Did you know? 80 percent of home heating fire deaths in the U.S. are caused space heaters and 32 percent of home heating fires are caused by space heaters? Once a fire starts, it is only a matter minutes before it becomes life-threatening.
To ensure the safety of your family and property it’s essential that you follow the manufacturer’s instruction manual and following the safety tips below when using a space heater.
- Space heaters should never be closer than 3 feet – in all directions – to upholstered furniture, clothing, mattresses, bedding and other flammable materials
- Place the space heater on a hard, level and nonflammable surface
- Keep children and pets away from space heaters
- Never leave a space heater running overnight or when you are away from home
- Plug space heaters directly into a grounded wall outlet without adapters or extension cords
- Choose a model with features like a built-in thermostat that shuts the unit off when the room temperature is met and a thermal cut out switch that shuts the heater off if it gets too hot
- If you have kids or pets, choose a model with a cool touch exterior to prevent accidental burns
- Ensure there is a working smoke detector on every level of the home and test them monthly
If you are using a space heater as the primary heat source in your home, consider installing a ductless heating and cooling system. Ductless systems are unobtrusive, efficient and a permanent solution for heating spaces like additions, garages, three-season porches and other rooms not connected to a home’s ventilation system.