Safety Tips for Space Heaters During the Winter Season

Did you know that space heaters are responsible for starting 25,000 house fires each year in the United States? Educating yourself on safety tips for space heaters is not just a matter of convenience–it can be a matter of life or death.

If you plan to use a space heater this year, please don’t forget about these safety tips. They can save a life! 

Safety Tips for Space Headers: Choose the Right Heater

The first step in space heater safety is choosing the right heater. Choose models that are certified by recognized testing laboratories and have the latest safety features. Look for heaters that also come with: 

• Automatic shut-off capabilities
• Tip-over protection
• Adjustable thermostats. 

Also, consider the size of the space you need to heat and select a heater with the appropriate wattage.

Be Mindful of Where You Place Your Space Heater

Where you place your space heater is as important as the heater itself. Always place space heaters on a level, flat surface away from foot traffic. 

Meanwhile, keep it at least three feet away from combustible materials like curtains, bedding, furniture, or rugs. Never place a space heater on a table, as it may fall and become a fire hazard.

Give Your Space Heater Regular Maintenance and Inspection

Regular maintenance is crucial for safe heater operation. Regular maintenance is a non-negotiable for a safe heater operation. Before each use, inspect your heater for any signs of damage or wear, including:

• Loose or damaged cords
• Cracks or holes in the housing
• Burned or discolored elements
• A musty or burnt smell

If you find any damage, do not use the heater. Consider having it repaired or replace it with an upgraded model. 

Safety Tips for Space Heaters: Safe Operating Practices

What are the most important safety tips for space heaters? When it comes to these safe operating practices, you don’t want to forget the following advice.

Never Leave Space Heaters Unattended

The cardinal rule of space heater use is to never leave it running unattended. Unforeseen circumstances, like a malfunction or a sudden tip-over, can quickly escalate into dangerous situations. 

Always turn off your space heater if you’re leaving the room, even for a short period.

Turn it Off Before Sleeping

Meanwhile, you must turn off your space heater before going to bed. While it might be tempting to leave it on for a warm night, the risks far outweigh the benefits. To stay cozy, consider safer alternatives like extra blankets or a thermostat-controlled central heating system for nighttime warmth.

Be Cautious with Extension Cords

Extension cords present a significant risk when used with space heaters. These cords can easily overheat, especially if they’re not designed for high-wattage appliances. This overheating can lead to melting, fires, or electrical accidents. 

If an extension cord is absolutely necessary, choose one that is heavy-duty and ensure it’s specifically rated to handle the wattage of your heater. However, the safest option is always to plug your heater directly into a wall outlet.

Monitor the Heater’s Surface Temperature

Keep a check on the surface temperature of your heater. Some models can get extremely hot, posing a burn hazard, especially to children and pets. If your heater gets too hot to touch, it might be safer to switch to a model with a cool-touch exterior.

Keep the Area Ventilated with Gas or Propane Heaters

When using gas or propane space heaters, ensure your room is well-ventilated to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. Even electric heaters can benefit from some ventilation to avoid overheating and to maintain air quality.

Use a Timer Function if Available

If your space heater has a timer function, use it to control when the heater turns on and off. This can be particularly useful to pre-warm a room before you enter and to ensure the heater turns off automatically when it’s no longer needed.

Stay Alert to Smells and Sounds

Be attentive to any unusual smells or sounds coming from your space heater. A strange odor or unusual noise could indicate a problem. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, turn off the heater and inspect it for any visible issues. Contact a professional if necessary.

Keep Flammable Objects Away

Maintain a safe distance between your space heater and any flammable objects. This includes furniture, curtains, bedding, clothes, and even paper. A good rule of thumb is to keep a three-foot clear zone around your heater.

Educate Your Household

It’s essential that everyone in your household understands the importance of space heater safety. Teach children to stay away from heaters and explain the risks involved. Make sure all family members know the location of your home’s fire extinguisher and how to use it in case of an emergency.

Consider a Dedicated Circuit for Your Space Heater

Space heaters, especially high-wattage models, can draw a significant amount of electrical current. Using a dedicated circuit for your space heater is a great step for ensuring electrical safety and efficiency in your home. Dadz installs dedicated circuits for space heaters to help prevent fire hazards.

Why do Space Heaters Need a Dedicated Circuit?

Most household circuits are designed to handle a certain amount of electrical load. When a space heater shares a circuit with other appliances or electronics, it can easily overload that circuit. An overloaded circuit is not only inefficient but also poses a significant fire risk.

Furthermore, space heaters require a steady flow of electricity to operate effectively. When they share a circuit with other appliances like microwaves or refrigerators, the fluctuating power demand can cause your heater to underperform or shut off intermittently. It may also trip the breaker. 

Signs You Might Need a Dedicated Circuit for Your Space Heater

Do you need a dedicated circuit for your space heater? Dadz can help you determine if this is the case. However, consider the following signs:

• Circuit Breaker Tripping: If the circuit breaker trips frequently when you use your space heater, it’s a clear sign that the circuit is overloaded. This is a safety feature designed to prevent overheating and potential electrical fires.
• Flickering Lights: If you notice lights flickering in your home when the space heater is in use, it could indicate that the heater is drawing too much power from the circuit, affecting other electrical devices.
• Outlets Not Working Properly: If other outlets on the same circuit as your space heater are underperforming or stop working when the heater is on, it’s a sign that the circuit is being pushed beyond its limit.
• Heater Performance Issues: If your space heater doesn’t seem to work as effectively as it should, or if it shuts off on its own, it could be because it’s not receiving enough power from a shared circuit.
• Warm or Hot Electrical Outlets: If the outlet where you plug in your space heater feels warm or hot to the touch, this is a serious indicator that the circuit is overloaded and a dedicated circuit is needed.

Get a Dedicated Circuit for Your Space Heater from Dadz

Out of all the safety tips for space heaters, we hope that you decide to call us to discuss a dedicated circuit. And despite all precautions, accidents can happen. Don’t forget to install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home. Test them monthly and replace batteries as needed. Have a fire emergency plan in place and practice it regularly with your family.

If you are concerned about the safety of your space heater, please call us for assistance.