Portable electric heaters are a great alternative to gas or wood-burning fireplaces. They’re safer, more efficient, and can be used in a variety of places to help you stay warm during the winter months.
However, if you don’t know how to use them properly or what safety precautions to take, they can be a fire hazard.
In this article, we’ll go over a few commonly asked questions about electric heaters and their safety.
If you have any further questions about using an electric heater, contact Mullin Heating and Air Conditioning in Tulsa County at (918) 209-3133.
What are some things to consider when using electric heaters in your home?
- If you have children or pets in the home, you should keep your heating units out of reach. This includes both portable and permanent models. You can also purchase an outlet cover that will prevent accidental contact with the electrical cord.
- Make sure that the room has adequate ventilation. You don’t want to close off airflow from one area and force it into another. This can cause excess moisture buildup and cause damage to your home’s structure over time.
- Always use caution when operating electric heaters in wet environments such as bathrooms or kitchens where steam could build up around them. Never use a portable heater near water sources such as sinks or bathtubs as this could cause fires or electrocution hazards if water splashes onto exposed wiring or components inside the unit itself.
What is the safest kind of electric heater?
If you are looking for an electric heater, look for a sealed combustion heater. Sealed combustion heaters are safer to operate than other types of space heaters, and operate more efficiently because they do not draw in the heated air from the room and exhaust it to the outdoors. They are also less likely to backdraft and adversely affect indoor air quality.
How long can I leave my electric heaters on?
The answer depends on the size of the room, how cold it is outside, and how powerful your heater is. If you want to know exactly how long you can leave your heater on, check the instructions that come with your specific model. But as a general rule, if you’re only using one small heater in a room and it’s not too cold outside, you should be fine leaving it on for a few hours at a time.
Can a portable heater damage my walls or flooring?
The answer is yes, but only if you use it improperly. Some of the more common problems are:
- Overheating: If the heater is too close to a wall or other surface and there is no ventilation, it can cause damage. The same goes for if there is not enough ventilation in your home.
- Excessive Heat: Overheating can cause serious burns, so be sure that you set the temperature lower than you need when you are using your heater. If it’s too hot, you should turn down or unplug the unit until it cools down.
- Dust and Dirt: Dust and dirt can build up inside an electric heater over time, which may cause problems with its performance or even cause a fire hazard if left unchecked.
Are you looking for Heating Service in Broken Arrow, OK?
When it comes to heating your house this winter electric heaters can really come in handy if you have no other options. Ultimately they are more of a backup option in the event something goes wrong with your home’s heating system.
This is why we suggest having a yearly furnace tune-up to ensure your home will be warm enough for you this winter.
Call Mullin Heating and Air Conditioning located in Broken Arrow, OK., 24/7 at (918) 209-3306, and let’s discuss your options.
Is a Furnace Tune-up Worth it?