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.
Overusing the heater or using an oversized heater can result in elevated levels of carbon monoxide or nitrogen dioxide fumes in the air. These fumes can cause cold or flu-like symptoms, headaches, and eye, nose and throat irritation.
Absolutely not! Electric heat is probably the most healthy heat available. Heaters fueled by other fuels are actually hazardous to your health for many reasons relating to the various fuels they use and the fumes they emit. Never let anyone tell you electric heat is unhealthy.
Improperly vented (and unvented), blocked, separated, rusted, or corroded small space heaters may emit dangerous levels of carbon monoxide (CO) and other gases into the home, causing sickness and death.
Room heaters can significantly reduce indoor humidity levels, leading to dry air. This dryness can irritate the respiratory system, causing issues such as dry throat, nasal congestion, and exacerbating pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma or allergies.
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.
While it's not recommended to leave any space heater on if you're not monitoring it, oil-filled, radiant space heaters are considered safer than ceramic convection (hot air) types, according to Roberson. Both of these options are safer than open-coil heaters.
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.
Using a space heater can be a good way to boost the temperature in a small, drafty room—and it could be less expensive than cranking up your central heating system. But a space heater is economical only if you use it judiciously.
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.
Common indoor heating sources such as electric heaters and fireplaces can both worsen sinus symptoms during the winter months. Heaters dry out the air and fireplaces can irritate the nasal passages.
Electric heaters work best when they heat up a confined space, such as the area around a desk or a reading chair. Take a look around your room and decide where your heater will be most useful. It may also help to choose an area that can be closed off by doors, so you can better trap in the heat.
Technically, only those that burn fuel, like propane or natural gas heaters emit CO. Another myth is that it's safe to use any heaters indoors; in reality, outdoor heaters should never be used inside without proper ventilation, as this can lead to dangerous CO buildup.
Don't leave the heater unattended for long
Always remember to switch off and unplug the appliance before leaving the room or going to bed. Prolonged usage of heaters in closed rooms can be dangerous as it can create carbon monoxide poisoning which can cause headache, dizziness, nausea and weakness.
Oil Room Heaters
Oil room heaters, including the premium varieties by Orpat, are one of the safest options that can be chosen for good health. Oil serves as a medium to hold and distribute heat evenly across the room.
Con: Fire and Burn Risk
The National Fire Protection Association warns that space heaters account for more than 40% of all home heating-related fires. Space heaters are also responsible for most fire-related deaths during winter, and they account for thousands of burn-related injuries each year.
Using a space heater overnight carries risks like overheating or tipping over, which are fire hazards, especially when left unattended.
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.
Wall-mounted heaters are hardwired for safety
Unlike portable options, wall-mounted units are hardwired into the wall, thus there is no cord to possibly trip over.
Space heaters are only meant to run for a few hours, and you should never leave one running overnight. The risk of it falling over, shorting out, or catching your room on fire are just too great.
Dry Air and Respiratory Issues
Space heaters can significantly dry out the air in a home, leading to various respiratory issues.
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.
Common side effects
Dehydration: Dry indoor air may lead to excessive water loss from the body, resulting in dehydration. Allergies and irritation: Dust particles or allergens circulated by heaters, especially fan-based models, can trigger allergies or worsen respiratory conditions.