They are designed in a way to do the heating quickly. That's one of the main features of space heaters. Just put the heater in the room, turn it on and see its magic.
Quick heating requires more energy consumption; that's what the space heater does. But the heat dissipates immediately. So You can't replace it with the central heating system.
It's just an extra addition to provide you with more heated rooms. When it's cold outside, it makes you feel warm and comfortable at home. But is it safe to leave a space heater plugged in? You'll get the answer here.
According to the National Safety Council, heating is the second main cause of house fires. And According to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), electronic equipment is one of the leading causes of house burns.
Unsafe Use Can Cause Huge Damage!
In this article, you'll know what's the safest way to use your space heater and whether it is important to unplug it or not.
What Are Space Heaters?
When the temperature drops, people crave a comfy space. Space heaters are the prior choice of many people when it comes to quick heating. But there is a proper way to use this heater. There's planning and precautions involved.
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Space heaters are portable heating equipment available at very reasonable prices, used to increase the ambient temperature of rooms. They can be moved easily from one room to another.
Different Types Of Space Heaters
There are four types of space heaters, i.e
Electric Fan Space Heaters
These heaters are very popular because they heat up the room real quick. But once it is turned off, the heat is gone. They are one of the most low-priced electric heaters.
Electric fan space heaters consume more energy, make noise, and cannot be left unattended. You have to be very careful while using the electric fan space heaters.
Kerosene, Oil, Or Gas Space Heaters
These are the oldest kind of space heaters. They are expensive, have polluting output, and are dangerous to use. People prefer using electric heaters instead of these oil and gas heaters because they emit toxic fumes.
Wood Pallet Space Heaters
These heaters are used for central heating. They are environment-friendly and not as expensive as the kerosene, oil, and gas space heaters.
Electric Inertia Space Heaters
The most modern kind of space heater is an electric inertia space heater. These are made of the latest and safe technology. They are very advanced, environmentally friendly, and energy efficient. But they are a little expensive.
Why Do The Plugs Get Hot?
There can be many factors e.g
- Connection is loose
- Short circuit
- The connected cable is defective
- Corrosion
Things You Should Never Do With Your Space Heaters
Letting Pets Come Near It
Pets love to come near warm and cozy areas. When you're not in the room, try to keep the pets out of the room too.
Placing The Heater On Your Furniture
Don't put your heater on your table or other furniture. Space heaters should be placed on the floor always, to avoid any accidents.
Putting Heater On The Rug
Putting it on the floor doesn't mean putting it on a carpet or a rug. They trap heat. Put it on a hard surface.
Using An Extension Cord
A space heater needs only 1-2 amps to function, and if the device is of a high power rating, it can also cause an overload. Extension cords are not built to handle this kind of demand, which can be dangerous. Always plug your space heater into a wall outlet, preferably one you know has enough power already running.
Placing Heater In Highly Humid Place
Never expose the heater to moisture. It is not safe to use it in closed, highly humid areas. It isn't designed in this way.
Using It Overnight
You might think that it's alright, but it's not. Running it overnight while you sleep is not a good idea. You don't know what can happen with the heater while you sleep. It's very dangerous. Just warm up the room well enough for you to sleep and then turn it off.
Using Old Space Heater
Now the space heaters have many safety options which you can use. Using an old or second-hand space heater can cause problems.
Leaving It Unattended
If you don't need to be in a warm space anymore or you want to go out of the room for a few minutes, don't leave the heater unattended. Turn it off, unplug it and then leave the room.
Placing It Near Some Fabric
Placing the space heater near some kind of fabric is the worst thing you can do. It's the deadliest combination ever. Fabrics like clothes, curtains, bed sheets, etc. should not be placed near heaters. They can get toasty and can catch fire.
Some Popular Space Heaters Are
- Vornado VH200
- Vornado AVH10
- Lasko 754200 Ceramic Heater
- Dr. Infrared Portable Space Heater
- Lifesmart 6 Element Heater
Benefits Of Space Heaters
- They work faster
- They are consistent
- They save your money and are worth purchasing
Some Important Tips To Use Space Heaters
- Only use a tested, approved, and certified space heater
- Always read the instructions before using
- Place it at least 3 feet away from ant inflammable material
- Always unplug your space heater when not using
- Never plug it in a power strip
Final Thoughts
It is a very common mistake people make with their space heaters. Don’t ever leave your space heater plugged in after using it.
They work faster; that’s why you don’t need to keep them running for a long time. After a few minutes, your room will be perfectly heated, and you can turn it off.
Avoid placing the heater near any fabric or combustible material; it’ll catch fire. We hope that the information was helpful. Don’t forget to share your experience with us.
