Dangers of Space Heaters

Space heaters, available in various shapes and sizes, are commonly used during the cold winter months as a form of heating. Space heaters are particularly good at heating one room, especially bathrooms or bedrooms. Since space heaters are so widely used, the National Fire Protection Association wants consumers to be aware that space heaters are a known fire hazard.

Types

Space heaters are available as either electric, propane or gas. These heaters are usually purchased as heater fans, ceramic heaters, radiant heaters or convection heaters. An electric fireplace is considered a decorative space heater. Each type of space heater is used to provide warmth to a room, object or person and can be quite beneficial since they are generally compact and easy to move from room to room.

Function

Heater fans and ceramic heaters are known to heat whole areas quickly and efficiently. Radiant heaters are better at providing heat in small, focused area. A convection heater is built for long-term, whole room heating. Electric fireplaces are also good at warming an area while adding a decorative element.

Considerations

Although space heaters are a great source of heat they are also a potential danger. Consumer need to take into consideration the dangers associated with space heaters. The National Fire Protection Association states, "In 2006, heating equipment was involved in an estimated 64,100 reported U.S. home structure fires. These fires resulted in the loss of 540 lives, 1,400 injuries and $943 million in property damages. Heating equipment made up a total of 16 percent of all household fires that took place in 2006.

Prevention/Solution

In order to prevent house fires caused by space heaters, you should follow instructions accordingly, such as providing placing heaters at least feet from flammable items, according to Mary Pickett, M.D. Make sure you have smoke alarms throughout your home and that they are all working properly. Some space heaters have an automatic shutoff when they fall over or get too hot in order to help prevent a fire. If your space heater shuts itself off, you need to inspect it for a potential problem before turning it back on.

Warning

Some space heaters may release carbon monoxide into the air. Carbon monoxide has no smell and it is therefore impossible to detect a leak without the use of a carbon monoxide detector. If you use space heaters, you should purchase a carbon monoxide detector. Inhaling too much carbon monoxide can be fatal.

References

• Space Heaters
• National Fire Protection Association
• InteliHealth