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Electric Heater Safety:
The temperatures are dropping and most of us have turned on our heaters. Electric heaters are a safe, economical, and efficient way to heat your home. However, as with any electrical appliance, proper use and maintenance is important for safe operation.
All electric heaters require proper airflow. Never block heaters with furniture or other items, even if the thermostat is turned to ‘low.’ Know what type of thermostat you have. Unlike double pole thermostats, most single pole thermostats do not have a positive ‘off,’ only a ‘low’ setting. The heater will turn on if room temperatures fall below the thermostat’s low set-point, typically around 50 degrees.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to clean your heater every six months, minimum. Children should be carefully supervised around any type of heater.
Space heaters have additional safety requirements. Below are some tips from the Electrical Safety Foundation International’s (EFSi) website:
- Read the manufacturer's instruction manual before using any space heater. Check to make sure the heater bears the mark of a certified testing organization.
- Keep space heaters at least 3 ft. away from any combustible materials such as bedding, clothing, draperies, furniture and rugs.
- Keep space heaters away from areas with water. Check your manual to be sure the heater is intended to be used in locations such as bathrooms.
- Don't use space heaters in rooms where children are unsupervised. Children may stick their fingers or other objects through the protective guards, causing burns or shock.
- Avoid using an extension cord with a space heater. If you must use one, make sure it is the right wire gauge size and type for the heater.
- Portable heaters have hot parts that can cause sparking. Do not use them in areas where flammable liquids such as gasoline or kerosene are used or stored.
- Space heaters are meant to supply supplemental heat. Don't use them to warm bedding, cook food, dry clothing or thaw pipes.
- Turn off the space heater and unplug it when not in use.
Regardless of the time of year or what your heat source is, install and maintain smoke detectors on each floor of your home. Visit EFSi’s website at www.efsi.org for additional home electrical safety tips.
With a little attention and common sense, you’ll enjoy years of worry-free comfort from your electric heaters.
Contributed by Darla Rosser, Director of Customer Service