Units: About 107,500 units. Manufacturer: Lasko Products Inc., of West Chester, Pa. Hazard: An electrical connection in the base of the unit can overheat, causing it to melt and expose the electrical connection, posing a fire hazard to consumers.
'Generally, it is not recommended to leave a space heater on while you sleep,' explains Josh Mitchell, HVAC technician and the owner of Air Conditioner Lab. 'The primary concerns are safety risks such as fire hazards, potential overheating, and carbon monoxide poisoning (in the case of fuel-burning space heaters).
If an overheat temperature is reached, the heater will automatically shut off. It can only be resume operation when the user resets the unit.
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.
Oil filled radiator space heaters are some of the safest on the market. 1500W is all the juice an outlet will provide (Roughly 5,000 btus).
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, space heaters are involved in more than a thousand home fires every year.
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.
Hazard: The heater's cord can overheat where it enters the base of the unit, which could pose a fire hazard to consumers.
Space heaters can pose potential risks if not used properly. They have the potential to cause fires if placed too close to flammable materials or left unattended. Additionally, using extension cords that are not rated for the heater's power can increase the risk of overheating and electrical hazards.
Running a space heater overnight increases the risk of fire. If the unit is left unattended or placed too close to flammable materials, such as curtains or bedding, it can ignite and lead to a devastating fire.
A Lasko heater can be ran for any amount of time that you need it to. Keep in mind that a space heater should only be used as a supplemental heating source and should not be used as a primary heating source.
Space heaters that are electric do not create carbon monoxide, as there is no combustion or burning. Heaters that burn something can create carbon monoxide if there is not enough oxygen to support complete combustion.
Most space heaters, including this Lasko model, are 1,500 watts. If you run a space heater for eight hours a day, it may cost you about $2 per day, depending on your local rates. We've broken it down even further in our guide on how much electricity a space heater uses.
3. Once the room temperature reaches 2 degrees above the set temperature, the Heater will shut off.
Similar to when purchasing a new car, there is a non-toxic odor that may accompany the heater. As the heater runs, the smell should dissipate. It is important to mention that Lasko complies with all required safety testing to ensure our products meet or exceed these expectations.
Fires are one of the biggest risks associated with leaving electric heaters on all night. If an electric heater has frayed wiring or malfunctions, then there is a high chance of it igniting. Electric heaters also make the air in the room really dry by conducting a lot of heat.
A Leading Cause of Fires
The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that approximately 1,200 fires a year are caused by portable electric space heaters.
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.
Place space heaters on a solid, flat surface. Keep them at least three feet from things that can burn. Check your space heater for cracked or damaged cords and plugs. Plug space heaters directly into wall outlets, don't use an extension cord or power strip.
Often time you may feel the need to use your Lasko space heater overnight to keep the chill away. We do not recommend, under any circumstances to run a heater unattended.
Since the heating elements in a ceramic heater are completely surrounded by the ceramic parts, this heater is safer than some other types that can produce sparks or other safety hazards if the heating elements fail.
What heaters are safe to leave on overnight? Only central heating via a furnace is safe for overnight use. Personal heaters, fireplaces, and other heating sources should NOT be used overnight.
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.
Infrared heaters excel in safety due to their non-combustive heating method and advanced safety features, making them ideal for cautious users and sensitive environments. Ceramic heaters offer robust safety mechanisms, ensuring a high level of protection for household use, particularly in homes with children and pets.