3 Safety Tips for Staying Warm with a Space Heater

We get it. Sometimes you may end up using a space heater within your home or garage. Although we recommend taking a look at your furnace and ductwork first, if you choose to use a space heater, here’s what you need to know to keep your family safe.

ALWAYS SET IT IN THE SAME PLACE.

If you want to make using a space heater part of your routine, find a good spot for it wherever you plan on using it. This can include under your office desk, by the kitchen counter, or the dining room table. Different heaters need different conditions, especially distance from flammable materials. So find a spot away from the curtains, elevated off of fragile furniture, and away from your other electronics.

KEEP YOUR ANIMALS AWAY FROM IT.

Animals will like the source of heat as much as you do, but you can't let them rub up against the heating element. Train your animals to stay a certain distance away from it. Some space heaters even come with guards and edges that keep animals, small children, and objects away.

HAVE AN AUTOMATIC SHUT-OFF.

Older space heaters are almost entirely unprotected. That means they have exposed heating elements, burn through a lot of electricity, and are almost entirely manual. That's dangerous, especially if you might accidentally leave the device unattended.

The best models have passive settings where they heat up intermittently to maintain a base temperature. Other models have a timer so you have to turn them back on to establish that you're still there. Space heaters don't have to constantly be on to be effective. Depending on where you put it, the hot air might stay trapped by your feet or in your work area for hours.

This Winter our team wants you to be safe. If you’re using a space heater, be sure to follow the tips listed above. Also, it may be beneficial to have a professional take a look at why your furnace isn’t heating your entire home well enough.

If we can help in anyway, don’t hesitate to give us a call.