Our Winter Safety Tips Regarding Space Heaters

Those of us who live here appreciate San Francisco’s moderate winters. However, temps can get cold enough to cause you to turn on a space heater in chilly rooms. These are handy appliances for localized heating — if used safely. If not, they can easily cause house fires, as many thousands of people across the nation sadly find out each year.

Learning to use your space heater safely and preparing it for use during the cold months is part of winterizing your home in the Bay Area. Here are a few things to remember.

 Space Heater Safety Tips

• Safety Features
  Make sure the space heater you purchase has standard safety features installed, know where they are located on the device, and make sure they’re working. These include a tip-over switch that shuts it off if it falls over, an automatic overheat shutoff, and a grill over the heating elements. Check new units for damage and always read the instructions.
• Space Heater Placement
  Be sure your heating appliance is placed on a solid level surface for stability and at least 3 feet away from any items that could catch on fire or be damaged by heat. Don’t place them on tables or in high-traffic areas where they can be knocked over.
• Outlets
  Space heaters use a lot of power, so you should avoid plugging other electrical devices into the same outlet with your heater to avoid overheating the circuit. Avoid using a space heater with an extension cord for the same reason. Make sure your breakers or fuses are in good working order.
• Unplugging
  It’s a good idea to completely unplug the unit if you’re not going to be using it for a while. Always grasp the plug and pull straight out when unplugging to avoid fraying and damaging the cord and baring wires.
• Smoke Detectors
  Install smoke alarms in strategic areas of your home, especially in the rooms where you plan to use a space heater regularly. Ideally, you should have a smoke detector in every room on each floor. Check them for proper operation on a regular basis.

At Divine Electric, we are committed to providing the best electrical services that meet your needs and budget. When you need electrical services for your home, our certified technicians will take the time to understand your home, your needs, and your project.