It’s Time to Be Sure You’re Using Your Space Heater as Safely as Possible

Winter will be here before you know it. We read about fires caused by malfunctioning space heaters every year. While we urge that you look for alternative options for your house, if you must use a space heater, we hope you will follow these guidelines to do it safely. Please contact Sonner Electric at 661-728-0126 if you have any electricity requirements during autumn or winter.

Examine the label for proof of independent certification

When shopping for a space heater, pay attention to the labeling as well as the package. You want to discover one that has been safety certified by a third-party testing organization. This might be a CSA, UL, or ETL certification. While the manufacturer will almost certainly claim that all of their products have been safety tested, it is far better to pick an alternative that can be validated by independent testers.

Read and follow the safety instructions on the label

The safety precautions on the space heater’s label are supposed to keep you safe, not to make you laugh. If you want to heat a large space, don’t get a little heater. Know if you’re buying an option that runs on electricity, natural gas, or propane, as well as the risks that come with each. For example, you would never use an electric space heater in a wet room like a bathroom or kitchen.

Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working

This is crucial even if you don’t have a space heater, but it’s even more so if you do. Smoke detectors, fire alarms, and carbon monoxide detectors should all be used. Make sure they’re running on fresh batteries. Make sure they’re in fine functioning order. Every four months, test them to make sure they’re still in good working condition.

Select a space heater with auto-shutoff capabilities

When you buy a modern space heater, be sure it has a function that switches it off automatically if it tips over, gets wet, or gets too hot. If it starts to smoke, the light flickers, or it smells funny when you switch it on, have it checked out before using it.

Use caution when placing the space heater

It’s critical that you put the space heater in the right spot. It should be on a firm, flat, and non-flammable floor. It should not be placed on a counter or a table. Keep carpets, furniture, beds, and drapes away from the space heater. Use a space heater only in areas that have recently been painted or contain combustible materials, such as a garage.

If you think you’ll need a space heater this winter, the guidelines above will keep you as safe as possible. However, keep in mind that there are other solutions that can eliminate the need for a space heater altogether. If you need help with electrical panel upgrades or other residential electrical needs, contact Sonner Electric at 661-728-0126.