12 simple space heater safety tips for this winter
Samantha Bullington / Monday October 30, 2023
As temperatures drop and winter sets in, many people look for supplemental heating sources like space heaters to stay warm. Space heaters can provide targeted heat for one room or area without cranking up the thermostat for your whole home. When energy costs are high, space heaters can offer an appealing option for adding a little extra warmth just where you need it.
Safety should be the number one priority when using any type of space heater. These handy appliances account for over 25,000 residential fires each year, resulting in hundreds of deaths and injuries according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). But there’s no need to shiver in fear. You can safely enjoy cozy warmth from a space heater as long as you follow a few important safety guidelines.
While modern space heaters have more safety features than older models, follow these precautions when using them:
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1. Only use space heaters for supplemental heat
Remember that a space heater can’t warm an entire room or house if the space is too large for the size of space heater you have. Space heaters also can’t serve as a permanent solution for a drafty house that struggles to retain heat or a furnace that fails to meet household demands.
2. Only use a space heater that has a safety certification
Most portable space heaters now need to be reviewed and approved by independent safety testing labs. When you’re looking for a new space heater, make sure you’re buying one that’s safety-certified.
In the United States, safety certifications will usually show as a UL (Underwriter Laboratories) or ETL (Intertek) label on the packaging.
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3. Use a heater with safety features
Try to only use models with safety features like tip-over auto shut-off and overheating protection.
4. Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working
Your home should have a carbon monoxide detector on every floor, including the basement. Smoke alarms should likewise be on every floor and within 10 feet of each bedroom. Never run a space heater in your home if you don’t have a carbon monoxide detector.
Take a few minutes to test every carbon monoxide detector and smoke alarm in your home once a month. Just press the test button on your alarm and after a second or two it will make a loud siren or alert. Remember to check the batteries in all your home alarms every six months.
5. Place space heaters in the right spot
Where and how you set up a space heater greatly impacts both safety and heating effectiveness. Setting up your space heater in the right place helps prevent it from overheating and minimizes the chance of it getting knocked over.
Remember the “three foot rule” for space heaters: They should be kept at least three feet away from anything that can burn, such as drapes, blankets, furniture, bedding, paper, people and pets. Heaters should also be kept at least three feet away from exits or paths through a room to prevent tripping. If you’re using multiple space heaters, position them at least three feet away from each other.
Keep space heaters:
- On hard, flat floors away from foot traffic
- Near room centers
- Towards open areas
- Angled to direct warmth to desired areas
- At least three feet away from furniture, bedding, drapes and anything else that can burn
Don’t put space heaters:
- On carpets or rugs that can block airflow
- In the corners of a room
- Facing directly at walls
- In bathrooms and other humid/wet areas
- In enclosed high-traffic spaces like hallways or doorways
- On shelves or counters
- Around children and pets to avoid accidental and potentially serious burns
6. Inspect your space heater before every use
Make it a habit to check your heater before plugging it in. Make sure that the power cord is in good condition, without any fraying or bubbling. You should also check that the space heater sits flat and stable on the floor.
For gas-powered heaters, carefully examine them for signs of rust or damage. It’s highly recommended by the U.S. Department of Energy to have small space heaters professionally inspected every year.
Never use a space heater that’s damaged in any way.
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7. Plug the heater directly into the power outlet
Always plug a space heater into a power outlet. Avoid extension cords and power strips, since they can overheat, damage the space heater and start a fire.
8. Monitor your heater as it runs
Once your heater is running, periodically check for any signs of malfunction. For electric heaters, ensure that the screen or buttons are responsive and that safety features like anti-tip mechanisms are functioning correctly. As for gas heaters, look at the color of the flame and check the user manual to make sure it appears blue. If it’s showing any other color, immediately turn it off, disconnect it from the power source and check your manual for troubleshooting steps.
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9. Never run a space heater unattended
It can be tempting to turn on your space heater to preheat a room or keep someplace warm while you aren’t around, but that’s a serious safety risk. If you have to leave the house, leave the room, or are on your way to bed, shut off your space heater. Think of a space heater like a candle – don’t leave that open heat source without supervision.
10. Don’t hide the cord
It may be tempting to put the cord for your electric space heater out of sight, but the most common methods of hiding cords, like running them under rugs, can also over-insulate them. Heat won’t be able to escape the cord, which can lead to overheating or fires.
11. If you have a combustion space heater, use the right fuel
Never use gasoline in a combustion space heater, and never add fuel while the heater is still hot.
Consult your product manual to learn more about which fuel you should be using and how much of it you should add. Fuel expands as it warms, risking a spill if you overfill.
12. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines
Be sure to carefully read all instructions and safety warnings for your heater model.
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Stay warm safely
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Hey there, I’m Samantha and I’m super excited to be a part of the Appliance Parts Pros team! With 9 years of experience, I’ve had the awesome opportunity to assist countless customers in troubleshooting their home appliances and finding DIY repair solutions.