| Space Heaters are used when main heating system is | | | | Commission estimates that more than 25,000 |
| inadequate or central heating is too costly to install or | | | | residential fires every year are associated with the |
| operate. Space heaters are self-contained, | | | | use of space heaters. In light of this fact, there are a |
| free-standing air heating appliance intended for | | | | few safety precautions to note when purchasing a |
| installation in the space being heated and not intended | | | | space heater: |
| for duct connection. If you only want to heat one | | | | -Only purchase newer model space heaters that |
| room or supplement inadequate heating in one room, | | | | have all of the current safety features such as a |
| space heaters are less expensive. They can also | | | | tip-over safety switch that automatically shuts off |
| boost the temperature of rooms used by people | | | | the heater if the unit is tipped over, indicator lights |
| who are sensitive to cold without overheating your | | | | that let users know that the heater is plugged in or |
| entire home. Electric space heaters are the only | | | | turned on and infrared or proximity sensors that turn |
| unvented space heaters that are safe to operate | | | | the heater off when objects come too close or |
| inside of your home. They also avoid indoor air quality | | | | when children and pets are near. These safety |
| concerns. | | | | features prevent burn injuries and the risk of ignition |
| Most space heaters rely on convection heating which | | | | of combustible materials. |
| is the circulation of air in a room. The best convection | | | | -Choose thermostatically controlled heaters because |
| space heaters incorporate a heat transfer liquid, such | | | | they avoid the energy waste of overheating a room. |
| as oil, heated by an electric element. Heat transfer | | | | -Select a properly sized heater for the room you |
| fluid provides some heat storage, allowing the heater | | | | wish to heat. Make sure the heater is not oversized. |
| to cycle less and to provide a more constant heat | | | | -Always put the heater on a level surface away from |
| source. Radiant heating is also used in space heaters. | | | | foot traffic and keep away from children and pets. |
| These heaters emit infrared radiation that directly | | | | Also, never use the heater in a wet or moist place |
| heats up objects and people that are within their line | | | | such as a bathroom unless it is specifically certified |
| of sight. Radiant space heaters are the most efficient | | | | for that purpose. |
| choice when you will only be in a room for a few | | | | -Plug the heater directly into the wall outlet. Make |
| hours and can stay in the light of sight of the heater. | | | | sure the plug fits snugly in the outlet as well. Do not |
| These heaters avoid the energy needed to heat the | | | | hide the cords underneath rugs or carpeting. If an |
| entire room by directly heating the occupant of the | | | | extension cord is absolutely necessary, use a heavy |
| room and the occupant's immediate surroundings. | | | | duty cord of 14-gauge wire or larger. |
| Space heaters are great, but they carry hazards of | | | | -Broken heaters should be immediately checked and |
| potential burns and fires, and should be used with | | | | repaired by a qualified appliance service center. |
| caution. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety | | | | |