Portable heaters are popular for a number of reasons. These compact and affordable options can help homeowners save on monthly heating costs as well as assist with warming up certain areas that the building’s primary heater struggles to reach.
Whether they’re used as a main or supplementary heating source, portable heaters are a great solution. However, it is important to be safe when using one.
Whether you want to heat up your basement, warm up a spare room or you plan to completely replace your main heating unit with a portable electric heater, here are some tips that will keep you safe.
Avoid Crowded Outlets and Messy Surge Protectors
One of the reasons that electric heaters are so popular is due to the fact that they don’t require fuel. This saves both time and money, but the components of a portable heater are a bit different from those in other types of electronics.
While you may be comfortable plugging in an alarm clock or coffee maker on a power strip or other multi-outlet device, portable heaters should be plugged directly into wall outlets if possible to minimize the chance of fires.
Keep Away From Flammable Materials
A portable electric heater can make nearly any experience more enjoyable when the temperature drops.
Given the fact that these units can be placed in virtually every room due to their convenient dimensions, many forget that the units should have a fair amount of open space around them.
It’s important to keep other belongings, especially flammables, away from the heater. By adhering to a 3 ft. circumference rule, you can enjoy a warm room while avoiding safety hazards.
Buy the Right Size for Your Need
Though portable heaters can be easily transported, not all of them are the same size. While some are designed to provide a bit of extra warmth for areas near a drafty window, others are large enough to heat up entire rooms.
In order to make sure that you get the right amount of heat, look into the different sizes available to get the proper fit for your unique need.
Be Mindful of Safety Features and Ratings
Given the growing popularity of portable electric heaters, many safety certifications have emerged. Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories provides a database of models that have been tested and proven safe.
Popular certifications include:
- Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
- Canadian Standards Association (CSA)
- Intertek Group (ETL)
Convenient safety features like cool-touch surfaces, overheat automatic shutoff, and tip over safety switches can protect you and your family against the common problems many worry about when using portable electric heaters.
Get Familiar with Your Portable Heater
While portable heaters are designed to be convenient and simpler to use than traditional heaters, it’s a good idea to read the instruction manual and product guidelines so you know exactly how your heater works.
Calling in the professional electricians like Conductive Electrical Contracting is also a great way to make sure your heater is set up to provide you with plenty of convenient, affordable, and safe service.
