It’s important to keep your home warm and cozy during the winter. Many homeowners opt to use space heaters to help quickly heat up a room so they don’t have to turn on their heating system. However, some might be hesitant to use them because they get hot quickly. Below you’ll find more information about this device and if they’re safe to use.
What is a Space Heater?
A space heater is a device that is used to heat a small area. This portable tool will suck in air from the room, pass it through its heated coils, and then send it back into the air. Eventually, the room will become warmer thanks to this process.
Are Space Heaters Safe?
Space heaters are safe, but you need to closely watch them. If you leave them running for hours, they could overheat or cause an electrical charge which makes them a fire hazard. While it’s best to use your HVAC to heat your home, space heaters can be a good alternative if used correctly.
3 Ways to Safely Use Space Heaters
Keep the Heater in an Open Space: Many homeowners make the mistake of putting their space heater near a wall or flammable objects, like bed sheets and clothing. If the heater runs for too long near them, it could heat their fibers and cause them to catch on fire. Because of this, it’s best to keep the heater in an open space. While it might be inconvenient at first, it won’t overheat objects. In addition to this, you might find that this location helps it heat the room faster because it doesn’t have obstacles nearby.
Don’t Let it Run for Long: Some people leave their space heater running for hours or all night. This can be very dangerous as it will overwork the device and could cause the interior coils to ignite.
Ideally, only let the space heater run for about two hours at a time. If you need it to run longer than this, make sure to check on it often. You might also want to see if it comes with safety features like an automatic shut-off setting or tip-over protection.
Place it on a Flat Surface: You’ll also want to keep the space heater on a flat surface. If you put it on a thick carpet or table, it might not be stable which could make it more susceptible to falling over.
Keeping your home warm during the winter is important. If you suspect you have heating issues, contact Dale HCS. Our heating service will ensure that your system is operating correctly so you can stay comfortable during this chilly season.