Space Heater Safety Tips

Space heaters a great way to lower your home heating costs, reduce your electric bill , and conserve non-renewable resources; however, if used improperly, they can pose a significant fire hazard. In the U.S. alone, improper use of space heaters causes thousands of residential fires each year. This is a disaster that can be avoided by closely reading the manufacturer’s instructions and by taking the following precautions.

• Purchase a space heater that has been tested and approved by a reputable testing company.


• Do not run your space heater near flammable materials (e.g. curtains, furniture).


• Place the heater on a level, steady surface so that it cannot be easily knocked over.


• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing, operating, and maintaining the heater.


• Purchase a space heater with a thermostat control and an automatic shutoff feature.


• Plug the space heater directly into a power outlet; do not use an extension cord or surge protector.


• Turn off the space heater when you leave the room, leave your home, or when you go to sleep at night.


• Never use electric heaters in bathrooms.


• Do not use a space heater if it gets hot to the touch, especially if you have children or pets.


• When the heater is not in use, unplug it from the outlet.

In general, electric space heaters are safer and pose less of a fire hazard than gas heaters or oil-filled radiators.

*Go Green* Tip!

Using space heaters instead of central heat is an eco-friendly way to save money on electric costs!