Whether your furnace breaks down this time of year or you merely hope to supplement your home’s heating system, most Americans take full advantage of the many shapes, sizes, and styles of space heaters in the colder months. They can be a perfect fit for your “she shed,” your “man cave,” or your garage or basement. They are known to keep an area or “space,” particularly toasty when needed most.
This isn’t to say, however, that with space heaters, it’s all good all the time. The truth is, space heaters can be more than you bargained for if not utilized properly. If not utilized properly, they can be dangerous, damaging, and downright deadly. They are linked to more than 25,000 residential fires every year that results in a reported 6,000 visits to the emergency room and a tragic 300 deaths.
To help keep you and your family safe this winter, we at Grove City Heating and Air assembled the following space heater safety tips.
THREE FOOT RULE
Keep your space heater at least three feet distant from anything that might be ignitable. Typical materials to be mindful of include beds, sofas, curtains, papers, boxes, and all types of furniture. Be especially aware of what is near the rear and the sides of your unit.
EXAMINE YOUR HEATER’S CORD
Prior to using your heater, give it a close examination to make certain that its cord is not degraded and that it’s wholly intact. Do not use a space heater that appears to be damaged in any way. If it is frayed, or with wires exposed, it’s bad. Some knots are bad too. If you find a wire is exposed down to the copper, do not venture to restore it yourself with electrical tape. If the cord is not in its original condition, it’s time for a new one.
GIVE IT A GOOD OUTLET ON ITS OWN
For safety reasons, your space heater needs to be plugged directly into a power outlet in good condition, and that outlet needs to hold the cord firmly in place. You want to be confident that it is not wobbly, and that it doesn’t become wholly or partially unplugged. Additionally, do not use any extension cords or power strips except when it’s utterly necessary or an emergency. If using an extension cord is unavoidable, watch it closely.
FIND THE RIGHT PLACE TO SET THE HEATER
Guarantee your heater stays on a sturdy, even, flat surface where it won’t get tripped on or pushed on its side or back easily. Somewhere level without these hazards is best. This means desks, tables, countertops, and chairs are poor choices. Space heaters are best on a solid floor and out of the way. Raising them is a bad idea all around.
SAFETY CHECK
Make sure your device has been professionally certified as being safe to use. Often there is a logo on the back of the device. Look it up if you have to. But as a rule, do not use space heaters that appear to have been damaged or modified or repaired in any way. If it’s not in its factory condition, or it’s super old, it’s not worth it.
SMOKE DETECTORS
Check and even replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to be confident they will be effective in alarming you if something goes wrong. Recognize, space heaters can be fire hazards if mistreated or if they fail.
DON’T LEAVE UNATTENDED
Keep in mind; you should always shut down your space heater when everyone goes to bed. The same goes for when you leave the room or home, or you are unable to keep an eye on it to make sure nothing happens. Sure, it’s nice to come home to a warm room and wake up to the warmth. But trust us when we say, it’s simply not worth the risk.
GO OVER THESE INSTRUCTIONS WITH EVERYONE
Educate everyone who is in your home, especially those who might utilize your space heaters. These are the “dos” and “don’ts” of space heater utilization. Everyone needs to know how it functions, how to turn it off and on, and what to keep an eye out to prevent any accidents. As a rule, it’s a good idea to make sure your little ones comprehend your space heater is off-limits. Except for those kids who are old enough and who have been educated, they should not touch the space heaters.
FUEL POWERED HEATERS
If possible, avoid using fuel-powered space heaters in your home.
That being said, if your space heater requires fuel to operate it, make sure the fuel you possess is the right type. If there’s any doubt, don’t use it. Don’t take the chance.
Using the wrong kind of fuel can cause a fire or ruin your unit. Also, if using fuel, research the safety precautions you need to take for that specific unit and live by them. For example, most fuel-burning space heaters need ventilation. Others have their own assortment of safety precautions. A lot of them aren’t intended for household use.
MAKE SURE IT DOESN’T GET TOO HOT
Do not utilize a space heater if it becomes too hot to touch. If you notice this, turn it off and remove it. Don’t use it again. Check the cord as well because the same is true. If the cord becomes too hot, unplug the device and don’t use it. This is a good sign; something is wrong. You might call an electrician. Or you might use a different heater that doesn’t overheat.
WATER AND SPACE HEATERS DON’T MIX
Do not use your space heater anywhere near the shower or bathtub or sink, etc. If you are wet and find yourself needing to adjust it, dry yourself off first. Don’t try to risk it. Anyone slightly familiar with electricity understands — water and any electrical appliance are dangerous. You could be shocked. Or worse.
DON’T COVER THE CORD UP
Do not attempt to conceal the cord for your space heater below the carpet, throw rugs, furniture, or anything for that matter. Make sure it’s in plain sight.
FIND THE RIGHT SIZE OF HEATER
Make sure the space heater you are using is appropriate for the size of the room you are putting it in. Don’t use one intended for large spaces in a small room. Don’t use a small room heater in a larger room by keeping it running longer. A number of things could go wrong. So do a little homework. The heater’s heating range and the size of your room should match up.
For more information, or to schedule a furnace tune-up, call Grove City Heating & Air today at 614-490-7540 or schedule an appointment online now at www.grovecityheatingandair.com/schedule-now/. Thank you, and God Bless!
