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.
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.
Most use 1,500 watts when on the highest heat setting, which costs about $2 per 8-hour day or over $50 a month based on the average cost of electricity nationally (local costs vary).
Always turn off the heater when you leave the room. Extended use of heaters can make them break down internally, and they could catch fire. Plus, you waste energy when the space heater is keeping an empty room warm. To be on the safe side, look for a space heater that has automatic shutoff features.
Leaving a space heater on overnight poses several potential risks, including a significant fire hazard. It is important to be aware of these dangers to ensure the safety of yourself and your home.
Cooking. Unattended cooking is listed as the number one cause of residential fires.
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.
Use Caution When Using Space Heaters – Do Not Leave Unattended! Space heaters—whether electric or propane—pose a high level of risk. They are not safe to use during the night.
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).
In fact, the risks tend to outweigh the benefits. This is why it's generally not recommended that you leave your space heater on overnight.
If you use a space heater in your home, please be aware that using a space heater can cause a significant increase in your monthly bill. A 1,000-watt space heater operating 12 hours a day will add about $40 to your monthly bill. If the cost does not deter you, remember how important it is to use space heaters safely.
Unfortunately, they can pose significant fire and electric shock hazards if not used properly. Fire and electrical hazards can be caused by space heaters without adequate safety features, space heaters placed near combustibles, or space heaters that are improperly plugged in.
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.
To save on heating bills, you can crank down the thermostat and use a space heater for local warmth. Those looking to cut heating bills as the weather cools, have options beyond adding a warm sweater and socks.
Space heaters must have an automatic safety switch (tip-over switch) that turns the unit off if it is tipped over. Space heaters must have a thermostatic control which ensures that the unit will turn itself off and pre vent overheating or creating an electrical hazard.
There have been many reports from doctors that sleeping with the heating on all night can cause your body to overheat much more quickly. The Sleep Charity advises that an ideal bedroom temperature is 16-18 degrees celsius. Temperatures over 24 degrees celsius can impact your sleep and cause restlessness.
Never leave a space heater running for long periods of time, and especially not overnight; it is best to use them intermittently; depending on your situation, a suggested practice would be to turn it off/unplug it for 10 minutes every hour if you depend on its use for longer periods.
The best room temperature for sleep is approximately 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18.3 degrees Celsius). This may vary by a few degrees from person to person, but most doctors recommend keeping the thermostat set between 65 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit (15.6 to 20 degrees Celsius) for the most comfortable sleep.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, space heaters are involved in more than a thousand home fires every year.
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.
Where are home fires most likely to start? Home fires are more likely to start in the kitchen than any other room in the home. The second leading cause of home fires are heating sources like wood stoves, and fireplaces. Fires caused by smoking are the leading cause of deaths.
Whilst they can start naturally, see Information note - Wildfire, it is estimated that 90% of all wildfires across the globe are caused by humans. About 30% of those are started as a deliberate act of arson, whilst 70% are started accidentally or as a direct result of human carelessness.
Electrical bedroom fires are often due to faulty or overtaxed wiring or malfunctioning lighting,6 but bedroom fires also start with cords, space heaters, or electric blankets. Bedding, carpeting, draperies, and other creature comforts of your bedroom are often the first items ignited in a fire.