Space Heater Safety: Tips to Consider

Those of you with really cold winters know what it’s like when it’s crazy cold outside and all you’d like to do is to crawl under the covers and stay under till the moment when spring comes. And the situation is getting worse when you hear the news girl informing that ‘it’s the coldest winter in at least 50 years’. Cold enough that you and your family members have braved your living area several weeks ago in order to find all the heavy sweaters to make the winter days as comfortable as possible.

To add more, it’s cold enough that even if you have ever dealt with any model of space heaters before, you may have purchased one this year. In any case, nowadays the assortment of space heaters is rich enough so you will definitely find the item that will make your winter a truly magical one.


But the truth is that while you’re thinking about how to get warm as soon as possible, you fail to focus on your safety. The number of home fires caused by the so-called ‘alternative heaters’ increases greatly, experts say. For added safety, make sure to take into account the following simple but highly efficient recommendations.

First of all, it should be mentioned that the matter of safety should be of high priority. According to the investigation of Chicago Fire Department, people should not use any space heaters in the house. But the fact is that we all use them and do that regularly. The Department has provided some suggestions that will help the homeowners both – use the living area heaters and stay safe. Besides the experts of the Department offer the following tips:

 - Make sure to keep the devices at least 3 feet away from the items that can burn. This includes furniture sets, drapes, blankets, newspapers and walls. Tell your children about how crucial it is to keep the space heater exactly where you’ve placed it. The experts inform that some fires have been caused exactly by the kids moving the space heaters closer in order to get more heat once moms and dads have gone to bed.

 - Never make use of extension cords together with the space heaters. The thing is that the latter use a bunch of current that can really melt the extension cord, as well as start a fire. In case the homeowner HAS to use the extension cord, make certain to use one that is provided with the rating to properly carry the load. The most effective technique to stay 100% safe is to have the cord of the same size or even bigger as the space heater cord.

 - Do not install the space heater in a bathroom or anyplace else. Laundry room, the kitchen sink – these places are a taboo when the question is about using a space heater. The reason lies in the fact that the device may get hit with tons of water and break down.

 - Never leave the device ON when you’re in the other room.

 - Manufacturers provide every space heater with a buying guide that can be used by the owners. One of the suggestions offered in the buying guide is to search for the space heaters that are equipped with safety features, including a special switch that can turn off the heater automatically in case the unit tips over or overheats.

 - And finally, keep in mind to never use the units as the main heat source for your living area. Space heaters are not supposed to be utilized like that! In case your landlord doesn’t care about providing you with the proper level of heat, it’s time to approach your city’s heat providers. If you pay due attention to the process of preparation for the winter time, staying warm won’t be a problem anymore.