Everything That Should Not Be Done When Using the Heater
Even if you live somewhere with central heating, it is sometimes nice to get an extra boost of heat from the heater. Although modern heaters have features that make them safer than earlier versions, it is still important to remember to be safe when working with anything that causes such high temperatures.
In fact, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that about 25,000 residential fires are heater-related annually, resulting in more than 300 deaths and 6,000 emergency room visits. If heaters are an indispensable winter staple in your home, here are a few things you shouldn’t do to avoid potential safety risks.
Ignore warning labels or tags
The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) advises that before even plugging in a new heater , read the warning labels or tags carefully to become familiar with any hazards or safety advice specific to this model.
Place it in a heavy traffic area
Space heaters are best at heating a small, enclosed space, such as a bedroom with a closed door. More importantly, placing them in an area of your home where people (including children and pets) walk around can be dangerous . You don’t want anyone to trip and fall and / or get burned.
Buy the largest space heater available
When it comes to space heaters, bigger isn’t always better, according to the US Department of Energy . Instead, the agency recommends buying one that is designed to heat the room you intend to use it in so you don’t waste (and pay) extra energy.
Plug it into an extension cord
Be sure to plug the heater directly into an outlet on the wall (without plugging anything into the same outlet if possible) instead of an extension cord or extension cord, which ESFI says can overheat and cause a fire. But if you can’t get by with an extension cord, use the shortest you can get away with — ideally a 14-gauge or larger reinforced cord .
Put it anywhere in your home
ESFI warns not only to keep them away from high-traffic areas, but also do not place heaters within three feet of anything that can burn, including paper, clothing, and rugs .
Instead, always place heaters on flat, level surfaces, avoiding places such as cabinets, tables, furniture or rugs that can overheat and cause a fire or cause it to tip over more easily. If possible, purchase a block with a rollover safety device that automatically shuts off the heater in the event of a failure.
Leave it connected all the time
Unplug the heater when not in use and never leave it unattended.