Electric space heaters may seem like a convenient way to heat your home, but they come with their own set of safety risks. And, as winter approaches, it’s important to understand the potential risks before selecting a space heater for your home. In this post, we’ll be taking a look at some safety tips for electric space heaters and how to keep your family safe.
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What is an electric space heater, and how is it different from a furnace
An electric space heater heats the room rather than the room itself. An electric space heater can be plugged into a wall outlet or run on batteries. The heater radiates heat, rather than burning fuel, to warm the room. An electric space heater can be illuminated or can be transparent.
A furnace is an electrical device that converts electricity into heat. The heated air is then distributed through ducts or a vent, and is distributed throughout the house.
Some of the benefits of an electric space heater
Electric space heaters are great for warming rooms in the winter, but did you know that they can offer a number of other benefits as well?
Here are some of those benefits:
Saves energy: Using a space heater instead of turning up the furnace or turning up the thermostat in your home can cut down on your energy bills. Since electric space heaters only deliver warmth and don’t produce as much heat as traditional home heating systems, they are less demanding on your home’s HVAC system.
Heats larger spaces: Unlike space heaters, portable heaters can only heat the area that they are directly over. Electric heaters, on the other hand, are spread over a larger area, making them ideal for heating larger spaces.
Safer: Electric space heaters are safer to use than propane heaters since they do not produce an open flame. This means you don’t have to worry about accidentally starting a fire or falling asleep with the heater on.
How to be safe when using an electric space heater
If you use an electric space heater in your home or workplace, it’s important to take some safety precautions to protect yourself and those around you.
The heater is made up of several different parts that work together to provide heat. If it overheats or contains an electrical fault, it can cause a fire.
Here are some things you should keep in mind when using an electric space heater:
1. Make sure the heater stays on a sturdy surface.
If the device is placed on a wooden table, for example, it could fall over and cause a fire. Make sure it’s placed on a stable surface, like a wooden table or a raised cabinet, to stay safe.
2. Don’t use the heater near flammable material.
Do not use the heater near flammable materials like clothes or curtains. This could cause a fire if the heater overheats.
3. Keep the heater at least three feet away from anything flammable.
To prevent fires, keep the heater at least three feet away from anything flammable. This includes paper, clothing, curtains, and furniture.
What are the known health risks posed by electric space heaters?
Electric space heaters are a common appliance that many homeowners use during the winter to provide heat. However, these heaters can emit a poisonous gas called carbon monoxide.
Carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless, and tasteless, so people often don’t realize that they are breathing in dangerous levels of this gas when they are using it. In fact, the U.S. government estimates that 600 people die each year from exposure to this gas.
How to choose the best electric space heater for your home or office
The next thing to consider is the power of the heater. Obviously, the higher the wattage, the more powerful the heater will be. You should also consider the size of the heater, and the size and location of the room in which you want to place it.
Conclusion
I hope this comprehensive guide on how to safely use an electric space heater has given you the tools you need to ensure your safety this winter. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
