Should I sleep with a space heater?

Natural gas prices are expected to nearly triple this winter, increasing your bill by as much as $50. Can you save money and energy by turning down your thermostat and utilizing a space heater?

Many people rely on alternate forms of heating, such as electric heaters, to cut down on their energy expenses and keep warm.

According to the Department of Energy, the amount of energy your space heater uses, its age and the efficiency of your heating system are all variables that can have a major impact on which option is best for your home.

Electric heaters, also known as space heaters, are designed to keep a small area warm. They come in different sizes and unique features, including temperature settings, timers and automatic shut-off functions. The larger the unit, the larger the room it can heat, and the more energy it consumes.

Portable space heaters work in one of two different ways. The more expensive, effective and efficient models use infrared radiation to heat up the area near the heater. Other models rely on convection, which is the movement of air over a heated surface to circulate throughout the room. Convection heaters can dry out your skin, if you are located in the path of the warm air.

It is important to use caution if you keep your space heater on while sleeping as it can be dangerous if misused. Because space heaters can become hot, if they do not have adequate airflow on both the intake side and the output side, they may ignite inflammable clothing or other materials.

As a result, the National Fire Protection Association notes that space heaters are involved in 79 percent of fatal home heating fires. In addition, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission claims that 6,000 people visit the emergency room each year for burns related to contact with electric heaters.

Experts suggest that if you must use a room heater, use it while you are awake. Run the electric heater periodically in the evening to ensure that your bedroom temperature is comfortably warm (but not too warm) before you go to sleep.

Verlo Mattress Factory: 5150 Northwest Hwy., Crystal Lake, IL 60014, 815.455.2570, www.verlo.com