SPACE IS YOUR SPACE HEATER’S FRIEND
This rule is simple and easy to remember. Your space heater always needs adequate space. As a sort of rule of thumb, most manufacturers advise consumers to give them a minimum radius of three feet away from everything. This includes mattresses, beds, tables, curtains, furniture, boxes, papers, toys — everything. If an item in your home is flammable, give it more than three feet, especially near the rear and sides.
CHECK THAT CORD
How does the cord look on your space heater? Is it damaged in any way? If so, toss it. It’s time for another. Never try to utilize any space heaters with cords that might be damaged, frayed or tattered. Look for exposed copper wiring. If a wire is exposed, do not endeavor to try to fix it with electrical tape.
FIND THE RIGHT OUTLET
Once you find an ideal spot for your space heater, check the outlet you intend to use. Make sure it is not damaged or burned and that it firmly holds the heaters plug in place. It should be an outlet used solely for your space heater’s plug and nothing else. Additionally, do not use any extension cords or power strips unless completely unavoidable. In such cases where there are no other options, watch the extension cord in addition to the space heater cord. They should both be fully visible.
USE ONLY SAFE AND SOLID SURFACES ON THE FLOOR
Once you’ve found the right place and right outlet, make sure your heater is on a stable, level, even surface where it won’t get hit or tripped over easily. Make sure it’s out of the way somewhere without these risks is and more. This eliminates boxes as a surface, or tables, countertops, chairs, and stools. Remember, space heaters are always safest on a solid floor and out of the way. They aren’t intended to be levitated.
CERTIFIED AS BEING SAFE
Is your device safety certified? Be sure your space heater is formally approved as being safe to operate. Look at the back for a safety branding, sticker, or logo. Google it if you have to. Do not use it if the device is altered or not in its factory condition. It’s not worth it.
CHECK YOUR DETECTORS
When is the last time you checked your smoke detectors or carbon monoxide detectors? Before firing up your space heater, it’s an excellent idea to inspect the batteries in these devices, so you know they are fully functional. Remember, space heaters can be a fire hazard if misused or if they malfunction. In addition to those 300 annual fatalities, space heater burns send an estimated 6,000 people to the emergency room every year.
DO NOT LEAVE IT RUNNING IF YOU AREN’T THERE AND AWARE
Make sure you turn your space heater off when you go to sleep. Also, if you leave the room or home, or you are unable to keep an eye on it to make sure nothing happens, it’s crucial to keep it off.
GO OVER THESE RULES WITH EVERYONE IN THE HOUSE
Make certain everyone who stays in your home, and primarily those who might operate your space heaters, understands the dos and don’ts. Make sure they know what to look for and how to shut it down safely. As a practice, it’s an excellent idea to make sure your children know your space heater is off-limits. Unless they are old enough and you’ve educated them, they should not touch any of your home’s space heaters.
FUEL POWERED SPACE HEATERS
If your space heater is the type that requires fuel to use it, make sure the fuel you have is the correct variety. If there’s any doubt, throw it out because using the incorrect type of fuel can provoke a fire, or at least damage your heater. Once you know you have the correct type of fuel, research all the appropriate safety measures required for that specific unit and follow them closely. Keep in mind, the majority of fuel-burning space heaters need ventilation to be used safely. Most of them have their own unique assortment of safety precautions. And a lot of them aren’t intended for household dwellings.
TOO HOT TO TOUCH
If your space heater, or its cord, grows too hot to touch, shut it down. This is a sure sign something is not right. Unplug your device and call a professional. If you cannot afford a professional, it’s time for a different space heater.
KEEP IT AWAY FROM WATER
Never use your space heater around water, which includes your shower, your bathtub, and sink. If you yourself are wet from bathing, make sure you dry yourself off before trying to move or adjust the temperature on your space heater. Water is dangerous around space heaters because it is a conductor of electricity. You might end up getting shocked or worse.
KEEP THE ENTIRE CORD VISIBLE
Is your cord visible from the space heater to the wall plug? If not, it needs to be. It’s never a good idea to try to conceal your space heater’s cord beneath your carpet, floor mats, or furniture.
USE THE RIGHT SIZES
Figure out the square footage of the room that your space heater is intended to heat and compare it to the square footage of the area you are going to use it for. These two numbers should match up closely. Avoid using a space heater intended for larger spaces in a smaller room or using a space heater made for smaller spaces in a larger room. A variety of things could go wrong, so educate yourself on this. Look it up online if you need to. Check the box it came in, or call the manufacturer.
For more information, or to schedule a furnace tune-up, call Huber Heights Heating & Cooling today at 937-226-9675. For added convenience, you can also schedule an appointment now at www.huberheightsheatingandcooling.com/schedule-now/. Thank You and happy holidays!
