Space Heater Safety
Compact, portable, and affordable on most budgets, space heaters are a great way to warm a small space without cranking up your home thermostat. And, because they now come in all shapes, sizes and models, you can easily find one that fits your family’s needs for those chilly winter days.
At the same time, space heaters should be used with an abundance of caution, especially when you consider that they are responsible for 32% of home heating fires every year. They also result in more than $500 million in annual property damage.
So, before you choose and start using use a space heater, please read and observe these 10 key safety tips:
- Read the manufacturer’s instructions before using your space heater.
- If your space heat is at least a few years old, check the cord for signs of damage or fraying.
- Avoid using an old heater that does not have an automatic tip-switch – its purpose is to turn off the heater should it fall over.
- Never place a space heater on anything but the floor unless the manufacturer expressly states it’s safe for use on other surfaces.
- Place the space heater at least three feet away from anything flammable, like bedding, clothing, or drapes.
- Do not use extension cords with space heaters.
- Never leave a space heater on while you are asleep or when you are not in the room.
- Never leave children or pets unattended near a space heater.
- If using a fueled space heater, only use the fuel recommended by the manufacturer. Turn the heater off, unplug it, and wait until it is completely cool before refueling.
- Install working smoke detectors on each level of your home – especially where a space heater is in use – and test them routinely.
At Correct Temp, we can add to your family’s indoor comfort and safety this winter with a tune-up and inspection of your home’s central heating system. This service should be performed once a year to help ensure your system is operating as reliably, energy efficiently, and safely as possible. Contact us today to schedule annual maintenance for your home heating system, especially if it’s been more than a year since this vital service was last performed.
