The first cold snap of the winter (long overdue) is arriving and space heaters will be turned on. There are many kinds of space heaters – electric, propane, natural gas and kerosene. Electric heaters are the most expensive to operate but are the only ones safe to use inside your home.
Safety must be a number one consideration when using a space heater. More than 25,000 home fires are caused each year due to space heaters, and 300 people die as a result!
If you are buying a space heater for use in your home, be sure to buy
· An electric space heater.
· A new unit with the UL label.
· One with a thermostat.
· One the proper size for the area you want to heat.
· One with a tip-over safety switch which cuts off the heater if the unit is turned over.
When using your electric space heater
· Locate the heater on a level surface away from foot traffic.
· Plug the heater directly into a wall outlet.
· If you must use an extension cords, use the shortest one possible and a heavy duty one of 14 gauge wire or better. Do not use the cheap extension cords!
· Keep children and pets away from the heater.
· Do not leave the heater on unattended.
Be warm and safe!!
Henry Lowndes Jr.