Is it OK to leave space heaters unattended?

Author: Ms. Beulah Funk II  |  Last update: Wednesday, October 1, 2025

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.

Is it safe to leave a space heater on when not home?

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.

How likely is a space heater to start a fire?

Absolutely. The US Department of Energy records about 25,000 house fires every year that are linked to a space heater fire.

What type of space heater can be left unattended?

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.

Is leaving a space heater plugged in a fire hazard?

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.

Is It Safe to Leave Electric Space Heater ON Overnight?

Should I unplug my space heater when not in use?

Place space heaters on level, flat surfaces. Never place heaters on cabinets, tables, furniture, or carpet, which can overheat and start a fire. Always unplug and safely store the heater when it is not in use.

What space heater is not a fire hazard?

Sealed combustion heaters are much safer to operate than other types of space heaters, and operate more efficiently because they do not draw in the heated air from the room and exhaust it to the outdoors.

Which heater can I leave on overnight?

Oil heaters

They're often fitted with an automatic shutoff feature which means they'll turn off automatically if you leave the heater unattended. This makes an oil-filled heater relatively safe to leave on at night.

Can you leave a Mr heater unattended?

No, these heaters are meant for auxiliary heat to help supplement your rooms that need the chill taken out. These heaters are not meant to run continuously or unattended.

What causes a space heater to catch fire?

Portable electric heaters utilize electricity to power the heating element and warm a space. These heaters are safe to use indoors. However, they should be plugged directly into an outlet. Never plug an electric heater into a power strip, as this can overwhelm the heater and ignite a fire.

How risky are space heaters?

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. While there are no federal safety rules prohibiting space heaters at a worksite, you should follow local rules and regulations.

How do you avoid a space heater fire?

Place space heaters on a solid, flat surface. Keep them at least three feet from things that can burn. Check your space heater for cracked or damaged cords and plugs. Plug space heaters directly into wall outlets, don't use an extension cord or power strip.

Do space heaters use a lot of electricity?

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.

Can I leave the heating on overnight?

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.

What is a safe alternative to a space heater?

Another alternative to using a space heater is using a duct booster fan. Duct booster fans are blower fans designed to increase airflow through the ductwork. They can be a great help for those hard-to-heat rooms.

Is it safe to leave space heaters unattended?

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.

Can I sleep with a space heater on?

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.

Do space heaters turn off automatically?

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.

Are space heaters a carbon monoxide risk?

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.

How to safely have a space heater?

If you use a space heater for warmth, simple steps can help you...
  1. Keep it at least 3 feet from anything flammable. ...
  2. Don't leave it unattended. ...
  3. Keep out of reach of children and pets. ...
  4. Plug it directly into the outlet. ...
  5. Make sure to have a working smoke and carbon monoxide alarm. ...
  6. Look out for signs of malfunction.

Why are space heaters against fire code?

Each year, many serious fires result from the improper use of these heaters. Because of their mobility, these stoves pose a hazard when placed near combustible materials or where they can block a means of egress. Portable Electric Heaters (Section 11.5. 3).

Are modern space heaters safe?

But they can also pose a safety risk no matter where you use them. Portable space heaters were involved in an average of 1,700 house fires a year from 2017 to 2019, according to the most recent statistics from the Consumer Product Safety Commission. These fires resulted in an average of 70 deaths annually.

What is the number 1 cause of house fires?

Cooking. Unattended cooking is listed as the number one cause of residential fires.

What to do if your space heater catches 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.

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