With all the varieties and shapes and sizes and styles of space heaters these days, finding a good one to replace or supplement your home heating needs should not be a problem. Just remember, safety must come first. Although a space heater can be a fantastic source of warmth, if not used correctly, they can come with a hefty price tag. Space heaters used incorrectly can be hazardous, harmful, and in some cases, deadly. To increase space heater safety awareness, we at Dublin Heating and Air gathered the following tips.
SPACE HEATERS NEED SPACE
Give your space heaters an abundance of space. The customary rule of thumb is at least three feet away from everything, especially something flammable. Keep them clear of beds, couches, tables and other furniture, sofas, papers, boxes, curtains, toys, etc., etc. The list is endless. While your space heater is running, keep an especial eye out for anything near the rear and sides, or where it emits heat.
CHECK YOUR CORDS, ARE THEY IN GOOD SHAPE?
Is your space heater’s cord coming undone? Can you see any copper wiring? Before using a space heater, make 100 percent it’s solid and intact, without any damage to the rubber encasing. Do not use any space heaters that have frayed cords or wires revealed. If a copper wire is showing, do not try to fix it with electrical tape. Just don’t.
SNUG AND PLUG DIRECTLY
Your space heater needs to be firmly plugged into its own power outlet without anything else plugged in that outlet. This is another great rule to abide by. You’ll see why as you go further down the list. Once you have the right outlet, and you’ve checked your cord to make sure it’s intact, wiggle the plug to make sure it’s tight. You don’t want to use an outlet that’s wobbly. You don’t want the plug coming out partially or completely. On top of that, refrain from using any extension cords or power outlets.
SOLID SURFACE, ON THE FLOOR
Guarantee your heater is on a strong, even, flat surface where it won’t get bumped over or tripped on easily. This means desks, tables, countertops, and chairs are prohibited. Space heaters are best on a bare floor void of loose boards in a spot that is out of the way of traffic. Do not attempt to elevate them.
SAFETY CERTIFICATION
Is your space heater officially certified as being safe? Look at the back of the device for a safety seal. If your space heater has been worked on, modified, and it’s not in its factory condition, it’s plausibly not safe to use. It’s always a good idea to buy space heaters new.
ALARMS AND DETECTORS
Examine the batteries in your smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector to be confident they work in case of an emergency. Remember, space heaters can be a fire hazard. Fire alarms are lifesavers.
SHUT IF OFF IF UNATTENDED
Time for bed? Time to shut your heater off. Sorry, no exceptions. The same goes if you leave the room or leave the house. Whenever it’s in use, you want to be able to check on it in case something goes amiss.
GO OVER THE RULES WITH EVERYONE
Now, this might seem tedious. Trust us; it’s not.
You must review these and any other space heater safety instructions with everyone who is in your home. Make sure everyone is aware of how it operates, how to turn it off and on, and what to keep an eye out to take care of any mishaps. As a rule, it’s an excellent idea to make sure your youngsters know your space heater is off-limits. Except when they are at an age you feel satisfied with, and they too have been educated, they should not touch your space heaters. It’s off-limits.
TOO HOT TO TOUCH
Do not operate a space heater if it becomes too hot to touch. If this happens, time to shut it off. This goes for the cord also. If it gets too hot, unplug the device and don’t use it. These are good signs something is awry. At this point, you can call an electrician, or you might use a different heater that doesn’t overheat.
WATER EQUALS DANGER
Utilize your space heater far away from the shower or bathtub or sink or any water source. If you are wet, dry yourself off before even messing with it. Anyone slightly familiar with electricity knows — water is dangerous. It’s a common conductor of electricity. You could be jolted. Or worse.
KEEP YOUR CORD IN SIGHT
Do not attempt to hide the cord for your space heater with your carpet, throw rugs, furniture, or anything else for that matter. Make sure it stays in plain sight and left alone.
USE THE RIGHT SIZE HEATER
Make sure the space heater you are using is suitable for the size of the room you are putting it in. Don’t use one intended for large spaces in a small room. Don’t utilize a small room heater in a larger room by having it running longer. A number of things could go wrong.
For more information, or to schedule a tune-up, call Delaware Heating & Air today at 740-227-8302 or schedule an appointment online now at https://www.delawareairandheat.com/schedule-now/. Thank you, and have a safe and happy holiday season!
