Space heaters are a heating source many use throughout cold Detroit winters. They can be a safe option for providing warmth. However, that’s only when they’re used properly. Following certain important safety tips can help you stay safe, warm, and comfortable when temperatures drop in the city.
Keep the Space Heater Far From Fabric
It’s important to keep the space heater at least a few feet from any type of fabric. This includes upholstered furniture, curtains, piles of laundry, carpeting, and kitchen or bathroom towels. It’s incredibly easy for fabric to catch fire, even without actually having to touch the space heater.
Check for Flammable Items Nearby
Fabric isn’t the only thing that could cause a fire from a space heater. There are many other items, such as hairspray, paint, and air fresheners, that can also lead to a dangerous situation. Remove anything that’s within 3 feet of the device for maximum safety. This decreases the chances of any type of accident and helps to keep you safe.
Keep Pets at a Safe Distance
All pets know is that space heaters provide pleasant warmth, which can be particularly appealing on a cold day. This could easily lead to them accidentally knocking the heater over or causing it to sit off balance. Additionally, they may unintentionally push one of their toys against the device, causing it to catch fire. Keep pets at a distance at all times. If one of their toys rolls too close, grab it for them so that they’re not tempted to retrieve it themselves.
Don’t Let Children Near the Space Heater
Children may want to get too close to a space heater, which could result in burns, electrical shock, or a fire. They may also be tempted to put their toys into an opening, not realizing the unfortunate potential consequences. Always monitor their proximity to the heater and keep them several feet away. For safety purposes, never let them operate the space heater on their own, even if it’s just pressing a button.
Don’t Leave It Unattended
It may be tempting to leave your space heater unattended, such as when you’re cooking or showering, but a fire could start in seconds. You should never leave the space heater on when you’re not home or if you’re in another room. Additionally, don’t leave it turned on when you’re sleeping, even if you’re a light sleeper.
It’s also vital not to leave the space heater alone while it’s cooling down. Some models, especially modern options, cool off quickly. Other models need some time, sometimes up to 30 minutes. There’s still a fire risk while the heater is hot. Let it cool down before leaving it unattended. Avoid touching it while it’s cooling down, and continue to keep pets and kids away.
Place It on the Right Surface
In order for space heaters to operate safely and properly, they must be on a flat, stable surface. This means not putting them on uneven flooring, counters, furniture, carpeting, area rugs, or chairs. Your best and safest option is to put the space heater on even tile or concrete flooring where it’s unlikely to tip over. Once you put it into position, lightly touch it before turning it on to check that it doesn’t wobble. Place the heater away from pathways and other high-traffic areas. In these types of locations, it can be easy to accidentally knock it over or trip over the cord.
Inspect It Before Use
It may seem pointless to inspect your space heater every time you use it, especially if you only used it hours before. However, this is an important step in safely using the device. Issues may occur during the last time you used it or after that, which could result in unsafe operation. For example, if a pet chewed the wire or you accidentally ran over it with a vacuum, the frayed wiring could lead to electrical shock or fire. For safety purposes, closely inspect it, including the wires, before using it again.
Plug It in Safely
Many homeowners plug their space heater into a power strip or an extension cord to operate the device. This can cause the extension cord or power strip to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire or a tripped breaker. The safest option is to plug it directly into an operational wall outlet. Additionally, when you’re done using the space heater, unplug it. Don’t leave it plugged in, even if it’s off.
Dust Off the Space Heater
Many homeowners don’t dust off their space heaters, both during winter and after it’s been in storage throughout the rest of the year. However, accumulated dust, both on the interior and exterior of the unit, could catch on fire. Make sure you keep the device clean, and give it a deep cleaning after it has been in storage for an extended time. Always unplug it first and make sure it’s cool before starting the cleaning process. The instruction manual that comes with the space heater should provide details about how to clean the device safely. Follow the instructions thoroughly for the best results.
Keep Smoke Detectors in Working Order
If a situation occurs, it’s crucial to have a smoke detector that can alert you to an emergency. Only use the space heater in a room with a working smoke detector. Test and dust off the detector monthly to ensure it’s operating properly. Don’t forget to change the batteries or replace the entire device according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you’re unable to reach the smoke detector or think it’s malfunctioning, call for professional assistance. Working smoke detectors save lives.
Only Use Safe Space Heaters
One of the most important aspects you should verify on your space heater’s tag is that it was properly tested by a recognized testing laboratory. This adds an extra level of safety that’s crucial when you’re using a device that increases fire risk in your home. Additionally, be wary of using pre-owned space heaters, even if you know the person giving them to you. There’s no telling how well the device was cared for or if anything is wrong with it. If you want to use it anyway, consider getting it inspected by a professional electrician before using it for the first time. This can give you peace of mind that it’s safe to use.
Choose Reliable Whole-Home Heating Instead of Space Heaters
While space heaters can provide temporary warmth, they’re not a long-term or ideal solution for heating your home during Detroit’s harsh winters. Relying on multiple space heaters can increase fire risks, strain your electrical system, and still leave rooms feeling unevenly heated. A properly maintained, efficient heating system keeps your entire home comfortable without the added safety concerns.
If your furnace isn’t keeping up or you’re relying on space heaters to stay warm, it’s time to call the professionals at Great Dane. Our experienced team provides trusted heating repair, maintenance, and replacement services to help homeowners stay safe, warm, and energy efficient all winter long. We also provide a full suite of electrical services in case your space heater has tripped a circuit breaker or caused other electrical damage.
Call Great Dane today to schedule an appointment for heating services in the greater Detroit area.
