Safest Space Heaters
Space heaters can be deadly. They can overheat, tip over, ignite curtains or catch debris or paper on fire. Electric heaters are safer than natural gas or propane heaters, since carbon monoxide poisoning isn't an issue. To compare models, do your homework. Friends and associates are often the best resource for pros and cons on given models. Beware of false advertising, too. For example, Amish space heaters heavily advertised are made in China. Only the wooden mantles sold with the heaters are made by the Amish. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
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Safest Have No Exposed Elements
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Heaters with coils that turn red hot pose safety issues. Instead, consider an oil-filled or water-filled convection space heater. These are ideal for use around children. They function exactly like radiators common in the 1950s. Also, consider a parabolic heater. It works by heating up a ceramic core to generate heat. While reflective heaters use a halogen bulb for warming you like the sun shining on you, the bulb gets very hot.
Convection vs. Radiant or Fuel Models
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Convection heaters make no noise. They heat air moving near them. Oil-filled radiator-type space heaters are convection heaters. Radiant heaters use coils, ceramic plates, quartz tubs and a variety of heating elements with or without fans. Kerosene heaters are too dangerous for home use. The National Fire Protection Association has long reported the dangers of children inhaling fumes or drinking the kerosene. Never use a propane heater in a bedroom due to flue gases.
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Safety Features to Review
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In a large area, you might need fast heat production. A radiant space heater with coils and a fan will do the job. Make sure the heater has shutoff sensors in case it tips over. Choose a sturdy, cube-shaped heater versus a tall, lightweight one. Make sure a baseboard heater or stand-alone unit has tight plastic or metal mesh to keep debris and small objects from reaching the heat source.
Practical Use Versus Safety
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If you do have children in your home, pay more to get special safety features and a sturdy heater. A heater can be loaded with safety features. But, a heater can catch the carpet or curtains on fire if it is constructed of inexpensive, thin metal. The weight of the heater and thickness of the metal casing are crucial for safe usage. Stand-alone heaters with oil-filled coils serve as a good example of a heater with a strong metal exterior. Heaters that heat a ceramic core are sometimes constructed with a flimsy metal casing.
Use Murphy's Law to Add Safety
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Select a heater that serves your needs, but create a safety backup. For example, place a heavy metal cage over a heater to keep away kids or pets. Or, bolt the legs of a heater to a heavy metal pan to keep it from turning over. Remove curtains that could fall on a heater, or secure a door that might accidentally touch a heater.
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References
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Michael Cote'
