I'm dealing with a really cold basement where the temperature is so bad I find myself needing to step out just to warm up. The issue is that my house has old electrical wiring, and when I try to use a space heater, it often trips the breakers. There is one outlet that's on a different circuit, but it's more than 15 feet away from where I'd need it, making it impractical to rearrange the entire room. I'm wondering how I can effectively heat the basement without having a dedicated circuit for a heater. Are there any lower wattage heaters I could safely use with an extension cord?
2 Answers
Instead of trying to find a smaller heater, consider using a heavier-duty extension cord. A 14-gauge cord can handle loads up to 1800 watts, which helps you get more heat. Just make sure not to overload your existing circuit!
I get where you're coming from! But as an electrician, I have to say that if your current space heater is tripping breakers, it's a sign that you should consider installing a new circuit. Using space heaters, especially with older wiring, can be hazardous, and they aren't the best for long-term heating solutions. I recommend calling a qualified electrician who can help you set up something more permanent like a mini-split system or at least a dedicated circuit with proper insulation.
How much do you think that would cost? I might just have to accept that it's freezing.
But using a big extension cord sounds risky! Aren't there warnings about using those with space heaters?