If you’re not careful, a space heater can start a fire and endanger your property and family. But as long as you know where not to place the space heater and what to look for when you purchase or set it up, you can enjoy the warmth in safety.
Where Do You Put It Safely?
Keeping heat sources away from flammable materials is a no-brainer, but the question becomes: How far is safe? A good rule of thumb is to have a 3 ft. perimeter around the heater where nothing is in range. Items that should especially be kept out of this perimeter include: paint or oil cans, curtains, bedding, furniture, books, pets and children.
It is also worth mentioning how you shouldn’t put a space heater in a nursery or children’s room. A space heater should be placed on a level, hard surface, like tile or linoleum.
Paying Attention to Other Safety Signs
When shopping for a space heater, it’s a smart idea to do your research ahead of time by looking up consumer guides online. Even at the store, you can take note of any safety certifications on the packaging. These safety scores are usually based on tests for how units perform when under specific stresses like when they’ve fallen or are overheating.
If that kind of information simply isn’t available to you, try finding a model with a bulky GFCI plug, to help mitigate risks posed by electric current mishaps by adding grounding. At the very least, look for a model with a sturdy cord and base.
Finding a dependable space heater is much easier than finding an electrician. That is, unless you already know M. R. Electricians, who have been your trusted family service provider since 1996. Call today at 301-871-0477 if you live in Maryland, Virginia, or Washington DC, or call 727-422-0391 if you live in Florida.
