Winter is coming, and that means cranking up your central heating and paying a lot more each month for utilities, right? Wrong. You don’t need to heat your entire home when you are only occupying one room. Save money and stay toasty warm with a space heater. But using a space heater comes with some safety hazards. Use these five tips to stay comfortable and safe this winter. 

Check Your Label for Proper Certifications and Standards

Before you purchase or use a space heater, make sure it has passed a safety check. This is especially true if you purchase a unit from the internet since some sellers may offer models from overseas which lack proper testing. You should look for a label from Underwriters Laboratories (UL), the Intertek Group (ETL) or Canadian Standards Association (CSA) to ensure your heater is safe enough to operate. 

Inspect the Unit for Physical damage

When you bring your unit home for the first time and after removing it from storage each season, check it over for any physical damage. Carefully inspect the plug to ensure that all the prongs are straight and that none are missing. The cord should never be worn or cracked because this can lead to a fire. Also, look for cracks in the body of the unit. If you notice any damage, don’t use it.  

Only Use Space Heaters for Supplemental Heat

Space heaters are excellent at providing additional localized heat, but you should not use them as an alternative to central heating. You can turn down your central heating, but it is important to keep it on to avoid causing damage like frozen pipes or increased humidity. Make sure you purchase a heater which is neither too small nor too large for the space you plan to heat. Oil-filled radiators are ideal for heating a room while smaller radiant heaters are an excellent choice for personal warmth. 

Ensure Proper Placement of the Space Heater

Although it is possible to hang some heaters, like a micathermic panel, on a wall, most heaters should not be closer than three feet from walls and pieces of furniture to avoid a fire hazard. Don’t place a space heater on a carpet or uneven floor to prevent the possibility of it tipping over. It should be obvious that you should never put your heater in an area where there is a chance it will come into contact with water.  

Unplug and Store Properly When Not In Use

Prevent the potential for a fire by always unplugging your unit when it is not in use. That means even if you will be out of the room for a few hours — unplug it. You should also never leave your home when the heater is still warm to the touch. 

Guaranteed Services in Columbus, Ohio offers extensive heating and cooling services. Call us at 614-594-9423 to prepare for the heating season.