How to Use a Space Heater Efficiently

Using a space heater is simple: just plug it in, turn it on, and voila, heat! They’re an excellent short-term solution to heating a small space, like a home office or bedroom, providing adequate, temporary warmth within minutes. However, using these heaters comes with some risks. Read on to learn how to use a space heater safely and efficiently when you need to heat a space for a short time and when to call Dugan Air Heating and Cooling for furnace repair.

Space Heaters: A Temporary Heating Solution While Your Furnace Is Down

Space heaters are convenient, portable options when your central heating is unavailable. They work by radiant heating or convection, operating between 10,000 and 40,000 BTU per hour, running on electricity, natural gas, propane, or kerosene. They’re an excellent temporary heating solution when you need additional heat in a small space.

Choosing the Right Space Heater for Your Home

It’s important to choose a space heater suitable for the size of the room you want to heat and always to make sure you have proper venting available if you use a gas, propane, or kerosene-powered heat source. Safety features you’ll want to consider are tip-over switches that automatically turn the heater off if it topples over and overheat protection for additional fire safety.

How to Use a Space Heater Efficiently

Due to their small size, space heaters work best in smaller, confined spaces, like in a corner or under your desk. Choose a heater that’s the right size for the space and uses a lower wattage, so it’ll consume less electricity while heating the room, and close the doors to keep the from escaping the space. 

Safety Tips for Space Heaters

Space heaters cause over a thousand house fires annually in the US, or around 46% of all home-heating-related fires. The following are some practical tips on keeping safe when using a space heater in your home: 

1. Put your space heater on a level surface 

Start by setting your space heater up on a flat, level surface. Make sure that both your space heater and anything supporting it is stable and that your heater is at least 3 feet away from walls and flammable items. If you have thick carpeting, avoid putting the space heater directly on it.

2. Turn your heater off before leaving the room 

Modern space heaters are designed with automatic emergency shut-off functions and built-in timers. However, these features aren’t reliable substitutes for having someone present to resolve the problem if it overheats, malfunctions, or tips over while it’s on.

3. Avoid using space heaters in busy, high-traffic areas 

Don’t set up your space heater in any area that gets a lot of foot traffic. It’s best to use these appliances in small rooms occupied by one or two people to avoid accidental tipping. Some models have exteriors that get hot, so it’s important to keep them out of the path of kids and pets to reduce the risk of injury.

4. Upgrade your outdated space heater 

Old, outdated space heaters are much more likely to malfunction than brand-new ones. They may lack important safety features like automatic emergency shut-offs, timers, and heat-resistant covers. If you have an old, dust-covered space heater, give it the retirement it deserves. Space heaters aren’t expensive, and having a modern, feature-rich model can save you a lot of trouble.

5. Use a space heater as a short-term solution  

Space heaters are handy when remote rooms like basements, garages, and converted attic spaces aren’t warm enough in the winter. However, they aren’t effective primary or long-term heating solutions. If your furnace is underperforming or no longer working, replacing it is much safer and far more efficient than using a space heater. You’ll spend less money in the long run and improve your home’s value, appeal, and habitability.

Can You Leave an Electric Heater On Overnight?

No, leaving the electric heater on overnight is unsafe, as it puts you at risk of a fire. The components inside a space heater get too hot when left on too long, and if you’re asleep, you won’t notice if something catches on fire. If your heat goes out and you can’t access emergency heating repair, it’s safer to dress warmly and use multiple blankets instead.

It’s also important to note that when Franklin winters are at their coldest, a space heater won’t have the capacity to heat your entire home. With no central heating system, residents run the risk of developing hypothermia. Attempting to run multiple space heaters at once can overload your electrical system. It also greatly increases the risk of fire.

Call Dugan Air Today

At Dugan Air, we offer reliable indoor air quality and heating and cooling services to residents of Franklin, IN, as well as surrounding areas. We’re committed to helping our clients stay safe and save money throughout the winter season. If your central heating system isn’t working as it should, we can help. Contact us today to find out about our furnace repair and replacement services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a power strip with my space heater?

No, using a power strip or extension cord with a space heater is dangerous. Power strips aren’t designed to withstand a space heater’s heat, and most don’t have the appropriate current rating to provide safe power. This will cause it to overheat quickly and start a fire. 

You should always plug your space heater directly into wall outlets, and for safety’s sake, your space heater’s plug should be the only cord plugged into the outlet to avoid overloading it.

What should I do if my furnace breaks down?

Call a trusted local HVAC repair company if your furnace breaks down. Dugan Air Heating & Cooling is Indiana’s go-to choice for homeowners, thanks to our high service standards and dedication to customer care.