Safe Practices for Space Heaters

2/17/2022 (Permalink)

While today’s space heaters have come a long way in safety measures from the old electric heaters with open heating elements, there are still safety risks involved with them. Today’s space heaters, whether they are electric, radiant or convection style heating, have much better insulation around the heating coils and smaller grates to keep fingers and items away from the heating element also.  Many also have automatic shut offs that cut the power when the device reaches a certain temperature, along with a sensor to detect blocked air passages. Some also have tip-over switches that shut the heater off if it’s not flat on the ground.

Even with all the safety features of modern space heaters, there is always risk involved in using them. Here are some tips to stay safe, cozy and warm with your space heater:

• Always keep the space heater on the floor. It is also best to place it on the smoothest, flattest surface possible.
• Keep the space heater away from water. This one’s pretty obvious. Electricity and water don’t mix well.
• Avoid flammable objects. Follow the three-foot rule and avoid placing the heater within three feet of anything flammable, including curtains, papers, furniture, pillows, and bedding.
• Never leave the space heater unattended. This includes not leaving the heater on while you sleep.
• Plug the space heater directly into a wall outlet. Added layers of electrical connection (surge protectors, extension cords, plug timers) can overload the circuit or create additional resistance that allows heat to build up which could result in a fire or internal electrical damage.

If you do experience a fire due to a space heater, give SERVPRO of Barron, Dunn & Rusk Counties a call at 715-643-7171. We can make it “Like it never even happened.”