We have all heard the unfortunate story of a home burning down due to improper use of a space heater. It seems to happen all too often, so we have compiled a list of space heater safety tips to help give you and your loved ones peace of mind this winter season.
Some of these simple space heater safety tips may seem obvious, but when it comes to the safety of your family it is truly better to be safe than sorry. If you use your space heater in the appropriate way, it is a wonderful way to supplement your traditional HVAC system and lower energy costs that can be more than prohibitive this time of year. We hope you find these tips for space heater safety useful for your household.
9 Space Heater Safety Tips
- Keep your distance! – The first space heater safety tip is to allow a three-foot radius of space between your space heater and any potential hazardous object such as a sofa or a bed. Keep an eye out for blankets, drapes, and clothing, as well as any object that contains aerosol as it is highly combustible.
- Care for your cords – The next space heater safety tip is to inspect the power cord, checking for any imperfections that may result in a dangerous malfunction. If at all possible, avoid the use of a power strip and connect your space heater directly to the wall. Avoid running cords under the carpet.
- Keep your heater on the ground – The closer to the ground your space heater is, the less likelihood is has of being knocked over. Avoid balancing your space heater on a table or chair.
- Securing your plug – When choosing an outlet for your unit, make sure the outlet isn’t hot to the touch. If it is, this may signify a larger problem and you should call your electrician immediately. Once you find an appropriate outlet, be sure to secure your plug firmly to the wall to prevent any electrical issues.
- Double check your smoke detectors – Test these and your carbon monoxide detectors once a month to make sure that they are in proper working order for early warning signal just in case something does go wrong with your space heater.
- Turn it off – An easy space heater safety tip is to turn off your space heater when going to bed or leaving the room. It is easy for an animal to bump into your unit and tip it over.
- Educate your household – Everyone in your home should understand these space heater safety tips and have a good understanding of how your space heater works. Children should not be allowed to operate the space heater until properly trained.
- Check your fuel supply – If you are using a space heater that requires fuel, be aware of what type your unit takes. We also recommend that you only use this type of heater outside or in an extremely well ventilated area as many fuel operating heaters can release harmful carbon monoxide.
- Check your measurements – When purchasing your space heater, check to make sure it is designed for the size of your home or room. This will ensure that your heater is not only more effective, but also less dangerous.
These space heater safety tips are designed to ease your mind this winter season. Keep this checklist on hand and visible for your family’s reference.
Contact Us for More Tips on Space Heater Safety!
Now that you are equipped with the knowledge that these tips for space heater safety provide, the next step is to call your local heating & air conditioning specialist to answer any additional questions about properly and safely heating your home. At Galmiche & Sons, our HVAC team is happy to help you. With more than 60 years of experience, we will be happy to answer any questions you might have about the space heater safety tips provided or provide any other tips and advice for ensuring your family is safe and warm this winter.
