Space Heater Safety

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Space heaters can be a dangerous source of heat in your home if not used correctly.

If you choose a portable space heater for your home be sure to follow these safety guidelines in addition to those recommended by your manufacturer.

Where applicable the unit should have a tip-over switch which turns the unit off if it is knocked over

If the heater has high operating temperatures make sure there is a guard around the heating element to keep children, clothes, pets, etc. a safe distance

Install a correctly sized unit for your space as too large a unit could cause pollutants and lower your energy efficiency gains

Unit should have an indicator lights to let users know an electric space heater is plugged in or is turned on.

Use heaters on the floor. Never place heaters on furniture, since they may fall, dislodging or breaking parts in the heater, which could result in a fire or shock hazard.

Do not use heaters in wet or moist places, such as bathrooms.

Do not hide cords under rugs or carpets. Placing anything on top of the cord could cause the cord to overheat, and can cause a fire.

Do not use an extension cord unless absolutely necessary. If you must use an extension cord, it must be marked #14 or #12 A WG.

Be sure the plug fits snugly in the outlet, since a loose plug can overheat.

Broken heaters should be checked and repaired by a qualified appliance service center. Do not attempt to repair, adjust or replace parts in the space heater yourself.

Use only the recommended fuel or energy for your device. For example, using gasoline in a kerosene heater is very dangerous.

If you choose to install a fuel burning space heater such as gas, wood, propane or other combustibles please note that only vented types keep hazardous emissions out of the home. We do not recommend the unvented type of equipment for this reason. Although unvented may be safe, it does not give you the comfort you desire without damaging indoor air quality. If you do decide to purchase an unvented gas heater make sure it has an Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS).