Space Heaters: Stay Warm While Staying Safe
While space heaters aren’t an effective way to heat the whole house, they’re great for warming up a small space or supplementing your heating system. The problem is, space heaters often get a bad rap — which is kind of understandable. Between 2009 and 2013, space heaters were accountable for two of every five home heating fires and four out of five home heating fire deaths, according to National Fire Protection Association data. But you don’t have to be another statistic, and with education and proper care, you won’t be. To stay warm while staying safe, use the following tips:
Know the Facts and Act on Them
Contents
In that space of five years, there were two leading factors that contributed the most to home heating fires. They were:
- Not cleaning the fireplace/space heater
- Placing combustible materials too close to the fireplace/space heater
Since house warming equipment is only used during the colder part of the year it’s normal for it to collect dust and be left out of your annual spring cleaning. To combat that, make it a habit to inspect and clean your space heater with each use. Start by reading and following any cleaning guidelines provided by the heater’s manufacturer. Then, if appropriate for your specific heater, you may also use a microfiber duster or damp sponge to clean an unplugged and completely cooled heater’s outer surface. To clean its interior compartments, use a compressed air duster or a vacuum with a handheld hose and brush. Make sure to allow the heater to dry completely before turning it back on.
Be Smart in Your Search
Portable electric space heaters are the only type of unvented heater that is safe to use inside of your home, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. When searching for a space heater, look for one that includes tip-over and overheating sensors. Many heaters also have tight grates designed to keep tiny fingers from reaching the heating elements, and sensors that will automatically turn off if an object (like a child or pet) gets and stays too close.
Consumer Reports suggests only using space heaters that have been evaluated to meet current safety standards by a nationally-recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
Simple Safety Steps
No matter the brand or type of space heater, follow these general safety rules:
- Turn off and unplug heaters that aren’t in use
- Never use space heaters in a child’s room
- Regularly inspect and clean
- Place at least three feet from all furniture, bedding, curtains, etc
- Unless designed to do so, keep away from damp areas
- Avoid using with an extension cord
- Place on a level, hard, non-flammable surface
- Turn off and unplug heaters before going to bed or leaving the room
- Install and regularly test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
- Read and follow the heater’s manufacturer guidelines
Heating System Repair Bethlehem PA
Space heaters can be a great way to supplement your heating system. However, they pose a great risk to your safety and well being. Instead of taking the unnecessary risk, you can always schedule a heating system tune-up. This will make your home’s heating system perform more energy efficiently and effectively. This means that you will feel more comfortable while cutting your home heating costs down. It is a win-win situation. Manufacturers recommend that you schedule a heater tune-up on a yearly basis. The best time to plan for one is in the fall, right before you need it the most. However, it is never too late. If you haven’t scheduled one yet, be sure to contact R.F. Ohl today.
To make your heater work better than ever, contact R.F. Ohl. We can get your system to perform optimally so that you can feel comfortable throughout the winter season.We also offer high quality and affordable propane delivery services, heating oil delivery services, heating and cooling system installations, heater repairs, heater maintenance, and backup generator installations. Be sure to contact R.F. Ohl for all of your home heating and comfort needs.
We service Allentown PA 18101, Bath PA 18014, Bethlehem PA 18015, Catasauqua PA 18032, Coplay PA 18037, Hellertown PA 18055, Lehigh Valley PA 18001, Nazareth PA 18064, Northampton PA 18067, Whitehall PA 18052, and surrounding areas.
R.F. Ohl is proud to be an authorized dealer of Bryant and Mitsubishi heating and cooling systems. This means that R.F. Ohl has been recognized by these manufacturers as having the skills, experience, and professionalism to hold such a designation. It also means that when you hire R.F. Ohl to repair, install, or maintain your heater or air conditioner, you are getting one of the best contractors in the industry. Click here to learn more about Bryant systems. Click here to learn more about our Mitsubishi product line.
Contact us today or give us a call at (610) 377-1098 if you have any questions.