Did you know that portable space heaters cause about 1,700 home fires every year? Even as you enjoy the added layer of warmth that a space heater provides in a chilly or drafty room in your Lorain home this winter, be sure to prioritize safety with the following tips.
Keep the Heater Away From Flammable Objects
The leading cause of fires from space heaters is keeping the units near flammable materials. Place your space heater on a hard, stable, and nonflammable surface and at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn, such as papers, curtains, upholstered furniture, and bedding. Don’t place it in a child’s room or use it in a garage or workshop near gas cans, paint, or matches.
Don’t Leave the Heater Unattended
Turn off your heater when going to sleep or leaving the room. Letting it run unattended could create a fire hazard, especially if you have curious kids or pets.
Plug Directly Into the Wall Outlet
It’s best to avoid using a power strip or extension cord with a space heater to prevent overheating. Avoid plugging an extension cord or another device into the same electrical outlet as your space heater. Manufacturers also recommend keeping space heaters several feet away from walls, as they may overheat them.
Watch Out for Signs of Malfunction
If you own an older space heater, it probably lacks the safety feature that makes newer models shut down when malfunctioning, so be on the lookout for warning signs. For example, an orange flame instead of a blue one indicates the heater isn’t functioning properly. You should turn it off immediately. Inspect the cord periodically for damage. Don’t use the space heater if you notice the cord is worn or frayed.
Install Working Alarms
You should install and maintain carbon monoxide and smoke alarms on every level of the house and outside every sleeping area. Test them every month to ensure they’re working.
Space heaters can be perfectly safe if used correctly while taking the necessary precautions. Contact us at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning for all your heating and cooling needs in the Lorain area.
Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area