Three space heater safety tips to keep your family safe

Winter is in full swing, and for many homeowners in Wendell, North Carolina, that means turning on the space heaters to supplement the heat in their homes (even though they’re no replacement for a furnace or a heat pump–we’ll talk about that in a future article). While space heaters can be convenient, they can also be dangerous if used improperly. 

At All Hours Heating and Air, we're committed to helping our customers stay safe and warm this winter, so we've put together these three space heater safety tips to help you avoid common hazards and keep your home safe.

Tip 1: Buy a safe space heater

This one might sound obvious, but it’s important to buy a space heater from the start that has plenty of built in safety features. When shopping for a space heater, look for one with safety features such as an automatic shut-off, tip-over switch, and overheat protection. These features will help prevent fires and other potential hazards associated with space heaters.

Tip 2: Place your space heater in the right place

Once you have the right space heater, it's important to place it carefully. They should be kept at least three feet away from anything that can catch fire, including paper, books, clothing, or that pile of decorative pillows on your couch.

In addition, space heaters should never be left unattended, especially when children or pets are around. And it’s always best to turn off your space heater when you leave the room or go to bed.

Tip 3: Maintain your space heater

At All Hours Heating and Air, we’re always talking about the importance of maintenance when it comes to furnaces and hear pumps. It’s important to maintain your space heaters too. This means cleaning it (gunk and dust in your machine can easily start fires under the right circumstances), checking the cords and plugs (bad connections, naked wires, and other issues can also pose significant dangers), and making sure it's in good physical condition. 

In sum: a well-maintained space heater is less likely to cause a fire, shock hazard, or other danger in your home.

Why Choose All Hours Heating and Air

At All Hours Heating and Air, we're dedicated to helping homeowners in Wendell, North Carolina stay safe and warm this winter. So if that space heater gives you the extra couple degrees you need to stay comfortable in your living space, crank it up (especially if there are others in your home who prefer the temperature a little cooler)!

Just remember space heaters cannot replace a good furnace or heat pump. And follow our safety tips here!

If your primary heat source is giving you trouble, call All Hours Heating and Air today!