Be safe using electric space heaters this winter
When temperatures begin to fall in the winter months, many people turn to space heaters as an alternate source of heat. However, 32% of all house fires are caused by space heaters according to United States Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Heaters are a good buffer against goose bumps and cold feet in a chilly odd corner of a room, an unheated garage, bathroom or an apartment where you can’t control the heat. Most space heaters provide substantial warmth to a drafty room or chilly office space for less than $100. For the most part, they work well. Some come in attractive styles and are a source of cheap heat. But, safety is still more important than style or price.
These safety tips can alleviate the problem a bit. Keeping them on the floor rather than on a table is safer. Heaters should always be operated at least three feet away from furniture, drapes, clothing, and any other household object. If you’ve got children, be particularly mindful that stuffed animals and blankets aren’t left too close to the space heater.
At times heaters are used as a temporary heating source in garages and shops, and this is where most people store items such as lawn mower fuel, spray paint, and other combustibles. Never use combustible products in the vicinity of a space heater. Even if they are being safely stored in another room, vapors can drift through ventilation to the heater and become ignited by its heating element. This is the most common cause when it comes to household fires started by space heaters.
Never leave space heaters unattended, particularly with kids or pets. This is especially important if you’re using an older heater that doesn’t have the built-in safety features designed to shut it off if it’s tipped over. Even if your space heater does come with safety features, when it comes to the possibility of household fires, erring on the side of caution is always the best approach. Remember that the most well-designed safety features are not foolproof.
Even if the heater is in the same room where you sleep, leaving it on overnight involves the same hazards as leaving it unattended. Always double check that your space heater is turned off and unplugged before you turn in for the night. Remember, most residential fires start in the middle of the night when household members are asleep.
Although it’s common practice to use a power strip or extension cord when using a space heater, this is not recommended. Space heaters tend to use a lot of power, which can overwhelm household wiring.
The best space heaters for any area depend on the room size, the type of heater and whether it will be used in a home with children or pets. Find a model that has a set temperature to ensure that the unit doesn’t overheat the space and make sure the heater is UL certified. A third party certification means the heater meets certain safety standards. Electric space heaters should always be plugged into a wall outlet and grounded. Extension cords and power strips can be a fire hazard.
Category: People & Places
