Space heaters can be a great way to keep warm during the cold winter months, but they must be used safely to protect against fire and other hazards. To prevent accidents and damage, it’s important to follow all safety precautions and use the right type of heater for your space. By familiarizing yourself with the basics of safely using space heaters, you can stay warm while keeping your home and family safe. From proper placement to never leaving a space heater unattended, these tips will help you get the most out of your space heater without sacrificing safety.

Understand the different types of space heaters
A variety of different types of space heaters are available, but they’re not all equally safe or appropriate for every situation. Here’s a quick breakdown of the three main types of space heaters:

Radiant: Radiant heaters use an element to generate infrared radiation that warms the air in the room without causing any combustion. Radiant heaters are quiet and safe, but they aren’t very efficient and can’t be used to warm objects as effectively as other types.

Fan: Fan heaters generate warm air by blowing air through a heating element, so they’re generally less safe and more likely to cause a fire than radiant heaters. If a fan heater’s thermostat is broken, it doesn’t shut off when the room reaches a safe temperature. Fan heaters are generally best used in areas where the heating element has a clear view of the room.

Convection: Convection heaters warm the air by blowing air over a heating element. They keep blowing air as long as they’re on, so they don’t rely on a thermostat to turn off. While convection heaters are generally safe to use, they can be very dangerous if the heating element isn’t shielded from flammable items or children.

Purchase the right size space heater for your space
Before you start shopping for the perfect space heater, you should figure out how many BTUs you need. BTU stands for British Thermal Unit, which is a measurement of heat energy. Generally, you should choose a space heater that puts out 10,000 BTUs or less. If you live in a larger space, like a two-story house, it’s a good idea to get a space heater with a higher BTU. If you live in a smaller space, like an apartment, you can get away with a lower BTU. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when calculating the space and BTU requirements for your space heater. Keep in mind that a larger space will take longer to heat up while a smaller space may reach a safe temperature much more quickly. If you have a larger space, it’s a good idea to have more than one space heater running at a time.

Place space heaters on a flat, level surface
Before you set up your space heater, make sure you’ve got the surface where you plan to put it cleared and level. Place the heater on a hard, flat, non-combustible surface, like metal or ceramic tile. Avoid putting the heater on a fabric surface, like carpet or a rug, because it could overheat or cause the fibers to catch fire. If you’re placing the heater on a wooden surface, make sure it’s hardwood, like oak or maple, that won’t get scorched or damaged by heat. Be sure to keep the space heater at least 3 feet from all furniture, fabrics, and flammable items.

Keep space heaters away from flammable items
Before you plug in your space heater and turn it on, make sure you’ve cleared all flammable items from around it. This includes clothing, accessories, papers, and other items that could catch fire. Place heavy items on top of lighter objects to protect them from heat and keep them out of the way of the space heater. Make sure to position your space heater away from curtains, drapes, or blinds as they can easily catch on fire if they’re too close.

Do not use extension cords
Many space heaters come equipped with a short power cord that’s intended for a standard outlet. This is the best way to keep you and your home safe. Your cord may not be long enough in some cases causing you to want to grab an extension cord. This is not recommended. Extension cords and space heaters do not mix.

Keep children and pets away from space heaters
It’s important to keep children and pets away from running space heaters at all times. It’s easy for little hands to get caught in moving parts or touch hot surfaces and end up with serious burns. Keep children and pets out of the area around the heater, and make sure they’re supervised at all times when the heater is running.

Never leave a space heater unattended
Turn off your space heater even if you’re just stepping away for just a minute. An unattended space heater could catch fire, start a fire, or cause a carbon monoxide leak if it’s running in a closed-off room. If you’re going to leave your house make sure there are no running space heaters. It’s also a good idea to unplug any space heaters when they’re not in use.

Have your space heater inspected regularly
Space heaters are mechanical devices that run on electricity, so they’re bound to break or experience some wear and tear over time. It’s important to have your space heater inspected and serviced on a regular basis to make sure it’s safe and running properly. You can have your space heater inspected at a local hardware store, or have a technician come to your house to evaluate it. If you notice any damage or hear unusual noises coming from your space heater, unplug it immediately and schedule repairs or replacement. If the heater is faulty or damaged, it could cause a fire or electrocution.

Take extra precautions in a dorm or apartment
College and apartment living come with their own set of challenges, but it’s still possible to keep warm without sacrificing safety. If you’re living in a dorm or apartment, it’s especially important to follow all safety precautions and use the right type of space heater. For example, fan heaters are generally better suited for apartments than radiant heaters since they distribute heat in a wider area. You can also use a portable space heater if you have limited space and can’t use a full-size heater. Overall, there are plenty of ways to stay warm while still taking proper safety precautions.