Space Heaters and Safety concerns

Safety is a top consideration when buying and using a space heater. Space heaters are a cause of many fires and burn injuries, including some deaths.

Independent lab labeling, location, sizing, ventilation, sealed combustion (in the case of gas and propane heaters) and thermostats are important issues. In all circumstances pay close attention to the manufacturer's operating and installation instructions. Do not underestimate them.

Qualified heaters

Prefer qualified heaters with safety guarantees. The Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) label (an international independent lab) is one of the best guarantees.

Thermostats

Choose a thermostatically-controlled heater, to avoid overheating and problems associated with it.

Sizing

Pay attention to the size issue. A too large heater can be a cause of overheating and problems. See the sizing table that manufacturers often offer with their heaters.

Location

Be careful to keep children and animals away from your heater. Also locate the heater away from foot traffic. A level surface is also important.

Vented

Be aware with unvented combustion heaters (gas, propane, kerosene). Electric heaters dispense with ventilation, but things are rather different with combustion ones. Even if they aren’t banned in your state (unvented kerosene heaters are banned in some states…) and many people use them, the fact is that they may deplete the indoor air and introduce unwanted combustion pollutants, particulates, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide and CO into the home. Special cares should be taken when installing and buying these heaters.

Kerosene, propane, gas heaters

Be particularly attentive to unvented kerosene and other liquid-fueled heaters. They have a good heating capacity, but are unsafe. Propane and gas heaters may also be too unsafe.

Location of combustion vented heaters

Vented combustion heaters are typically located next to an outside wall. Many modern vented heaters use a hole in the wall close to the heater to vent (the flue gas vent can also be installed through a ceiling).

Sealed combustion heaters

If you intend to by a combustion heater, prefer one with sealed combustion (100% outdoor air). These heaters do not use inside air in the combustion and do not introduce gases into the room. Sealed combustion heaters operate more efficiently and safely than unsealed ones, rarely cause back-drafts and do not affect the indoor air quality.

They are more expensive, but increased safety and efficiency deserve the difference of price. Direct Vent Furnaces are a good example of this type of heaters.

Liquid fueled heaters

Do not use gasoline or not approved fuels for liquid-fueled heaters. Never break manufacturer's fueling instructions, and do not fill the heater if it is yet hot.

Use also approved containers for the particular fuel you are using, and do not keep them indoors. Do not overfill them either.

See: Kerosene and other liquid-fueled heaters

Combustion gas heaters Inspections

Do not underestimate regular professional inspection. Even if you use vented heaters, an annual inspection is highly recommendable. The venting system can block, rust, corrode or have other problems, which may introduce unwanted CO or other combustion elements into the home.

Problems with the adjustment of the heater to the type of gas and the altitude should also be considered, when installing a combustion heater.

Electric space heaters

Electric space heaters are very safe units. They do not share the same kind of potential problems posed by combustion space heaters, namely in terms of air quality. But they still can be a cause of painful burns and dangerous fires. Take some basic cares. If possible, plug the heater directly into the wall outlet; if not, use a heavy-duty cord of at least 14-guage wire. Also prefer electric heaters with overheat safety cut-off and similar options. Follow general safety guidelines.

See: Electric heating basics