Portable space heaters that use a fuel source such as propane or kerosene can release toxic fumes and gases, such as carbon monoxide. To avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, use only electric space heaters and never place a fuel-burning space heater in an enclosed space (such as an apartment).
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, space heaters are involved in more than a thousand home fires every year.
Turn off the space heater when no one is occupying that area or when it is out of sight. Do not use space heaters if small children are in the area. Unplug space heaters at the end of each day and make sure the unit has cooled before exiting the room or jobsite.
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. Don't use these heaters as your main heat source, even during power failures.
Never leave a space heater unattended, especially when sleeping. Ensure the space heater has a tip-over switch that automatically turns off the unit if it topples. Regularly inspect and maintain your space heater to ensure it is in good working condition.
Never leave a space heater unattended. Turn it off when you're leaving a room or going to sleep, and don't let pets or children play too close to a space heater. Space heaters are only meant to provide supplemental heat and should never be used to warm bedding, cook food, dry clothing or thaw pipes.
Furnaces. Most modern hotels and apartment buildings use heat pumps to heat each room. Heat pumps generally do not burn fuel and run on electricity instead. But older hotels and apartment buildings may still use fuel-burning appliances or even space heaters, both of which increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
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.
Space heaters can take anywhere from 750 watts to 3,000 watts to operate. Large space heaters take immense amounts of energy to run. However, those are most likely used only in commercial and industrial settings. The average residential space heater has two main heat settings, low and high.
Space heaters can quickly overheat, which can lead to fire risk. High-wattage space heaters are at risk of overheating and should be used cautiously. Keeping the space heater at least 3 feet from other objects and out of high-traffic areas will reduce the risk of things accidentally catching fire.
Sleeping with a room heater on in a closed room can increase carbon monoxide levels, reduce oxygen, and disrupt blood flow to the brain, potentially leading to brain hemorrhage or death.
The good news is that modern infrared heaters are very safe to use even when left unattended during the night, even while you are sleeping.
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.
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.
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.
Even a small spark or excess heat from the heater can ignite nearby objects, leading to devastating fires. The risk is significantly higher when left unattended, which is why using a space heater while you sleep can be particularly dangerous.
To use a room heater safely, always place it on a flat, stable surface away from flammable materials. Keep it at least three feet from furniture, curtains, and other objects. Never leave it unattended, especially when sleeping or leaving the room. Plug it directly into a wall outlet.
Electrical space heaters pose no danger of carbon monoxide poisoning, unlike those that burn fuels, such as kerosene. Don't start or leave cars, trucks, or other vehicles running in an enclosed area, such as a garage, even with the outside door open.
The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. CO symptoms are often described as “flu-like.” If you breathe in a lot of CO, it can make you pass out or kill you.
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.
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.
Cooking. Unattended cooking is listed as the number one cause of residential fires.
Each year, many serious fires result from the improper use of these heaters. Because of their mobility, these stoves pose a hazard when placed near combustible materials or where they can block a means of egress. Portable Electric Heaters (Section 11.5. 3).
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.