As winter approaches, many homeowners do everything they can to ensure their house is warm and cozy all season long. For some extra heat, many people rely on space heaters in addition to their heating system. Space heaters are a great way to keep warm during the winter months, but there are some things you should never do with them. In this blog post, Moe Plumbing Services will discuss a few of the most important safety tips for using space heaters. Follow these tips, and you can stay safe and warm all winter long!
Never Leave Your Space Heater Unattended
Space heaters are one of the leading causes of house fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association, space heaters cause more than 1,000 house fires each year. To prevent a fire in your home, you should never leave your space heater unattended.
Keep Your Space Heater Away from Flammable Objects
It’s no surprise that space heaters get very hot. This means they can easily start a fire if they are left too close to flammable materials, such as curtains or furniture. Space heaters often have exposed heating elements that can come into contact with flammable materials and ignite them. Additionally, space heaters can tip over easily, especially if left on an uneven surface. If a space heater tips over and comes into contact with flammable materials, it can quickly start a fire. Always leave about three feet of clear space around your space heater.
Don’t Use Extension Cords with Your Space Heater
Extension cords are not meant to be used with space heaters. This is because space heaters use a lot of power, and extension cords are not designed to handle that much power. If you use an extension cord with a space heater, it could overheat and start a fire. Always plug your space heater directly into the outlet on your wall.
Keep Children and Pets Away from Your Space Heater
If you have children or pets in your home, it’s important to take some extra precautions with your space heater. Always keep the space heater out of reach of children and pets, as they can be quite curious at times and want to touch everything in sight. Your child or pet could easily knock over your space heater, which is a recipe for disaster. It’s best to make sure you always keep an eye on your space heater and don’t leave it in the reach of children or pets.
Don’t Place the Space Heater On a Carpet
Similar to the way space heaters should not be kept near flammable objects, they also should not be placed on the carpet or rug. It’s best to put them on a surface such as tile or hardwood floor. Rugs and carpets can trap heat, potentially causing a fire.
Don’t Keep Your Space Heater On Overnight
Leaving your space heater on while you’re sleeping at night is one of the most dangerous things you can do. It could cause a fire if it tips over or overheats while you’re sleeping. If you want to warm up your bedroom at night, turn it on before you go to bed, and make sure to turn it off once you get in bed.
By following these safety tips, you can keep a cozy and safe house for you and your family this winter. If you have questions about using your space heater safely or need to schedule heating repairs, contact Moe Plumbing Services today at (818) 396-8002. We would be happy to help keep your house warm and comfortable this upcoming winter.