Space Heaters Are Great, But Be Careful
Winter is almost here, and even Myrtle Beach can experience some cold weather from time to time. If you have an open floor plan or some drafty parts of your home, you might consider a space heater. Space heaters can be great when you need temporary, location-specific heat (a cold room or office, for example). That said, safety heaters can pose a fire hazard if not used properly.
While there are fuel-burning space heaters, the overwhelming majority of people use electric space heaters for supplemental home and office heating. The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates 25,000 residential fires and 300 deaths are caused by space heaters. The top causes of space heater fires are using them too close to flammable items and leaving them unattended.
In this post we’ll cover some space heater safety tips so you stay warm and out of harm’s way.
Space Heater Safety Tips
Portable electric space heaters must meet consumer safety standards, but to reduce the risk of fire, follow these safety tips:
- Keep the area around the space heater clear. A 3-foot radius around your heater should be clear of flammable items including rugs, furniture, curtains, toys, and anything else that could catch fire.
- Never leave a space heater on unattended. Do not leave the house or go to sleep while a space heater is on.
- Keep small children away from the space heater. Electric heaters get hot enough to burn, so place your heater in a child-free zone.
- Place the space heater on a flat surface. Uneven surfaces may cause the heater to tip and pose a fire hazard to nearby flammable items.
- Use your space heater as intended. Do not use extension cords or use in places that product documents caution against.
- Choose a space heater with safety features. Some models have auto-shut-off features to reduce risks and fire hazards.
Call Cooper for Residential and Commercial Heating
Cooper Mechanical Services is the Grand Strand’s source for quick, honest, and dependable HVAC service. We specialize in residential and commercial heating, cooling, ventilation, and indoor air quality. Additionally, we also offer a variety of electrical and mechanical services to our clients. To learn more about HVAC or to schedule an inspection, visit our website and Call Cooper today.