Use a Space Heater with Care
Electric space heaters can help warm a room quickly. However, they can be as dangerous as convenient if used improperly.
Safe Electricity urges everyone in the home to understand the importance of using space heaters safely:
- Make sure the space heater is clean and in good condition. Cords should not be frayed, brittle, or cracked.
- Purchase only space heaters that have been safety tested and UL approved. Make sure the unit has an emergency tip-over shut-off feature and heating element guards. Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for operation and care.
- Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in good working condition before using a space heater.
- Place the heater out of high-traffic areas and on a level, hard, non-flammable floor surface—NOT on carpets, furniture, or countertops.
- Never use them to thaw pipes, cook food, or dry clothing or towels. Space heaters have one purpose —to provide supplemental heating.
- Remember to keep space heaters at least three feet from combustible liquids, like fuel, spray cans, and paint, and flammable items such as draperies, blankets, and sofas.
- Never allow pets or children near an electric heater. Accidental contact could cause serious shock or burns.
- Plug space heaters directly into the outlet, and never use an extension cord or multiple plugs.
- Do not overload circuits. Make sure not to plug the unit into the same circuit as other electric appliances.
- If your space heater is plugged into a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) and it trips, don’t assume there is something wrong with the GFCI. Immediately stop using the heater until a professional can check it— if not, a serious shock could occur
- Replace older space heaters with newer, safer models.
- Always turn off space heaters when not in use. Never leave one of these devices on unattended or after going to bed.
Do not attempt to warm your entire home using only space heaters. Space heaters are useful in small areas, such as a study or living room. However, if you need to keep large areas warm, your home heating system will do the job more efficiently.
If shopping around for a space heater, look for one that has guards from heating elements and automatically shuts off if it is tipped over or overheating. Also be sure to check for safety certification marks to verify that the product has been tested for safety. If a certification mark is unfamiliar, check for the legitimacy online. Some common, legitimate marks are UL, CSA, and ETL.
Once you have made a purchase, make sure to fully read and follow the user instructions before using the product.
Many people also use electric blankets to keep warm during cold winter nights.
- Before plugging in electric blankets, check for any damage and inspect cord for frays, cracks, or cuts.
- Do not tuck electric blankets under the mattress and place nothing on top of the blanket while it’s in use, including comforters and bedspreads.
- Don’t allow pets to sleep on the electric blanket.
Next, read Simple Steps To Lower Heating Costs And Keep You Warm.
