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.
Heaters must be kept at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including papers, clothing and rugs. Locate space heaters out of high traffic areas and doorways where they may pose a tripping hazard.
Dry Air: Space heaters can reduce humidity levels in a room, leading to dry skin, irritated sinuses, and other respiratory issues. Overheating: Many space heaters can overheat if left on for extended periods, which can damage the unit or create a fire risk.
Another alternative to using a space heater is using a duct booster fan. Duct booster fans are blower fans designed to increase airflow through the ductwork. They can be a great help for those hard-to-heat rooms. Add Vent Fans.
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.
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.
Non-business related small appliances, such as space heaters, are not permitted in the office unless approved by management. Re-locatable power taps (power strips) can be used in conjunction with small appliances if listed and labeled for such use.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Choose a Space Heater That is Suitable for Your Apartment
It should be large enough to heat the room or area you want to warm up while still being small enough to fit in the available space. Low-wattage space heaters are often much safer than high-wattage models, as they are less likely to overheat.
After our lab engineers tested more than 100 space heaters, we found that the highest-rated models in CR's space heater ratings can heat an average-sized room in about 15 minutes—and will run you between $25 and $650.
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. While there are no federal safety rules prohibiting space heaters at a worksite, you should follow local rules and regulations.
The AHJ is permitted to prohibit the use of space heaters where an undue danger to life or property exists. The AHJ can use past inspection findings, such as portable heaters that were left turned on and unattended, fire incidents, and other reasons to prohibit the use of such heaters.
Fire is a standard covered peril under most homeowners insurance policies. Therefore, a space heater itself and damage caused by a space heater are likely covered up to your policy limits.
“No, it's absolutely not safe to use a space heater at night,” states Glenn Gault, CEO at Gault Heating & Cooling. “It's not even safe to leave your space heater running when you leave a room for just a few minutes.
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.
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 soot stain can have a black, brown or even yellow color. Smell: While carbon monoxide doesn't emit odor, it may get accompanied by other exhaust gases that produce an odor. A yellow burner flame: The pilot flame may produce an unusual yellow flame instead of the normal blue one.
Space heaters may be small in size, but they can be one of the most dangerous appliances in your home when it comes to fire due to their high wattage. One of the most common ways a space heater can cause a fire is by tipping over. Other ways are overheating, or being placed too close to flammable items like curtains.
Radiant heaters are best if you want to heat an area very quickly. On the other hand, if you want to warm an entire room in your home, a convection heater is the better choice. If you're looking for a heater that can stand up to everyday use and abuse, combination heaters are tough to beat.