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As temperatures begin to dip, many people are preparing to turn on the heat. Some aren’t ready to start consistent use of their HVAC heating system for one reason or another or they want to add some extra warmth during exceptionally cold times in spaces that aren’t as comfortable as others. In these cases, people sometimes opt to use portable space heaters as a temporary or short-term heating solution.
Portable space heaters can be useful as supplemental heat sources, but care should be taken when using them. These small appliances can pose big risks, from fire to electric shock; they have been known to ignite combustible materials including curtains, bedding, paper, clothing, and furniture when placed in close proximity. Space heaters are not permanent heating solutions so safety precautions must be observed when using them. If you must use a space heater as a temporary heat source, here are four safety considerations for using space heaters.
SAFETY CERTIFICATION
Make sure the space heater you use has a safety certification from an independent testing organization; it will be labeled with the certification mark from an organization such as the global safety science leader UL. UL and similar organizations test, verify, and certify the safety of products including space heaters according to strict standards, so consumers have less risk to consider.
UNIT INSPECTION
Inspect your portable space heater regularly to make sure it is safe to use. When you initially decide to start using your heater, make sure it is not visibly damaged—check the overall condition of the unit itself as well as the cord for any cracks, exposed wires or circuits, etc. Consistently verify that your heater is not hot to the touch during use; if it is, it could be a sign that the unit is overheating for some reason, such as an electrical short. Keeping a margin of space around the heater is also key; make sure flammable items are always a safe distance away from the unit and make sure the cord is not concealed.
CORD SAFETY
The best quality space heaters are equipped with a sturdy cord that’s at least six feet long. You should make sure the cord is visible and plugged directly into an outlet; do not plug any other cord into that outlet so as not to overtax it. And never use an extension cord or power strips (with or without a surge protector) with your space heater as it could cause the unit to overheat and creates a greater fire risk. Don’t leave your heater turned on in an unattended room and never use it in a room where you or loved ones are sleeping as portable space heaters must always be supervised. Always turn off AND unplug your heater when it’s not in use.
ADDITIONAL SAFETY FEATURES
The safest space heaters on the market today are equipped with extra safety features including ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) plugs and shutoff sensors/switches for overheating/tipping. A heater with a GFCI plug can help prevent electric shocks in some situations; GFCI achieves this because it is designed to be extremely sensitive to changes in electrical current. If you do not have a space heater with a GFCI plug, you should plug it into a GFCI-equipped wall socket and should not use your heater near water. A space heater with shutoff features is important to protect against fires via a temperature sensor and a tip-over switch. Temperature sensors react to overheating should the thermostat fail or the heater inadvertently becomes blocked or covered, and tip-over switches are triggered should the heater become unbalanced due to falling or being knocked over by someone (e.g. a child or pet tripping on the cord, etc.).
According to some of the most updated data from the National Fire Protection Association, portable space heaters accounted for 43 percent of all home heating fires and 85 percent of all home heating deaths in the United States between 2011 and 2015. Adhering to safety recommendations and taking safety precautions is critical to keep space heater hazards at bay and avoid fire damage and deaths.
If you are using space heaters while waiting for a heating system check and tune-up, or if you need some guidance regarding an update to your system, the professionals at The Coolest LLC can help! The Coolest is your go-to HVAC company for assisting with your heating needs and advising on the best heating solutions for your home. The Austin-based team of experienced, competent HVAC specialists is ready to provide expert advice and customized recommendations based on your requirements and preferences. Contact The Coolest today to discuss HVAC heating solutions that are perfect for you and your family.
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