8 Space Heater Safety Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

Space heaters provide a simple, cost-effective way to warm small areas if you don’t have a central heating system. But as cozy and convenient as they are, heating equipment is also one of the leading causes of home fires.¹

Fortunately, there are tips and strategies you can implement to keep your home both warm and safe as the weather cools down. In this guide, we explore the most important space heater safety tips for homeowners to know.

1. Choose the Right Space Heater

Space heater safety starts with choosing the right equipment from the start. Not all space heaters are safe, and before using one, it’s important to make sure it meets proper regulations.

Below are some essential safety features and certifications a space heater should have:

• Testing Labels: Look for space heaters that have been independently tested from recognized labs like UL Solutions, ETL Intertek, or CSA Group to ensure it meets national safety standards.
• Tip-Over Switch: A space heater with a tip-over switch will automatically shut off if it accidentally tips over to prevent safety hazards.
• Overheat Protection: Some space heaters have built-in sensors that automatically turn off the heat if internal components get too hot, preventing malfunctions or fire hazards.
• Cool-Touch Housing: Choose a space heater with an exterior surface that stays cool to the touch to avoid accidental burns.
• Thermostat and Timer: Some devices have integrated thermostats and timers to maintain a steady temperature and prevent continuous operation.

While using a space heater with these features doesn’t automatically make it safe, it can substantially lower risks and accidental hazards.

2. Avoid Power Strips and Extension Cords

Space heaters draw immense amounts of electricity, so you should never plug them into a power strip or use an extension cord. These accessories typically use thinner wires that aren’t built to handle the demands of high wattage appliances. The intense electrical current can cause the plastic protective coatings to melt, exposing the wire and creating a fire hazard.

If your current outlet setup isn’t meeting your needs, it’s safer to have an electrician install new ones than to rely on extension cords or power strips.

3. Use a Dedicated Outlet

A space heater should be the only appliance plugged into an outlet at a time. Outlet sharing with other high-wattage appliances can cause circuit overloads, tripped breakers, overheating wires, and even dangerous electrical fires.

4. Never Place on Carpets, Rugs, or Vinyl

A space heater should always be used on a flat, non-flammable surface like tile, hardwood, or engineered wood. Never place one on carpets, rugs, or vinyl planks, which can burn or melt from the heat. It’s also important to keep it on the ground, and never on furniture like a table or desk, where it is at risk of falling over.

5. Monitor Pets and Children

Pets and young children should never be left alone with a space heater. Ensure they are always kept at a safe distance to avoid accidental injuries or tip-overs. Constant supervision is a must, and safety gates can be helpful tools for limiting access wherever possible.

6. Turn Off When Not in Use

An unattended space heater is a huge risk for proximity fires, electrical overheating, or accidental tip-overs. Many electrical fires can be stopped before they progress if they are caught early. But if a space heater gets too warm, is sitting too close to curtains, or unexpectedly falls over while you’re not in the room, fires are at a much higher risk of spreading throughout the home.

Never leave a space heater unattended and always turn it off when you’re not using it. Even if you’re only leaving the room for a short time, it’s better to be safe than risk getting distracted or forgetting about it after walking away.

7. Never Leave it Running Overnight

While it may sound temping on colder evenings, never leave a space heater running overnight or for extended periods of time. Left on for too long, and these devices are at a significant risk of overheating or causing electrical problems like short circuits and tripped breakers while you sleep.

Consider using sticky notes or phone reminders to remember to turn off the space heater before bed. It also helps to enlist the whole household, so everyone in your home can remain vigilant and turn off the device if they notice it running for longer than it should.

8. Inspect Electrical System Before Peak Use

Space heater safety is important year-round, but especially during periods of frequent use. 46% of heating equipment fires occur from December through February, so be sure to stay extra vigilant during cooler months.¹ One way to do so is by scheduling an inspection with a licensed electrician to ensure your home can support safe space heater use as the weather cools down.

An electrician will inspect your entire electrical system to ensure it has the capacity for high-wattage heating appliances. They may also recommend solutions like dedicated 20-amp circuits, modern GFCI outlets, and other upgrades to keep your home’s electrical system safe and efficient all winter long.

Get Your Home Winter-Ready with Schafer Electric

Space heater safety starts with proactive planning. Don’t wait for a tripped breaker or an overheating outlet to address your home’s electrical needs. At Schafer Electric, our team of licensed residential electricians can ensure your wiring, panel, and wall receptacles are fully equipped to handle heating equipment safely.

Contact us online or call (707)545-3300 to schedule your pre-winter electrical inspection today.

References

1. Safety with heating equipment | NFPA. (n.d.). https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/home-fire-safety/heating