Winter has rolled into the Twin Cities! Your heating elements will be put to work over the next five to six months. Some areas of your home may need a bit of help staying sufficiently warm. Luckily, you have your space heater to help warm up those troublesome areas!
Now that you’re beginning to utilize your space heater, it’s always a good idea to brush up on the safety tips! After all, a space heater does emit heat which can cause fires and result in fire and smoke damage!
Here are four space heater safety tips to familiarize yourself with!
1. Make Sure Outlets and Cords Aren’t Damaged
With a space heater keeping certain areas of your home warm, there can be a lot of energy running through the outlets and cords while running. Testing the outlets your space heater will take up is an excellent first step. Next, you want to inspect the cords for any rips or tears to minimize the chance of your space heater producing an electrical fire.
2. Keep Objects Away From Space Heaters
As you may already know, the surface of space heaters can get pretty hot! Everyday household objects like blankets, pillows, stacks of paper, and books should be kept away from the space heater, especially when it’s running. It’s always a good idea to keep the area around your space heater free of debris!
3. Unplug the Heater While You’re Away
Even when space heaters are turned off, they still have the potential to draw a significant amount of energy. Ensure you unplug your space heater if you and your family are gone for an extended period during the holidays. Doing so will save you money on your energy bill plus reduce the chance of fire!
4. Keep Your Space Heater On the Floor
It’s tempting to put a small, portable space heater in position to blow warm air right on you, but it’s never a good idea. Putting your space heater on the desk, chair, or bed increases the chances of tipping, which significantly raises the risk of fire.
5. Keep Space Heaters Away From Wet Areas
As you already know, a space heater uses electrical currents to push out warm air in a given area. Some spots in your house are great for a space heater, while others are pretty hazardous. Bathrooms and kitchens are a less-than-ideal place to put your space heater as the high moisture content mixed with the electrical currents creates a recipe for an electrical fire.
6. Only Plug Space Heaters in a Wall Outlet
Space heaters are a convenient device capable of warming the trouble-cold areas of your home. However, with their convenience comes a cost. Space heaters use a lot of electricity, using an average of 1,500 Watts and costing a staggering 15 cents an hour to run.
With so much power drawn from space heaters, it is advised to only plug them in directly to a wall outlet. Plugging a space heater in a surge protector or extension cord increases the chances of overloading your circuit.
7. Keep Space Heaters Away From Kids and Pets
Children and pets are a naturally curious bunch, which is fun at times and dangerous at others. Keep pets and children away from your space heater as they might injure themselves or knock the space heater over, potentially causing a fire.
8. Don’t Hide the Cord for Your Space Heater
To avoid a tripping hazard or an eyesore, you may like to organize your electrical cords to avoid a tripping hazard or an eyesore. However, you should not hide your space heater cords under rugs, carpets, or furniture as it increases the chance of fire.
Call Kiser Construction for Fire Damage Restoration and More
If you require assistance from home damage, including water damage, storm damage, or remodeling services, call on Kiser Construction!
Get help now by contacting us online or give us a call at 763-633-2010 or 612-518-8852 for our 24/7 emergency service!