{"id":1928,"date":"2023-01-05T13:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-05T21:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.appliancepartspros.com\/b\/?p=1928"},"modified":"2023-10-09T12:55:43","modified_gmt":"2023-10-09T19:55:43","slug":"space-heater-safety-and-you","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.appliancepartspros.com\/c\/space-heater-safety-and-you\/","title":{"rendered":"12 things you should know about portable space heaters"},"content":{"rendered":"
black slim electric portable space heater standing up<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n
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When used correctly and carefully, a space heater can be a good way to add some supplemental heat to your home, but using one is never without risk. Before you plug in your heater to preheat a cold room this fall or winter, check out our guide to proper space heater use.<\/span><\/p>\n\n

Are space heaters safe?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

If used correctly, yes, but the key is that space heaters must be used correctly \u2013 following safety guidelines regarding the appliance\u2019s condition and its use.<\/span><\/p>\n

And what if a space heater isn\u2019t being used correctly? Well, The <\/span>U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission<\/span><\/a> estimates that every year, more than 1,700 residential fires, 160 injuries, and 80 deaths can be attributed to misuse of space heaters. Those numbers are high enough that the United State\u2019s top fire official made a major push to educate citizens about fire safety this year in an effort to save more lives.<\/span><\/p>\n

Gas-powered vs electric space heaters<\/strong><\/h2>\n

There are two main kinds of portable space heaters: gas and electric.<\/span><\/p>\n

Gas-powered space heaters, also called small combustion space heaters, use kerosene, propane, or another fuel (never gasoline) to heat a space. Depending on the price of fuel, they are typically more energy efficient and less expensive to run than their electrical counterparts. However, gas-powered space heaters pose additional risks.<\/span><\/p>\n

Aside from the open flame, they can also produce carbon monoxide gas, which can quickly become deadly if your home is not properly ventilated. Do not use a gas-powered space heater if you do not have carbon monoxide detectors installed in your home.<\/span><\/p>\n

Electrical space heaters are generally safer than gas-powered heaters, but they are less energy efficient and more expensive to run.<\/span><\/p>\n

12 things you need to know about portable space heaters<\/strong><\/h2>\n

From what to look for when you buy to how to use one once you have it, we\u2019ve got you covered with 12 tips for safe space heater use in your home.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Space heaters are for supplemental heat only<\/strong><\/h3>\n

A space heater isn\u2019t going to warm your whole house or even an entire room if the space is big enough. Keep this in mind. Space heaters are not a permanent solution to a house that is too drafty to hold heat or a furnace that can\u2019t keep up with a household\u2019s needs.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. When buying, look for a safety certification<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Most portable space heaters now need to be reviewed and approved by independent safety testing labs. When you\u2019re looking for a new space heater, make sure you\u2019re buying one that is safety certified.<\/span><\/p>\n

In the United States, safety certifications will usually show as a UL (Underwriter Laboratories) or ETL (Intertek) label on the packaging.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Don\u2019t skip on the safety features<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Here in the US, portable space heaters don\u2019t generally come with many bells and whistles, but there are a few vital safety features you\u2019ll want to look for before you buy:<\/span><\/p>\n