The use of indoor space heaters is limited due to risk of fire and concerns for energy consumption.
Dorm rooms have a reputation for being chilly, and one solution for this is to buy a space heater. While they are a nice solution to combat the cold, space heaters can be a big fire risk if left running for too long. Always make sure they are turned off and unplugged when the room is unoccupied.
Dry Air: Space heaters can reduce humidity levels in a room, leading to dry skin, irritated sinuses, and other respiratory issues. Overheating: Many space heaters can overheat if left on for extended periods, which can damage the unit or create a fire risk.
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).
Housing officially prohibits electrical appliances over 500 W, which does include most air fryers. This becomes a fire and safety issue due to overloading circuits and can get the Fire Marshal involved.
LED string lights also make for great lighting for college dorms and apartments with outdoor patio or balcony space. Invest in smart lighting that can be adjusted with your phone or voice commands to stay in bed when you're done reading or watching shows at night.
Some institutes allow students to use personal air conditioners while others don't, citing the low electrical capacity of older dorms or fearing high electricity bills. Whether your university allows air conditioners or not, you can find out by consulting the student handbook or asking the administration.
Heaters must be kept at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including papers, clothing and rugs. Locate space heaters out of high traffic areas and doorways where they may pose a tripping hazard.
The US Department of Energy records about 25,000 house fires every year that are linked to a space heater fire. Many result in trips to the emergency room, with more than 300 fatalities each year. Property damage from these fires can be devastating, requiring extensive professional fire damage restoration.
Non-business related small appliances, such as space heaters, are not permitted in the office unless approved by management. Re-locatable power taps (power strips) can be used in conjunction with small appliances if listed and labeled for such use.
Vented and Unvented Combustion Small Space Heaters
They may also bring unwanted nitrogen oxide into the home; nitrogen oxide can cause asthma and other respiratory problems. These heaters can also introduce water vapor into the home, which can result in mold and other structural damage.
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.
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.
The boiler heats water which is pumped through each room's heating radiator. After the water gives up it's heat it flows back to the boiler to be heated again. The system works in the same way as a house. A thermostat senses the buildings temperature and switches the boiler on when the building cools down.
Candles. Candles are usually not allowed in dorm rooms due to the potential fire hazard. Bringing candles if they are not allowed could get you in trouble with your housing contract, so it's important to check your college's rules.
HOT PLATES | Students often bring hot plates in dorm rooms so they can cook. Forgetting to unplug the appliance may sound insignificant but it doesn't take long for it to catch fire, especially when there are any flammable items around, such as papers, napkins, etc.
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.
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.
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.
Most properties have guidelines that restrict the use of open-flame appliances due to their high risks. The restrictions are meant to protect other tenants and the property.
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 aren't allowed. Check the housing handbook, it's more extensive than the prohibited items list.
Bed bugs, silverfish, and flies or gnats are three of the pests dorm room dwellers find most frequently in their cozy bungalows.