No, you should not place a space heater on top of a dresser or any other piece of furniture. Space heaters are designed to be placed on flat, level, non-flammable surfaces (like tile, hardwood, or vinyl flooring).
Keep away from water: Never place a space heater near water sources or use it in humid conditions. Water can damage the heater and the electrical components, increasing the risk of fire or electrocution. Check for damage: Regularly inspect the heater for any damage, such as frayed wires or cracked plugs.
Keep it safe by placing the heater on short pile carpets, hardwood floors, or tile. Don't allow the space heater to become wet.
Watch closely that these heaters in your home or offices are placed at least three (3) feet from walls, furniture and anything that can burn. Never leave haters on when you leave your office or home or even when you go to bed, and keep children and pets well away from them.
Always place the space heater on a hard, level and noncombustible surface, such as a tile or concrete floor – not on rugs or carpets. This decreases the likelihood of the heater tipping over and causing a fire. Remember to turn heaters off when leaving a room, and unplug electric space heaters when they are not in use.
The Risk of Space Heater Fires
One third of fires in the home are caused by space heaters.
Place the heater on a hard, level, and nonflammable surface. 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.
Place space heaters on level, flat surfaces. Never place heaters on cabinets, tables, furniture, or carpet, which can overheat and start a fire.
A 1500-watt heater typically heats a room up to 150 square feet (as a primary heat source) or up to 250 square feet (if used as supplementary heat alongside a central system). This capacity is ideal for small to medium-sized bedrooms, home offices, or dorms.
Cheapest ways to heat your home
Because they do not use standard grid electricity or conventional electric and gas furnaces, the Amish heat their homes using off-grid, self-reliant methods. The most common systems include wood- or coal-burning stoves, propane and kerosene heaters, and natural airflow home designs.
It takes time for your home to warm up and cool down. If you're not sure how long it takes, try turning the heating on about 30 minutes before you need it. You should turn it off 30 minutes before you'll stop needing it.
The Best Position for a Portable Electric Heater
Always position the heater on a flat, stable surface, ideally on the floor, to reduce the risk of it tipping over. It should be placed in an open area where warm air can circulate freely around the room, rather than being blocked by furniture or walls.
**Never Leave Unattended**: Turn off space heaters when you leave the room or go to sleep. Unattended heaters are a leading cause of fire.
It's very easy for things in your home to catch fire if placed too close to a fan heater. Also, try to keep children and animals away from fan heaters. It's possible that they could drop or poke something through the vents and onto the metal coil, which may start a fire, and puts them in danger if they're too close.
Choose a location at least three feet away from anything combustible. This includes bedding, pillows, furniture, curtains, clothes and papers. Also, make sure the heater sits on a level, hard surface. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says not to place space heaters on rugs or carpet.
Ways to Keep Your Room Warm Without a Heater
Seasonal Maintenance Tips for Home Heating
Yes, space heaters will significantly increase your electric bill if used regularly, as they draw a high amount of power. Most standard portable heaters use about 1,500 watts of electricity. Running one for just 8 hours a day can add roughly $40 to $60 to your monthly bill, depending on your local electricity rates.
An electric space heater rated at 1,500 watts will put out the same amount of heat regardless what you pay for it.
We get a lot of questions from people who want to know if they can put furniture in front of their heaters. Simple answer, you should not place anything in front of your heater as it is not safe; this includes any kind of furniture, drapes, paper, bedding, and people.
Kids and pets
Children and pets can knock over a space heater or get too close and burn themselves. Don't put space heaters in hallways or other places kids or pets might pass by. And don't let kids move a heater or adjust the controls.
Keep space heaters 3 feet away from drapes, furniture or other things that can burn. Plug space heaters directly into wall outlets. Do not use an extension cord, even a heavy-duty one with a power rating at least as high as that of the heater itself.