Are space heaters safe in bedroom?

Author: Damon Grady  |  Last update: Thursday, March 20, 2025

Keep the space heater at least 3 feet away from combustible materials, such as furniture, bedding, and curtains. A taller heater may need to be even farther away. Don't use a heater in a workshop or garage near flammable paints, gas cans, or matches. Turn it off when you leave the room or go to bed.

Is it safe to sleep in a room with a space heater?

Sleeping with the heater ON increases the levels of carbon monoxide in the room above the safe level. The risk of asphyxia (sleep death) is high when using gas heaters. The excessive carbon monoxide in the room chokes the supply of blood to the brain, which can lead to hemorrhage and eventually death.

Is it safe to use a space heater in a closed room?

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.

What is the safest heater for a bedroom?

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.

What are the chances of a space heater catching fire?

Absolutely. The US Department of Energy records about 25,000 house fires every year that are linked to a space heater fire. Many result in trips to the emergency room, with more than 300 fatalities each year. Property damage from these fires can be devastating, requiring extensive professional fire damage restoration.

Fire Inspector helps you pick out safe space heater

Is it safe to use a heater in a bedroom?

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.

Where should you not put a space heater?

On a carpet, rug or flammable surface

Space heaters can't sit on any surface that can easily scorch or catch on fire. That means you can never place one on a carpet or rug. You should also avoid using them on more delicate hardwoods or meltable vinyl, especially for long periods.

How close can a space heater be to your bed?

Most home heating deaths happened because a space heater was too close to furniture, clothing, mattresses, or bedding. Make sure your heater is at least three feet from anything that can burn.

Is it better to use a space heater or central heat?

Central heat is the most efficient way to keep everyone comfortable across multiple rooms in a house. However, a single person at home all day can turn down the central heat and use a space heater for one room at a time, such as a home office.

What happens if you sleep in closed room with heater on?

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.

How many hours can you safely run a space heater?

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.

What heaters are safe to leave on overnight?

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.

Is it safe to sleep with an electric blanket on?

Electric blankets should never be left unattended when turned on. But, can you leave an electric blanket on all night? We don't recommend sleeping with an electric blanket on all night and a thermostatic control or timer should be used if you choose to leave your electric blanket on.

Is it cheaper to turn up the heat or use a space heater?

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.

Which room heater is best for health?

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.

Are space heaters safe for bedrooms?

Best Space Heater Safety Tips

These appliances are intended to sit on the floor, not on a table. Establish a 3-foot kid- and pet-free zone around the heater, and never put a space heater in a child's room. Keep the space heater at least 3 feet away from combustible materials, such as furniture, bedding, and curtains.

Is it OK to sleep with a space heater on?

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. We do not recommend using space heaters at all because of this risk, but you definitely should not use them at night.

Can you use a space heater in a closed room?

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).

Where to put a space heater in a bedroom?

Put your space heater on the floor and leave it there

And definitely don't put it on top of your bed, with all those flammable fabrics and feathery fillings. If at all possible, keep it off the rug, too. Generally speaking, you should always place your space heater on the flattest, smoothest surface available.

Can space heaters cause carbon monoxide poisoning?

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.

How do I make sure my space heater is safe?

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.

How long can I leave a space heater on?

Recommended Usage Times. During the Day: It's generally safe to run your space heater for 6 to 8 hours during the day while you're home and active.

Is it good to sleep next to a heater?

Do not ever leave the heater unattended. Avoid the carbon monoxide poisoning by turning off the heater and unplugging it before leaving the room or going to the bed.

Can a room heater cause a headache?

This can “cause headaches, fatigue and just not feeling right”, Cowl says. Meanwhile, warm spaces can cause your heart rate to decrease and make you feel less energetic, Durant explains. Heated air is also dry, which can lead to dehydration.

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