Key Points
- Indoor space heaters should never be left alone. Safety features mitigate danger, but none should replace human diligence.
- Keep flammable objects like carpet, furniture, and drapes over 3 feet away from space heaters.
- Trust your intuition when dealing with strange smells or unexplained symptoms.
- Turn off your heater and wait for it to cool before inspecting for damage or other issues.
Your eyes open to find a blanket of frost across your yard. Snow softly falls from the heavens in the early afternoon and through the night.
The signs are all there. Winter is in full swing. Whether you’re excited to bundle up or dreading the dropping temperatures, one thing is for sure: it’s time to bring out your favorite space heater to fight off the chill. Ol’ reliable has gotten you through many a frigid night up to this point, so there’s no reason to think you’d run into any problems now, right? Right? We hate to say it, but technology has a shelf life. The heating hardware you've had since your teens could be on its last legs. Whether you're looking to upgrade your old heater or add a portable heating solution to your first home, IWAE has safe space heaters that will keep you cozy. Keep reading to learn more about safely operating a space heater in your home.
Are Space Heaters Dangerous to Use Indoors?
The truth of the matter is that any indoor heating equipment can be dangerous, but that doesn’t need to leave you with decision paralysis. How safe a space heater is comes down to how well you follow general safety precautions and specific guidelines provided by the manufacturer. The experts at Heater Guides have outlined the biggest risks of indoor space heaters, the main dangers being:
- Fire hazards
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Burns injuries
- Electric shock
You may notice all these worries are already present in your home due to other appliances. Fire and burn injuries are hazards with every electrical appliance or open flame you keep. Silent threats like carbon monoxide are relevant in any home that uses natural gas or propane. Any electrical appliance or outlet we use can short circuit or cause a shock. Yes, these dangers are present with space heaters, too. But these same hazards don’t keep us from running the AC in summer or turning on the stove to cook dinner. Indoor space heaters are an efficient, safe choice to provide zoned heating to your home when used responsibly.
Are Outdoor Space Heaters Dangerous?
Patio heaters are a great way to extend the length of time you enjoy outdoor seating each year without freezing solid. But are outdoor space heating options dangerous? Yes, to an extent. These systems mirror the same hazards as their indoor equivalents, meaning you can run into issues with fire hazards, carbon monoxide concerns, burns, and shocks. Fire hazards for outdoor space heaters are avoidable by keeping flammable objects far from any open flames or heating elements, especially when taking wind into account. Problems with carbon monoxide are less common in open areas, but those with respiratory problems or sensitivities may want to keep some space if a wall or ceiling surrounds your heater.
How to Safely Use a Space Heater
Have you ever wondered why your heater smells like something’s burning when it first turns on, or how long is too long for your system to produce such a stink? The most common cause of this space heater stench is dust buildup. This happens when space heaters and HVAC systems lie dormant during the off-season and is generally harmless. If you find your system still smells off after the first run, call a technician to check it for malfunctions.
Since best practices for most indoor space heaters overlap regardless of fuel source, keep the following in mind when getting your heater ready for the season:
- The “3 Feet Rule” is a standard for indoor space heaters
- Protect space heaters from vulnerable groups (pets, children, the elderly, etc.)
- Place floor standing heaters on level, non-carpeted flooring
- Never leave a space heater unattended while it’s running
- Allow space heaters to cool down completely before interacting with any components that aren’t intended to be used during normal operations.
Apart from safety guidance for space heaters, be sure to comply with general safety practices for propane use when it comes to ventilation and maintenance. Similar precautions should be followed to use natural gas safely.
The Most Important Safety Features for Space Heaters
Many big safety concerns can be cushioned with proper safety features. Cool-touch exteriors mitigate the chance of burns, especially for pets and children who won’t understand the risk associated with touching a running space heater. Overheat protection keeps the unit operating safely while oxygen sensors remove concerns about carbon monoxide buildup or lack of breathable air, both automatically shutting the system down in any unsafe situations. Tip-over safety is another auto shut-off attribute that reduces the probability of any fire-related accidents if the unit falls over. Space heaters can even be supported by whole HVAC system safety certifications like UL certification and ETL listing to ensure peace of mind.
IWAE Spotlight: Safe, Energy Efficient Space Heaters
Have you decided an electric space heater is the best option for you? Maybe you want a fuel space heater to keep you cozy when the power goes out? Regardless of your preferred power source, IWAE has some of the safest space heaters for outdoor entertaining areas, shared living spaces, and children’s bedrooms.
Moving indoors, options like the Comfort Glow Dual Fuel Vent Free Wall Heater add a touch of ambiance with stylish blue flames while efficiently heating a space up to 1200 square feet in size. This indoor space heater has the ability to work with both natural gas and propane without the need for direct venting, using an oxygen depletion sensor to safely shut down the system if breathable air becomes limited.
The MrCool MrBreeze Portable Bladeless Heater & Cooling Fan changes the climate control game, especially for busy parents with curious children. Its bladeless construction means small kids can’t hurt their delicate fingers by investigating the fan blades. This compact unit boasts an overheat auto-shutoff feature, and the heating elements are tucked away, mitigating any chances of burns or other injuries. As a one-stop solution for staying comfortable in any season, the MrBreeze is a safe and efficient option.
Stay Safe and Warm This Winter
Keeping your home cozy this winter doesn’t have to come at the cost of your safety. If you’re worried about whether your same old space heater is still up to snuff, don’t just plug it in and hope for the best. Contact the customer service experts at IWAE and share your concerns. We’ll work with you to find the best option for your home, whether that’s an upgrade to your current system or a new heater that won’t leave you exposed to unnecessary risk. With financing options like our Rent-to-Own program and a partnership with Bread Pay, you can stay toasty inside and outside all winter long.
