Space heaters can pose potential risks if not used properly. They have the potential to cause fires if placed too close to flammable materials or left unattended. Additionally, using extension cords that are not rated for the heater's power can increase the risk of overheating and electrical hazards.
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.
As a result of these fires, there were 490 civilian deaths, 1,400 civilian injuries, and one billion dollars in direct property damage. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that approximately 1,200 fires a year are caused by portable electric space heaters.
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.
To put out a space heater fire, unplug the heater. Leave it in place, and smother the flames with a fire extinguisher. Be ready to evacuate and call 911 if the fire gets out of control. After extinguishing a space heater fire, call your homeowners insurance agent, and start the claims process.
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).
Yes, typically, standard home insurance covers heating systems, including space heaters, and the potential fire damage they may cause.
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.
You Should Not Leave Space Heaters on Unattended
We do not recommend using space heaters at all because of this risk, but you definitely should not use them at night. If your home is too cold at night, you may want to consider adjusting your thermostat to better meet your needs.
That being said, ceramic space heaters are safe to leave on all night because the outside shell does not heat up and thus remains cool, posing no harm to you or your family. Ceramic heaters are among the safest heaters to use throughout the night.
Newer model small space heaters have current safety features. Make sure the heater carries the Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) label. Choose a thermostatically controlled heater, because they avoid the energy waste of overheating a room.
Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from all heat sources including fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators, space heaters or candles. Never use an oven to heat your home. Turn space heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
Space heaters can pose potential risks if not used properly. They have the potential to cause fires if placed too close to flammable materials or left unattended. Additionally, using extension cords that are not rated for the heater's power can increase the risk of overheating and electrical hazards.
Put your space heater on the floor and leave it there
And definitely don't put it on top of your bed, with all those flammable fabrics and feathery fillings. If at all possible, keep it off the rug, too. Generally speaking, you should always place your space heater on the flattest, smoothest surface available.
Even a small spark or excess heat from the heater can ignite nearby objects, leading to devastating fires. The risk is significantly higher when left unattended, which is why using a space heater while you sleep can be particularly dangerous.
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.
Never leave a space heater unattended. Turn it off when you're leaving a room or going to sleep, and don't let pets or children play too close to a space heater.
Overheat Shut-off: If the heater gets too hot, this feature will turn it off, preventing potential fire hazards. ECO Mode: This energy-saving setting adjusts the heater's power output based on the room's temperature, helping you stay warm without overheating while saving on energy costs.
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.
Space heaters can take anywhere from 750 watts to 3,000 watts to operate. Large space heaters take immense amounts of energy to run. However, those are most likely used only in commercial and industrial settings. The average residential space heater has two main heat settings, low and high.
The estimated life expectancy of these heaters ranged from 5 to 12 years with an average of about 8 years of useful life.
Keep the Space Heater on the Floor
Never put it on a table or countertop — that's how fires start. Also, be conscious of what material your space heater is on. Carpets, rugs, and other flammable materials should be avoided. The best place to put your space heater is on a smooth tiled floor or a heatproof mat.
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. Don't use these heaters as your main heat source, even during power failures.