7 Safety Tips for Space Heaters

The holidays aren’t the only thing right around the corner – make way for whipping winds and frosty evenings! With the cold weather underway, we’re certainly in the heart of heating season. That means many homeowners will start busting out there space heaters soon enough. But did you know that space heaters can actually be dangerous if used improperly? We want you to be safe this season, which is why we’ve listed out six of the most important safety tips to remember.

1. Be particular about placement. Allow at least three feet of open space on each side of your heater. This will ensure that there are no combustible items nearby.
2. Skip the extension cord. While they’re useful, they can also be dangerous when used in conjunction with high-wattage space heaters. Instead, plug your heater directly into the outlet instead.
3. Think quality over cost. We know it’s hard to part with your hard earned cash, but when it comes to space heaters, the higher quality the better – and therefore the safer.
4. Turn it off. You wouldn’t leave your lights on when you leave a room, so why leave your space heater on? Not only will it waste electricity, but it’s more dangerous when left unsupervised – especially if you have young ones and pets running around.
5. Stay away from water. Operating space heaters in damp areas, or areas prone to moisture like the bathroom is a big no-no. Having such a high voltage appliance in close proximity to wet conditions is just asking for an electric shock.
6. Keep it clear. Never lay anything on top of your space heaters, especially not clothing, paper or any other flammable materials.
7. Check your smoke alarms. Any areas where you plan to run a space heater should also be outfitted with a fully functioning smoke alarm. In fact, take this time to check that all smoke alarms are running properly.

Could you use some help getting your home and HVAC system in tip top shape for the heating season? If you live in Fairfield County or New Haven County, Tyler Heating, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration LLC is the only name you need to know!

For more information about our HVAC services, dial 203-378-4700 to speak with a specialists today.