Space heaters have been on the market for decades, and they are used regularly all around the country every year.
They are convenient and inexpensive for taking the chill out of the air in your home.
Also, people use them in their offices at work when the HVAC system doesn’t quite do the job or if their colleagues prefer the temperature a bit lower. There is nothing wrong with using a space heater, and they have become much more safe over the years, but it still pays to use caution when using portable space heaters. Be sure to read and understand the instructions that come in the box with your space heater. Do not use it to dry mittens or heat up your blanket. Don’t leave your space heater running while you are not there. If you are going out, turn it off. The temptation to use the heater while you are asleep may be real, but don’t do it. Do not use your space heater if you see that it has any damage. If it has a crack in it, is dented, or the wire or plug looks a bit flimsy or frayed, just throw it away and get a new heater. The risk is not worth it! Do not plug anything else into the outlet where you have plugged in your heater. Overloading your wall outlets is dangerous and can cause a fire. Keep flammable things away from your heater, as well. Billowing curtains, the newspaper, a pile of magazines, a throw rug – these are all highly flammable and should not be anywhere near your heater. Finally, use your smoke alarms just in case!