Unfortunately, they can pose significant fire and electric shock hazards if not used properly. Fire and electrical hazards can be caused by space heaters without adequate safety features, space heaters placed near combustibles, or space heaters that are improperly plugged in.
Electric heaters of any type are unsafe to leave running overnight because they carry a significant amount of risk. If a space heater falls over or becomes too hot from running for too long of a period of time, that can lead to a fast-moving fire that occurs while you are asleep and cannot act fast enough.
Electric heaters can be quite safe. Most modern models feature anti-tip safety devices that will shut them off if they get tipped, and some type of thermostat control. Whether forced draft or radiant, it is still very important to keep the area around them clear.
Oil filled radiators don't have exposed heating elements and the heat from them is less intense than a fan heater or a halogen heater, so they are less likely to ignite any items near-by.
Fires typically start when bedding, blankets or clothes are placed too close to heaters. People with mobility issues are especially at risk of tripping or falling onto a heater – placing them at a safe distance is all the more important. Some kinds of heater also present a carbon monoxide risk which can be fatal.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that approximately 1,200 fires a year are caused by portable electric space heaters.
Room heaters can cause dryness in the air, which can result in dry skin, dry eyes, and dry throat. This can further lead to respiratory issues, nasal congestion, and increased susceptibility to infections.
Sealed combustion heaters are much safer to operate than other types of space heaters, and operate more efficiently because they do not draw in the heated air from the room and exhaust it to the outdoors. They are also less likely to backdraft and adversely affect indoor air quality.
Without using electricity, propane heaters are an efficient way to heat a space; some versions even claim an efficiency of up to 99%. They also offer an inexpensive and practical alternative heating method. Using liquid propane as fuel, these heaters can swiftly heat a medium-sized to large room.
The duration for which you can leave a space heater running depends on the time of day and your specific needs. During the Day: It's safe to leave your heater on for 6-8 hours if you're in the room. If you're busy or moving between rooms, consider using a timer to automatically shut it off after a few hours.
There's no combustion process involved, and therefore, no need to vent any exhaust gases. Electric water heaters are self-contained units that need to be connected to a power source, making the installation process more straightforward and eliminating the need for complex venting systems.
Do not plug any other electrical devices into the same outlet as the heater. Place space heaters on level, flat surfaces. Never place heaters on cabinets, tables, furniture, or carpet, which can overheat and start a fire. Always unplug and safely store the heater when it is not in use.
It's a Fire Hazard
Leaving your electric heater on all day is also a fire hazard. If you are not home to monitor the heater, it could overheat and start a fire.
That being said, ceramic space heaters are safe to leave on all night because the outside shell does not heat up and thus remains cool, posing no harm to you or your family. Ceramic heaters are among the safest heaters to use throughout the night.
The best way to prevent a fire is to never leave a space heater running in a room unattended—that way, if anything does go wrong, you can take action quickly.
Keep heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn, including upholstered furniture, bedding, curtains, clothing, insulation, cardboard and papers. Never leave heaters on when unattended. Turn heaters off, unplug electric heaters, and turn off portable propane cylinders when leaving the area.
Over 7,700 Vornado VH2 Whole Room Heaters are being recalled because the product's power cord can potentially detach, leading to electric shock and fire hazards.
Appliances that run on electricity do not produce carbon monoxide.
Long-term use of heaters in enclosed spaces can be hazardous because it increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, which can lead to headaches, nausea, dizziness, and weakness.
No, today's room heaters do not reduce oxygen. In fact, they keep the temperature adequate in your room while maintaining adequate oxygen in the air.
No Emissions or Harmful Fumes
Unlike gas, an electric heater produces no smell or harmful carbon monoxide gases that require constant monitoring. Electric heating systems also do not add anything to your home's air, ensuring your indoor air stays fresh.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
A common misconception is that only fuel-burning heaters pose a risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. However, improper ventilation of electrical space heaters can also lead to dangerous CO levels.