Space heaters often cause very dry air; this can irritate your sinuses, dry your lips and skin and cause other irritating conditions like nosebleeds and rashes. They can also dry your eyes, making it harder to see clearly after a long day.
While in use, heaters lower humidity levels in your home and force hot air through dusty, dirty vents, filters and ducts, if poorly maintained. Constantly breathing extremely warm, dry air that may contain fungi, mold and mildew from the vents can affect your skin, nose, throat and eyes.
Have vented space heaters professionally inspected every year. 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.
Dry skin, conjunctivitis, allergy
The comforting heaters can also lead to dry skin and irritation in the eyes. In case of dry eyes, it can also lead to conjunctivitis. Dry skin can lead to itchiness, redness and allergy.
Electric space heaters can be used safely, but they are not the safest option for staying warm when the temperature drops. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), space heaters account for 43% of home heating fires and 85% of home heating deaths. They can also be a hazard in the workplace.
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.
Electric heaters are considered safer than gas furnaces because they do not produce carbon monoxide or involve open flames. Electric heaters are also available in various sizes and types, making them versatile for various heating needs.
How it happens: Heaters contribute to a dry environment, potentially increasing the body's water loss. Effect: Dehydration can occur, emphasizing the need to drink enough water to compensate.
Unvented Heaters
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.
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. If these types of heaters are in use, it is recommended that a working CO detector be used to indicate the presence of high-level CO gas.
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.
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.
The survey revealed that nearly half (46%) of people who sleep with the heating on overnight wake the following morning feeling ill with over a third (37%) suffering from a headache, dry mouth, and dehydration (20%) or “generally bunged-up” (18%).
The disadvantages of electric heating encompass slower heating times and higher energy bills over time. For instance, an electric furnace can take a significant amount of time to power the included heating element and adequately warm the air within a home.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
However, improper ventilation of electrical space heaters can also lead to dangerous CO levels. While electrical heaters themselves do not produce CO, they can contribute to poor indoor air quality if they are not used correctly.
Electric heaters of any type are unsafe to leave running overnight because they carry a significant amount of risk.
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.
Keep electric heaters at least 1 metre from people, furniture and items such as blankets, cushions and newspapers. Place your heater on a solid surface to keep it stable. Never use your heater to dry clothes.
These fire result in hundreds of deaths, thousands of injuries and millions of dollars in property damage. Portable electric space heaters can be a convenient source of supplemental heat for your home in cold weather. Unfortunately, they can pose significant fire and electric shock hazards if not used properly.
Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and ensure that you know how to use it properly. Never leave the space heater unattended while it is running. Always turn off the heater before leaving the room or going to sleep.
No, electric heating does not typically directly cause headaches. Some types of electric heating, such as night storage heaters, can lead to dry air, which could cause headaches in susceptible individuals.
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.