As winter begins to ramp up and hit north america with snow, ice and frigid temperatures many people attempt to add heat to their homes and work spaces. Whether they can’t afford to heat their homes, they have an old or inefficient furnace, or there simply is no furnace to be used. Whatever the reason may be cold temperatures can be dangerous! And many people attempt to heat their space with space heaters. While this is a viable solution for many people most of us use space heaters unsafely! That’s why in today’s post we’re going to share with you space heater safety tips to help keep you safe!
Space Heater Safety Tips
- Location
When you decide to use a space heater the most important thing you can do is evaluate the location you plan to set it up. You want to be sure that the heater doesn’t back up against any potentially flammable material. Things like curtains, bedding, rugs and even shelves can be hazardous. Especially when they are exposed to heat for extended periods of time. Before you start using a space heater make sure the location is safe!
- Avoid Daisy-chains
We cannot stress this tip enough – avoid daisy-chains! This is when you use multiple extension cords to plug in an appliance like a space heater. While the space heater might be in a safe location multiple extension cords linked together can cause a fire hazard. Be safe and if you don’t have an extension cord long enough for your needs simply purchase one that will do the job safely.
- Read the Manual
When you purchase a space heater typically they come with an instruction manual. If you have a space heater without one you can usually find one online from the manufacturer. Readying the manual and understanding your specific space heater is important. No two spaces heaters are alike and you may find out some important safety tips based on your appliance. For example some space heaters should not be run for more than 8 hours at a time. While others can be run for up to 12 hours. Some space heaters recommend keeping it on low, medium or high depending on the square footage of the space you are trying to heat.
At Electric Doc we hope you have a safe and warm winter!
