Over the past decade, electric space heaters have gained popularity for a number of reasons. The greatest benefit of these heaters is that they allow you to warm a small area of your home or office without having to turn the rest of the place into a sauna. Manufacturers have also made newer models that resemble fireplaces or wood burning stoves, adding to their charm and making them a must-have item in many homes.
Unfortunately, not all electric space heaters are safe to use. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFi), space heaters cause 32% of home heating fires (approximately 21,000) and are to blame for 82% of home heating deaths.
If you use an electric space heater, there are a few things you can do to remain as safe as possible and ensure that your product itself is safe:
• First, check to make sure the space heater has been safely tested and UL approved. Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is a product safety testing and certification company
• Always read, follow and understand the instructions for its proper use, operation and care.
• Make sure the space heater has safety features like emergency shut-off or heating element guards.
• If you have them (and you should) check your carbon monoxide detectors and make sure they are functioning properly
• Always avoid putting an electrical heater on furniture, countertops or carpets. Place the heater on a non-inflammable surface that is study and leveled
• Never use a space heater as a way to dry wet clothing
• Keep the space heater away from flammable things like fuels, paint, spray cans and upholstered items
• Avoid overloading the circuit you’re using to operate the heater
• Whenever you’re not in the room, keep the space heater off.
• When needed, replace old space heaters
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