This winter has been especially unforgiving and difficult for most of the country. The temperatures have been extreme and the storms severe.
For most folks, staying warm indoors is the number one priority and that can mean a whole mix of different heat sources.
Things like electric blankets and space heaters are favorite ways to add a bit more heat to those areas of the home that might be drafty or that don’t get a good supply of heat.
This is especially true if your home is heated by a fireplace and the heat doesn’t get evenly distributed to every part of your home.
If this is true in your home and you are using space heaters – make sure to follow these tips for safely using your space heater:
- Select a space heater with a guard around the flame area or the heating element. This will help keep children, pets and clothing away from the heat source. A simple screen or cover with holes in it will help to put a barrier between the heating source and anything else. However, that cover will also get hot over time so you should still keep the heater from touching anything else.
- When selecting a space heater, look for one that has been tested and certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. These heaters have been determined to meet specific space heater safety standards, and manufacturers are required to provide important use and care information to the consumer. You will find a tag or logo on the heater indicating that it is compliant with these safety standards.
- Buy a heater that is the correct size for the area you want to heat. If you have a living room that is drafty, make sure to purchase a large heater that indicates how many square feet it is good for. If you just want to take the chill out of the air in the bathroom, a much smaller heater will do.
Keep your home and your family warm and safe this winter by following these tips for space heater safety.