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. Portable space heaters can get very hot and ignite nearby objects, by either tipping over or being in close proximity to these objects.
Electric heaters of any type are unsafe to leave running overnight because they carry a significant amount of risk. 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.
Electric heaters can be quite safe. Most modern models feature anti-tip safety devices that will shut them off if they get tipped, and some type of thermostat control. Whether forced draft or radiant, it is still very important to keep the area around them clear.
Using the heater too often could lead to undesirable consequences like leaving out skin or nasal passages dried out. It Can Cause Carbon Monoxide Poisoning-It's important to keep your space heater in good working order so you don't have any accidents or health problems.
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.
Never leave a space heater unattended due to the risk of fire. Even if it's so cold you're afraid your pipes will freeze, you're better off unplugging the heater and leaving the water running (a stream about the size of a pencil lead should keep the pipes from freezing).
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).
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. This allows you to enjoy warmth as you go about your daily tasks.
Space Heater Recalls
Industrial recalls 8,500 electric garage heaters due to the potential of the heating element overheating and causing a fire hazard. Dyson recalled 338,000 bladeless portable heaters in the U.S. and 43,000 in Canada due to a potential short that could cause the unit to overheat and cause a fire.
One small space heater plugged in 8 hours a day can add about $50 to your monthly electric bill. Space heaters are a great way to increase the temperature in one room for a short period of time, but keep in mind that they can be costly to run and will result in a higher bill.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that more than 1,700 residential fires every year are associated with the use of space heaters, resulting in more than 80 deaths and 160 injuries nationally.
Electric water heaters, including electric tankless water heaters, do not require ventilation because they do not produce combustion byproducts like gas water heaters.
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.
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.
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.
Don't leave the heater unattended for long
Always remember to switch off and unplug the appliance before leaving the room or going to bed. Prolonged usage of heaters in closed rooms can be dangerous as it can create carbon monoxide poisoning which can cause headache, dizziness, nausea and weakness.
The best way to prevent a fire is to never leave a space heater running in a room unattended—that way, if anything does go wrong, you can take action quickly. If you have kids or pets that could knock a heater over or drape fabric on it, keep a very close eye on its operation.
Appliances that run on electricity do not produce carbon monoxide.
Your furnace can fail prematurely and lead to expensive furnace repair bills or even necessitate a brand-new furnace if the motor is damaged. The most serious risk of an overheating furnace is stress cracks in the heat exchanger caused by overheating.
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 good news is that modern infrared heaters are very safe to use even when left unattended during the night, even while you are sleeping.
Leaving your heating on all night may keep you warm, but it will also cause an increase in your energy bills. The best way to save money and energy is by only using your heating when you need it.
Absolutely. The US Department of Energy records about 25,000 house fires every year that are linked to a space heater fire.
If you have an electric heater or an old, non-condensing boiler, we recommend not leaving them on forever. That's because electricity heaters can be expensive to run, so turning them on and off will help.
The ideal home temperature for sleeping is generally between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit -- and you might even sleep better because of it.