Unplug, unplug, unplug. It may be tempting to leave your space heater plugged in when you run out for a few moments or at the end of the workday. Even when turned off, a space heater can pose a danger if there is a power surge.
An electric heater is safest to leave unattended provided you are not dangling something flammable close in front of it or around it for that matter.
You shouldn't turn off the heat or the pipes can freeze and damage them when you turn the heat back on. You can turn down the heat but never turn it off during the winter.
There's absolutely no harm in keeping it plugged in. The only concern is it's pretty wasteful on energy. If you use your vehicle around the same time each morning you can get a block heater timer and set it to come on 2 or 3 hours before you leave.
Conclusion. While electric space heaters can help keep room temperatures warm, they can also be dangerous and cause fires. Space heaters should never be left unattended or used within three feet of any combustibles and should always be plugged directly into an outlet.
Using a space heater overnight carries risks like overheating or tipping over, which are fire hazards, especially when left unattended.
Electric heaters, on the other hand, do not produce carbon monoxide. However, they must still be used safely to prevent fire hazards. Always plug electric heaters directly into a wall outlet, avoiding extension cords or power strips, as these can overheat and cause 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.
Thermostat Malfunctions: Many block heaters are equipped with thermostats to prevent overheating. If the thermostat fails, it can either cause the heater to run continuously, leading to excessive energy consumption and potential damage, or not run at all, leaving the engine block cold.
Never leave a heating pad or blanket plugged in unattended. Unplug it as soon as you're done using it. Regularly inspect the cord where it connects to the blanket/pad and the controller for compromised insulation or loose connections.
It's More Advisable to Turn the Heat Down, Not Off
If you really want to save money and avoid the problems associated with turning off the heat at night, what you should do instead is just turn it down.
Any electrical appliance that is left plugged in to the mains could cause a fire. Some appliances like fridges and freezers are designed to be left on, but even these can cause fires if they are not used properly. Safety advice: keep the area around plug sockets and the mains switch clear.
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.
Should I unplug electrical appliances when not in use? Yes, unplugging electrical devices saves electricity and reduces the chance of an electrical fire.
What is the safest heater to leave on overnight? While it's not recommended to leave any space heater on if you're not monitoring it, oil-filled, radiant space heaters are considered safer than ceramic convection (hot air) types, according to Roberson. Both of these options are safer than open-coil heaters.
The longest you'll ever have to keep your engine block heater plugged in for is four hours. Keeping it plugged in longer than that is simply wasting your money by raising your electricity bill.
Block heaters are powered directly by your household outlet, so they won't discharge your vehicle's battery.
We researched these devices from multiple experts, so you'll know for sure. A block heater will heat your engine to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on how long it stays connected.
Ignoring Equipment Can Cause Items to Ignite
Just because space heaters are small doesn't mean they can't cause big issues, and plugging them into a power strip — and leaving them unattended — could mean that you'll be waking up or walking into a home that has caught fire.
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.
It's a Fire Hazard
Leaving your electric heater on all day is also a fire hazard. If you are not home to monitor the heater, it could overheat and start a fire.
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.
Do not ever leave the heater unattended. Avoid the carbon monoxide poisoning by turning off the heater and unplugging it before leaving the room or going to the bed.
Many homeowners will have their heater set off the smoke alarm when turning it on for the first time in a while. Sometimes, the smoke smell is strong enough to activate the smoke detectors. This is normal, if this happens make sure to reset your smoke alarms and it shouldn't pose any real danger.