Best Space Heater Safety Tips 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. Keep the space heater at least 3 feet away from combustible materials, such as furniture, bedding, and curtains.
On a carpet, rug or flammable surface
Space heaters can't sit on any surface that can easily scorch or catch on fire. That means you can never place one on a carpet or rug. You should also avoid using them on more delicate hardwoods or meltable vinyl, especially for long periods.
Yes, they are safe to leave on all night, provided that you take all the necessary and sensible precautions. They should not be left near anything that can burn. They and their cords should not be where they could be tripped over. They and their cords should be in good condition.
At least 3 feet of clearance must be maintained around the heater at all times. Combustible materials like paper, plastic, and cloth must be kept away from the heater. Electric cords must be kept out of foot traffic paths to prevent tripping.
Place it somewhere safe
For example, never place your space heater near flammable materials such as bedding and curtains. Also be sure to keep your heater out of bathrooms, as moisture can damage the unit. And finally, choose an area that is protected from small children and pets.
Place the heater out of high-traffic areas and on a level, hard, non-flammable floor surface—NOT on carpets, furniture, or countertops.
A well-known way to position heaters is under windows. If you do not have the space for panel heaters, you can also choose wall strip panel heaters, which are lower and longer versions. By placing heaters under the windows, you heat up cold air descending from the window glass, and avoid cold draughts along the floor.
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. They are also less likely to backdraft and adversely affect indoor air quality.
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.
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.
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.
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. Space heaters are only meant to provide supplemental heat and should never be used to warm bedding, cook food, dry clothing or thaw pipes.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
It is essential to have a functioning carbon monoxide detector in your home and to ensure proper ventilation when using a space heater. Never leave a space heater unattended, especially when sleeping.
“More than half (53 percent) of all home heating fire deaths resulted from fires that began when heating equipment was too close to things that can burn,” reports the NFPA. Always place the space heater on a hard, level and noncombustible surface, such as a tile or concrete floor – not on rugs or carpets.
Absolutely. The US Department of Energy records about 25,000 house fires every year that are linked to a space heater fire.
A space heater should be kept at least three feet away from walls, furniture, or any flammable objects. This distance allows proper airflow, reduces overheating risks, and ensures safety. Avoid placing the heater near curtains, bedding, or other materials that can catch fire easily.
Example (you can use an electric heater running cost calculator below for different wattages/kWh prices): If we assume the price of electricity is $0.1319 per kWh, a 1,500-watt electric space heater will cost; $0.20 to run per hour. $4.80 to run per 24 hours (day). $11.20 to run per week (8h/day).
Keep your heater out of your pets' or young children's reach. Place it somewhere high, beyond the reach of curious noses and hands. If you can't elevate your heater, make sure it is sufficiently fenced-in to keep pets and people from getting too near. Don't leave a space heater unattended.
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.
Even if you've followed all our safety recommendations, there is still a risk of fire. Don't place the heater on high pile carpet or a shaggy rug. Dirt, dust, and hair is easily trapped in this flammable material. Keep it safe by placing the heater on short pile carpets, hardwood floors, or tile.
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. Add Vent Fans.
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.
Electric heaters work best when they heat up a confined space, such as the area around a desk or a reading chair. Take a look around your room and decide where your heater will be most useful. It may also help to choose an area that can be closed off by doors, so you can better trap in the heat.
The type of heater that puts out the most heat depends on various factors, but generally, infrared heaters (such as the radiant heaters in this article) are known for emitting a significant amount of heat.