Liberty Mutual is committed to helping you keep your home and family safe. This month we take a closer look at space heater safety.
Portable heaters come in handy to warm up a drafty family room or take the chill off a bedroom. As convenient as they are, however, space heaters are responsible for hundreds of home fires every winter.
Buy smart.
Knowing what to look for in a space heater can help you make sure you’re able to stay warm—and safe—this time of year. Here are some buying tips we recommend:
- Electric space heaters are the most convenient models, since they don’t require the purchase of liquid fuels, thus saving you money and preventing spill hazards.
- Look for space heaters with stable, non-slip rubber feet and a safety screen for added protection from the heating elements.
- Choose a space heater that is rated for residential use and bears the seal of a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), or similarly recognized organization.
Use wisely.
Consider your space heater as a short-term solution. Unlike your home’s main heating system, a space heater is designed to run only for short periods of time. Although many models are equipped with an automatic shutoff feature, it’s safest to take the following precautions:
- Place the space heater at least three feet away from furniture, drapes or other objects that can burn.
- Create a three-foot “safe zone” around space heaters, especially if children or pets frequent the space.
- Check to see that your space heater is cool to the touch before moving it or putting it into storage.
- Never leave an operating space heater unattended, and turn it off before going to sleep.
Maintain correctly.
Most space heaters are used only when temperatures get cold. The rest of the year they may sit forgotten in storage. Here are a few maintenance tips to make sure your space heater is ready to serve you well when the time comes:
- Inspect cords and power switches and repair or replace them if damaged.
- Clean space heaters before storing them by vacuuming or blowing debris from exposed heating elements.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for care and maintenance.