How to heat your home safely, effectively this winter

Story by Juan Murillo, USAG Ansbach DPW Environmental Management Division

ANSBACH, Germany (Oct. 21, 2016) – With the cold weather looming, the U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach Directorate of Public Works asks you to be cognizant of the garrison policy on space heaters. Space heaters are strictly prohibited within all OMA & AFH areas unless authorized in writing by the garrison commander. Follow these simple instructions to use the existing heating systems properly and more efficiently:

1: While windows are open for aeration, heat/radiator valves should be turned off. Close windows after a maximum of five minutes.

2: Promptly report all broken or leaking windows and doors and malfunctioning heating systems to DPW.

3: Keep humidifiers properly filled for optimal space comfort. Humidifiers are available at the self-help stores.

4: Don’t overheat rooms.

5: Don’t block radiators with curtains.

6: Don’t use range tops or ovens for space heating – this constitutes a fire hazard and is strictly forbidden.

Please follow these simple steps to keep your family safe and comfortable and, at the same time, to be a good steward of our environment during this winter season. Besides not being authorized, space heaters consume large amounts of electricity. The following table provides a view of the cost to operate one space heater for five days a week for one month. The numbers are based on one 1,500-Watt heater operated at a rate of 15 cents per kilowatt hour: