Space Heater Safety Tips

02 Feb Space Heater Safety Tips

With winter in full swing, more and more of us are doing everything in our power to stay warm. While our home heating systems may be doing their job, sometimes we just want a little extra warmth in certain rooms. A popular method of warming other spots in our homes is using space heaters. While they do their job, the use of these units without taking the proper safety precautions can cause fires or burns. To avoid these problems, follow these space heater safety tips.

1. Give your space heater enough room.Allow at least three to five feet of space between your heater and any combustible objects. The majority of space heater fires result from placing the heaters too close to volatile objects.
2. Go for high quality. While you may not want to spend too much money on a space heater, the extra dollars mean extra protection. Look for heaters with the latest safety features and a Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) label of approval. Keep an eye out for units that have an automatic shut-off feature for when they get tipped over or detect a person or object is too close. These are ideal for homes with children or pets.
3. Don’t hide cords under rugs and carpets. When a space heater operates, its plug and cord generate heat. Running the cord under a rug could cause it to get too hot and start a fire.
4. Never lay any materials on top of the heater. While it may be tempting to dry or warm up materials such as clothing, towels, or socks on your space heater, those materials could easily catch fire.
5. Never run your space heater in an empty room. If there is not someone in the room to watch the heater in case something goes wrong, it shouldn’t be on. Turn off your unit when your leave a room and before you go to sleep, so you don’t risk your children or pets coming into contact with it.

We want you to be warm, but we also want you to be safe. The experts at Wahl Family Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing can work with you to find the right heating solutions for your home. For more information on home heating systems, #CallWahl at (412) 265-2662.