Although they avoid indoor air quality problems, electric small space heaters still pose burn and fire hazards and should be used with caution. For convection (non-radiant) space heaters, the best types incorporate a heat transfer liquid, such as oil, that is heated by the electric element.
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.
Yes, they can be dangerous if not used with care. My advice is to use it in a room that is occupied and clean. Keep at least a 3 foot radius clear of anything around the heater. It's very important to plug the heater directly into an outlet and not any extension cords or strip plugs or adapters.
Leaving a heater on overnight or unattended not only creates a potential safety risk, but it can also dry out your skin and nasal passages. As with any portableheater, it's essential to use the devices safely. Leave plenty of space around portable heaters to avoid fire hazards.
According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), at least 430 people die annually in the U.S. from accidental carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. While electric space heaters do not produce carbon monoxide (CO), non-electric space heaters (propane gas, natural gas, kerosene, wood) can if incomplete combustion occurs.
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 CDC, carbon monoxide is a silent killer that takes hundreds of lives per year. Unfortunately, you cannot tell just by looking at your furnace whether it is leaking carbon monoxide. You need a carbon monoxide detector or other special equipment to test the levels yourself.
When heating your bedroom overnight, using a space heater is not a safe option. Fire risk and overheating are common reasons to avoid using a space heater overnight. Homes also need heating during the day, so using a central heating system like a furnace, boiler, or heat pump is always a better option.
Eye and skin irritation
Long-term exposure to dry, warm air produced by room heaters can cause irritation to the eyes and skin. This can lead to redness, itching, and discomfort.
Yes, it is safe to use the Mr. Heater Buddy indoors if you take precautions and use the heater properly. It has a low oxygen sensor and automatic tip-over shutoff for added safety. However, be sure to check your local and state regulations as well, as some areas have restrictions on the use of propane heaters inside.
Space heaters usually consume between 400 and 1500 watts of electricity, and the majority use around 800-1000 watts. If an electric heater is used for 3 hours a day, then it could add up to 90 kWh of electricity to your monthly electricity bill, which could be an additional 5-10% of your total monthly electricity cost.
What is the safest heater to leave on overnight? 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.
Portable heaters can cause fires if they are placed too close to combustible materials, such as drapes, furniture or bedding, so make sure to place them at least three feet away from these materials.
It isn't bad to run your heating system on a 24/7 basis if outdoor weather conditions demand indoor warmth. For many households, maintaining a constant indoor temperature is the only way to survive the winter. Just be aware that this is likely to cause additional wear and tear on your heating system.
With an overheat sensor, the electric heater will auto shut off when overheating or tipping over, bringing safer protection.
Dry Air and Respiratory Issues
Space heaters can significantly dry out the air in a home, leading to various respiratory issues.
Radiant heaters are considered the best option for health, as they provide direct warmth to objects and people without heating the surrounding air. This method reduces the circulation of dust and allergens, making it ideal for individuals with respiratory issues.
There are many other electric heating technologies – such as fan heaters, oil column heaters, panel heaters, or infrared heaters – that do not release toxins into the home. Heater manufacturers are often reluctant to talk about the health impacts of their products, and regulators are slow to catch up with the science.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
It is essential to have a functioning carbon monoxide detector in your home and to ensure proper ventilation when using a space heater. Never leave a space heater unattended, especially when sleeping.
At Night: If you choose to use your space heater overnight, it's best to limit its operation to 4 to 6 hours on a lower setting. Some people prefer to set their heater to turn off about an hour after they fall asleep, which you can manage through a timer or a model with a scheduling feature.
Understanding Infrared Heating
These waves are a type of radiation emitted by the sun and are safe for human exposure when used correctly. They provide even warmth throughout rooms while being safer than conventional heaters due to their targeted approach.
Unvented Heaters
Portable kerosene and unvented gas heaters release combustion products directly into your home. Overusing the heater or using an oversized heater can result in elevated levels of carbon monoxide or nitrogen dioxide fumes in the air.
Small carbon monoxide leaks can fill every room in your house with poisonous gas within eight hours. Severe leaks can cause this problem in just five minutes. The EPA states that exposure to concentrations of nine ppm or more for eight hours is enough to produce harmful health effects for at-risk individuals.