Every year people rely on space heaters to help them keep their home warm and comfortable during the colder months of the year. While space heaters can be a handy way to get extra warmth right where you need it, they can also be a source of great danger. Space heater safety is very important if you will be using a space heater. Knowing proper safety standards will help keep you, your family and your home safe.
Dangers of a Space Heater
One of the biggest dangers associated with the most energy efficient space heater is the risk of fire. Space heaters that come in contact with flammable materials can cause a fire in a matter of minutes that could consume your whole home. Additionally, space heaters can become very hot and cause burns if touched. Fortunately, space heater safety is not too complicated. By following some simple guidelines, you can be sure that using a space heater is safe for your home.
Built-In Safety Features
Heater safety starts with buying a heater that is made with safety features. There are many great safety features that you will want in your new space heater.
Many space heaters now come with unique technology that keeps them cool to the touch. This means they won’t get too hot and pose a burn threat.
Built-in protection that automatically turns off the heater if it gets too hot or tips over is essential. You will want this feature on any space heater you buy. If the unit gets too hot or if it tips over, then it shuts off automatically. This prevents it from causing a fire.
Safe Handling Tips
While having built-in safety features on your space heater is a good idea, it is not going to mean the heater is 100% safe. You also need to take charge and learn the basics of space heater safety.
Start by reading all the instructions that came with your heater. You should be sure to read all safety precautions and operating instructions. Follow all the instructions and guidelines that came with your heater.
Always use the handle to move a hot space heater. While this may seem like basic space heater safety, many people forget the heater is hot and may accidentally touch it and get burnt. The handle is there for safe maneuvering of the unit.
Keep the space heater in an open space away from anything flammable. It is essential to keep a space heater away from curtains because this is a common cause of space heater fires. Curtains blowing onto the heater can catch fire fast, and before you know it, your house is on fire.
Space heater safety is really about common sense. You are dealing with high heat and that requires you to be smart. You have to be careful about where you place the heater and monitor children and pets when they are around the heater so that you can ensure everyone is safe.
Space heaters can be a great way to add some extra heat to your home, but they can also be a danger if you are not using them correctly. Just be smart about space heater safety and you should have no trouble using them in your home.
