Don't Plug in Your Space Heater Without Reading This Safety Checklist

Space heaters can make a big difference during these chilly fall mornings that turn into warm days and don't call for the whole house heat. These mighty warming machines can save you real on energy costs during cooler months. Space heaters, convenient as they are, also pose a bigger fire hazard than vents and radiators and should be used carefully.

If you're planning to use an infrared or electric supplemental warmer this season, we've outlined how to do so without increasing your risk of fire. Below you'll find a complete safety guide for using a space heater (For more winter safety tips, check out everything you should stock up on before a winter storm, and what temperature to keep your thermostat at to lower your monthly bills.) 

Space heater safety tips

Space heaters have caused many house fires, injuries and deaths over the years. If you plan to use a space heater during the cold winter months, use it properly to avoid potentially fatal mistakes. 

To keep yourself and your home safe while using a space heater: 

• Review instructions and warning labels to ensure safe operation. 
• Inspect your heater for damage. 
• Place space heaters on low, flat surfaces. 
• Keep out of high-traffic areas or doorways. 
• Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from flammable items and objects, such as papers or curtains. 
• Avoid leaving a space heater unattended -- especially for long periods. 
• Do not plug space heaters into extension cords or power strips. 
• Unplug space heaters when not in use.

When it's cold outside, a space heater can be the perfect way to create a warm, comfortable living area. Although space heaters can be a hazard, when used correctly they are a convenient, affordable option when you're looking to quickly and easily supplement your home's central heating system.

Space heaters can be safety hazards in the home -- but they can also be useful if you use them with care.

Honeywell

Space heater safety features

When purchasing a space heater, consider the following safety features: 

• Tip-over switch: Shuts the unit down if it's not in an upright position.
• Automatic shut-off/overheat protection: Automatically shuts down the unit in the case of overheating.
• Thermostat: Monitors indoor temperature, which allows the unit to determine when to turn on and off.
• Plastic face: Keeps the grille from heating to the point of burning the skin upon contact.

Extra safety features are good to keep in mind -- especially if you plan to use the heater in certain contexts. If you have pets or children, tip-over switches and nonmetal faces are important features to consider. Likewise, if you plan to use the heater without constantly monitoring it yourself, you will probably want to consider an automatic shut-off feature or a thermostat that allows you to set a certain target temperature.

What are the types of space heaters?

No matter which type of space heater you buy, be sure to check that it's a recent model with an Underwriters Laboratories label. Also, check to see what size room the heater is designed for, and generally keep to devices appropriate for the room in which you plan to use them.There are four types of space heaters: 

• Fan-forced: Warm air is blown over metal coils.
• Infrared: Infrared light bulbs create heat.
• Ceramic: Ceramic heating element warms air.
• Water or oil-filled: Heated water or oil travels through the unit.