Space Heater Safety Tips

A space heater is a great tool to heat up your home in areas where normal heat isn’t just cutting it. However, if used incorrectly, they can pose a fire and safety hazard. It’s important to follow all safety instructions and use them only as they’re supposed to be used. Follow these tips to always be safe while enjoying your space heater.

Keep it on The Floor

While you may be tempted to put the space heater on a bed, sofa, or wooden shelf so it’s right in front of you, it’s highly advised that you don’t. If it’s put on another surface other than the floor, it may tip over or overheat, which are both fire hazards. It should instead be placed on the smoothest, flattest surface possible in a spot where it can’t be tipped over.

Keep Away From Water

Any and all electric appliances, including space heaters, should always be kept away from water or other liquid. This is a very dangerous combination and you should always know this and remind all members of your household. You should therefore not have your space heater in your bathroom, near a shower, in the kitchen, near a sink, or near anywhere else that has water.

Avoid Flammable Objects

Since a space heater itself can be a fire hazard if misused, it’s vital to keep it away from flammable objects. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends a three-foot rule, which states that a space heater shouldn’t be within three feet of anything flammable. Some common household items that are flammable include paper, curtains, pillows, and bedding.

Don’t Leave it Unattended

If your space heater is on, you should never leave it alone. It’s much more of a fire hazard if it’s unattended, as something could happen if you don’t watch over it, such as it getting knocked over or coming in contact with something flammable. It should also never be left unattended around a child, even if it’s not plugged in, as they may get curious and plug it in. They also should not be turned on while you sleep.

Schedule Your Heating Appointment Today

While a space heater can be a great appliance to use on extra cold days if you want a little extra heat, your heating system should be providing adequate warmth. If your home is consistently not warm enough, or the energy efficiency is not where it should be, we encourage you to contact our HVAC technicians for a heating repair or installation such as a water heater replacement.

Lancaster Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Drain Cleaning, & Electrical can complete a repair or replacement as our technicians see fit. For HVAC near Lancaster, PA with exceptional customer service, call us today!