme can be important, but it could also reduce your choices.

Create the perfect atmosphere this summer

It’s worthwhile keeping in mind that for any electrical heater you will need a convenient electrical connection. This is not always ideal as if you plan on having it far out in the garden you may have to use extension cables to utilise it. This can be dangerous as water and electricity do not mix and unnecessary cables can provide a tripping hazard for any family member or friend unaware of the connection. If you have or decide to use a portable electric heater this summer ensure the circuit breakers can handle the draw on power.

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