Portable space heaters are responsible for an average of 1,700 house fires a year, resulting in 80 deaths and 160 injuries, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. They’re mostly caused when a heater—typically an electric one—is placed too close to curtains, bedding, or upholstered furniture.
If you rely on a portable heater for supplemental heat this winter, it’s important to make space heater safety a priority. Following are tips for safe space heater operation, along with safety features to look for when choosing a space heater.
HOW TO USE A SPACE HEATER SAFELY
Half of all home heating fires happen during the months of December, January, and February. Our experts, as well as the pros at the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers and the National Fire Protection Agency offer the following safety tips:
- Place the heater on a hard, level, and nonflammable surface. These appliances are intended to sit on the floor, not on a table.
- Establish a 3-foot kid- and pet-free zone around the heater, and never put a space heater in a child’s room.
- Keep the space heater at least 3 feet away from combustible materials, such as furniture, bedding, and curtains. A taller heater may need to be even further away.
- Don’t use a heater in a workshop or garage near paint, gas cans, or matches.
- Turn it off when you leave the room or go to bed.
- Unplug the heater when it’s not in use by pulling the plug straight from the outlet. Check the cord for damage periodically, and don’t use the heater if the cord is frayed or worn.
- Don’t plug another electrical device or an extension cord into the same outlet as a heater—that can cause overheating.
- Install working smoke alarms on every level of your home and in every bedroom, and test them monthly.
SAFETY FEATURES TO LOOK FOR
Certification: Make sure the heater you buy carries a safety certification label from an independent testing organization, such as the UL mark, the ETL label from Intertek, or certification from CSA International.
Shutoff features: A smart sensor that automatically shuts off a heater when it overheats is a must. You’ll also want a tip-over switch that does the same if the heater is knocked over.
A ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) plug: Most space heaters don’t come equipped with a GFCI plug, which prevents electric shock. Heaters without one should not be used around water, manufacturers advise.
A sturdy cord: Most space heaters come with a cord that’s 6-feet long. To prevent overheating, never use an extension cord or a power strip with an electric heater.
