3 Tips to Help Prevent Space Heater Fires

4/30/2021 (Permalink)

During the winter, many families use space heaters to keep their homes warm without increasing their energy bills. However, a burned space heater can quickly catch fire, and as a result, your home can sustain major fire damage. However, there are several ways you can reduce the likelihood of a space heater causing a fire in your home.

1. Maintain Your Heater's Filters

Over time, filters in space heaters accumulate dust and dirt. If the heater's filters are not cleaned, the heater may begin to emit smoke, making a fire more likely to occur. The fire and the smoke cleanup process can be costly and time-consuming, and many homeowners find it useful to contact emergency restoration services. However, frequently cleaning your heater's filters can help to prevent the heater from smoking and causing a fire.

2. Turn Off Your Heater When You Sleep and When You Leave the Room

In addition to cleaning your space heater's filter, it is also often best not to leave a space heater unattended. If you leave a space heater unattended, you likely will not notice signs that a fire may occur, such as smoke or sparks coming from the heater. Falling asleep while using a space heater can also be risky, as a burned space heater could quickly cause a fire, and you may not notice the fire until it has spread.

3. Position Your Heater Appropriately

A properly positioned space heater that is kept away from flammable items can help to reduce the likelihood of a fire occurring. However, a space heater that is positioned too close to other items, such as blankets or clothes, is significantly more likely to result in a fire. It is also often best to place your heater on a sturdy surface that is not made of plastic or other materials that may melt.

Knowing how to safely use a space heater can offer you peace of mind during the winter. You can often prevent a burned space heater from causing a fire by maintaining the heater's filters, turning off the heater when sleeping or leaving the room, and keeping your heater in a safe position.