With the cold temperatures of winter, you may be relying on space heaters more frequently. It is important to take certain precautions to reduce harm and the potential for fire. The information below includes advice on space heater safety.
Equipment Condition
Confirm that the space heater is not defective. Check the wiring and the condition of other components. If your unit displays signs of damage, have it assessed by a professional to ensure that it is okay to run. You might need to repair certain components if there are issues.
When Children are Present
Many space heaters are not child safe. Locate heaters away from the reach of children to prevent burns. If your space heater is in a room that is not possible to block off, consider newer designs that are specifically made with child safety design such as temperature regulated surfaces.
Automatic Shutoff
Try not to leave heaters running continuously for long lengths of time. This will increase the potential for overheating. Newer space heaters typically include an automatic shut-off, but older models might not have that enhanced feature. For old models, it is better to turn them off when sleeping or when you are away from the home. They are not safe to leave running when you are not present.
Outlets and Power
Space heaters normally consume a lot of energy. If your property is not amply equipped to run several appliances, think about connecting space heaters into a different outlet from others. You may also want to pick outlets on different fuses/circuits. Avoid using extension strips as they create added dangers.
Recommended Distances
Keep your space heater a certain distance (3+ feet) from other objects. This includes furniture, curtains, blankets, and cleaning sprays. Items that comes in contact with a space heater may get hot enough to ignite, especially if made of flammable material.
Summary of Advice On Space Heater Safety
When it comes to space heaters, it is safer to select a modern model. Newer models come with special features such as cool touch exteriors and automatic shutdown. They also use less electricity, which saves money and avoids power issues. Keeping in mind the advice on space heater safety in this article will help you remain warm and safe this winter.