Space Heater Safety Tips: Where You Should Never Use Them

At Around the Town Heating and Cooling Inc., we are committed to ensuring the safety, comfort, and efficiency of your home heating systems. While space heaters can serve as a supplementary source of heat during colder months, it’s essential to use them with caution to prevent serious safety hazards. The safest and most reliable solution for your home is to have your primary heating system regularly cleaned, inspected, and in good working order. Additionally, we urge you to test and maintain your smoke and carbon monoxide sensors to protect your household.

Space Heater Safety Tips: Where You Should Never Use Them

1. On a Carpet, Rug, or Flammable Surface Placing a space heater on carpets, rugs, or any flammable surface is highly risky. Even models with tip-over safety features can ignite nearby materials. If a space heater must be used in a carpeted room, place it on a heatproof base that extends at least three inches around the heater.
2. Near Walls and Furniture Always maintain a three-foot clearance around your space heater. Positioning it too close to walls, furniture, or under desks can lead to burning hazards. Instead, direct heat toward these areas without placing the unit directly beneath or next to them.
3. Near Blankets, Pillows, or Curtains Soft, flammable items like blankets, pillows, and curtains should always be kept at a safe distance from space heaters. A simple bump or accidental movement can lead to fire hazards. Maintain a three-foot safety perimeter to reduce risks.
4. In Areas Accessible to Pets and Small Children Young children and pets may not understand the dangers of space heaters and could accidentally knock them over or place toys and blankets too close. To minimize risks, use space heaters in restricted areas where pets and children cannot access them, and teach older children to maintain a safe distance.
5. Bathrooms and Laundry Rooms Never place space heaters in bathrooms or laundry rooms. The presence of water in these areas creates a heightened risk of electrical shock and malfunction. For chilly bathrooms, consider heating the adjacent room instead for a safer solution.
6. Plugged in Alongside Many Other Devices Space heaters draw a significant amount of electricity. Plugging them into outlets already supporting multiple appliances can lead to system overloads and increase fire risks. Spread out power usage and consider using smart plugs to monitor energy consumption.
7. Plugged into an Extension Cord or Power Strip Using extension cords or power strips for space heaters is dangerous. Many cords and strips cannot handle the power requirements of heaters, leading to potential overheating and electrical fires. Always plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet.
8. Old or Non-GFCI Outlets For maximum safety, plug your space heater into a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet. This type of outlet provides added protection against electrical issues. Avoid using old, worn, or problematic outlets that could spark fires.
9. Using Fuel Heaters Indoors Indoor use of fuel-based heaters such as those powered by kerosene or propane is extremely hazardous due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. These units require proper venting and should never be used indoors. Electric and radiant heaters are the safer alternatives for indoor spaces.

Prioritize Home Safety

At Around the Town Heating and Cooling Inc., we emphasize that the best way to stay safe and warm during winter is to have your heating system cleaned, inspected, and operating efficiently. This ensures dependable warmth without the added risk that space heaters can pose. Furthermore, regular testing and maintenance of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors provide an essential layer of protection for you and your loved ones.

For all your heating and cooling needs, trust us to keep your home safe and comfortable. Stay warm—and stay safe!