Stay Warm, Stay Safe: How to Safely Use Space Heaters in Your Home

12/11/2024 (Permalink)

Let’s go over some tips to safely use your space heater and avoid potential risks.

As the weather gets colder, space heaters become a popular way to warm up small areas quickly. While they’re convenient, they can also be dangerous if not used properly. In fact, space heaters are a leading cause of home fires. Let’s go over some tips to safely use your space heater and avoid potential risks.

The Risks of Space Heaters

The main risks are:

• Fire hazards: Space heaters can easily catch nearby objects on fire, like curtains, furniture, or bedding.
• Electrical dangers: Overloaded outlets or old wiring can cause electrical fires.
• Burn injuries: Space heaters can get very hot to the touch, posing a risk, especially to kids and pets.

Now that you know the risks, let’s go over some ways to prevent them.

Safe Ways to Use a Space Heater

While space heaters can be risky, you can easily reduce the danger by following a few simple safety tips:

Pick the Right Space Heater

Not all space heaters are made the same, so make sure to choose one that’s safe to use.

• Look for safety labels: Choose a heater that has been tested and certified by a trusted group like UL or ETL.
• Check for auto shut-off: A good heater will have an automatic shut-off feature if it tips over or gets too hot.

Keep Your Heater in the Right Spot

Where you place your space heater can make a big difference.

• Give it space: Keep your space heater at least 3 feet away from anything that could catch fire, like blankets, rugs, or furniture.
• Use a flat surface: Always place the heater on a hard, flat surface—not on a carpet or soft material.
• Out of the way: Keep it out of high-traffic areas where it might get bumped or knocked over.

Plug It Straight into the Wall

This is an important tip: Never plug your space heater into an extension cord or power strip.

• Wall outlet only: Space heaters need a lot of power, so they should be plugged directly into a wall outlet.
• Don’t overload: Avoid plugging other high-power appliances into the same outlet as your heater.

Turn It Off When You Leave

It’s never safe to leave a space heater on when you’re not around.

• Switch it off when you’re out: Always turn off your heater when you leave the room or go to bed.
• Unplug when not in use: If you’re not using your space heater, unplug it until you need it again.

Timers and Thermostats Are Your Friends

Heaters with timers and built-in thermostats are great for added safety.

• Timers: Set the heater to run for a limited time so it shuts off automatically.
• Thermostats: Adjust the temperature and let the heater turn off when the room reaches your desired warmth.

Why Space Heater Safety Matters

At SERVPRO of Costa Mesa, we’ve seen how quickly fire damage can happen when space heaters aren’t used correctly. By sticking to these safety guidelines, you can lower the risk of fire and enjoy a warm, safe home. If you ever need fire damage restoration, our team is Here to Help®—just give us a call!