PuroClean of Evanston 
As chilly weather encroaches upon the residents of Chicagoland, many homeowners are ready to pull out their space heaters to stay snug and warm.
While these portable devices can provide cozy comfort, they also pose significant fire risks if misused. In fact, space heaters are responsible for an average of 1,700 house fires annually, resulting in about 80 deaths, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
We’ve seen firsthand the devastating consequences of these tragic accidents. To ensure you’re getting the warmth you need without the danger, here are 8 essential safety tips for using space heaters in your home — follow these best practices to keep your household and property safe.
1. Choose the Right Heater for Your Space
Not all space heaters are created equal, and selecting the right one for your needs is the first step toward preventing a fire.
Look for heaters that are UL-certified (Underwriters Laboratories), which means they’ve been tested for safety. Additionally, consider the size of the room you’re heating. A heater that’s too small will struggle to keep up, while an oversized unit may overheat the space or cause an electrical issue.
Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on room size to ensure optimal performance. Most rooms need about 10 watts per square foot of space.
2. Safety First
Check to see if your heater has built-in safety features like:
- Automatic shut-off if tipped over
- Overheat protection
- Cool-touch exteriors, especially if you have pets or children
- GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) plugs
- A thermostat to monitor indoor temperature
These safeguards can make a significant difference in preventing a hazardous or expensive disaster.
3. Proper Placement
One of the most critical safety rules for space heater use is maintaining a clear area around the device. Place the heater at least 3 feet away from materials like curtains, furniture, books, drywall, and bedding. This safety zone helps ensure proper airflow.
Be sure to put it on a flat, stable, non-flammable surface that’s away from high-traffic areas and doorways. Never place heaters on carpets, cabinets, tables, or other furniture that could overheat.
Most space heaters are not designed or approved for wet or humid areas, so don’t use them in your kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room. Even a drop of water can cause electrical components to short out, creating a dangerous situation.
3. Use the Right Outlet
Space heaters draw a significant amount of power and should always be plugged directly into a wall outlet.
Don’t overload your circuits — using multiple high-wattage appliances on a single circuit can start a fire. Ensure the outlet can handle the heater’s power requirements.
Avoid using extension cords or power strips, as they can overheat and cause fires. These devices aren’t designed to handle the high wattage that space heaters require.
4. Stay Vigilant
One of the simplest ways to prevent a space heater accident is to never leave it running unattended. Always turn off and unplug your heater when leaving the room or going to sleep.
While it may be tempting to leave it on for a few minutes to keep the space warm, the risk isn’t worth it. Fires can spread quickly, especially when no one is around to stop them.
Space heaters can be especially dangerous to small children and pets, who may not understand the risks. Teach your family about the dangers of space heaters and never let them use them unsupervised.
5. Regular Inspection is Crucial
Even if your space heater has served you well for years, it’s essential to inspect it regularly to guarantee it’s still in good condition.
Before each use, check your heater for:
- Frayed or damaged cords
- Loose connections
- Cracked or broken plugs
- Signs of overheating or malfunction
Any damaged components should be repaired or replaced immediately. Using a faulty heater increases the chances of an electrical fire.
6. Be Prepared
One of the biggest elements of using a space heater safely is making sure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors installed in your household.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly, and it can be present even in all-electric homes. Regular maintenance and inspections of your smoke alarms could be a lifesaver over the coming winter months.
Your family should also have an emergency plan in place in case a fire breaks out. Invest in fire extinguishers and fire blankets, and work together to create and practice an escape plan.
7. Consider Your Alternatives
Some apartment buildings, offices, and student housing might not allow the use of space heaters, and those in high-value historical buildings with an abundance of woodwork may want to shop around for other, less dangerous options.
The wonders of modern technology will soon render old-fashioned space heaters obsolete, and if you’re ready to ditch those dangerous appliances, you can try one or more of these:
- Heated floor mats or under-floor heating systems
- Adding new, more efficient insulation
- Installing carpeting or using area rugs
- Heated vests and desk accessories
- Plug-in radiant panels
- Purifying heating fans
8. Keep Our Info Handy!
Accidents happen, and even the most careful and safety-minded home or business owner can experience a fire or other damaging event.
Quick, efficient, and compassionate remediation is key to getting your life back on track and maintaining your property value and the well-being of your family. The expert team at PuroClean of Evanston can help you make every dollar count when it comes to repair and restoration, so be sure to save our contact information today!
PuroClean of Evanston 