Whether you’re dealing with a drafty room or waiting for your central heating system to get repaired, portable electric heaters (also called space heaters or radiant heaters) can provide quick relief. These small appliances are typically electrically powered, using radiant heat to warm up specific areas. However, a common question we receive here at Gagne is: Are space heaters safe?
The real answer to this question is “it depends.” The safety of space heaters lies in how they’re used. When used as a temporary solution and with the right precautions, electric space heaters can be safe and effective. But if you mishandle or excessively rely on them, they may pose serious risks, such as house fires, electric shock, or injury. In fact, statistics show that space heaters are to blame for one in three home heating fires — and more than 80 percent of the related deaths.
These dos and don’ts will help you safely keep your family comfortable and ensure safe operation for your space heater until we can provide heating repair in Alpharetta or the nearby areas. Let’s get started!
Dos: Space Heater Safety Tips
Do: Regularly Test Your Smoke Detectors
Residential homes should have carbon monoxide and smoke alarms on every floor and in every bedroom. Test these detectors regularly to confirm they’re working properly and replace batteries as needed. A functional smoke alarm can provide an early warning in case of home fires, giving your family the precious time needed to act quickly.
Do: Choose Space Heaters With Safety Features
When shopping for a portable space heater, your top consideration should be the safety features it offers. We recommend choosing only space heaters that include the following safety features:
- A tip-over safety switch (ensures the heater automatically shuts off if knocked over)
- Overheating protection (prevents the heater from becoming dangerously hot)
- Sturdy cord and plug
- Safety certification label
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has reviewed a large number of space heaters, employing methods such as the “tip-over test,” the “drape test,” and reviewing the heater’s likelihood of igniting combustible materials. We recommend checking brands on their website before you purchase a space heater (or if you’ve already made a purchase, check to make sure your model is safe before you use the heater).
Do: Follow the Manufacturer’s Instructions
Always read and adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions before using a space heater. Most heaters come with manuals that provide specific guidelines for operation, including the specified safe distance to place the space heater away from furniture, curtains, or other flammable items. These instructions will also outline if you should plug the space heater into a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet. Neglecting these instructions increases the risk of fire and shock.
If your heater is secondhand, very old, or doesn’t have instructions, it’s typically not difficult to find an owner’s manual online. Locate the model details (usually on a sticker near the bottom of the heater), then search the Internet for the model number, name, and “owner’s manual PDF.” You should be able to locate a manual corresponding to your space heater.
Do: Place Space Heaters Correctly
Proper placement is crucial for safe operation. Always set your heater on flat surfaces and ensure it’s at least three feet away from flammable materials like curtains, bedding, or rugs. Avoid positioning space heaters in high-traffic areas where they can be easily bumped or tipped over, and never place anything on top of them — especially not flammable objects like clothes, paper, or aerosol cans.
Do: Keep Kids & Pets Safe
If you have kids or pets in your home, it’s essential to teach them the importance of space heater safety. Explain to older kids that space heaters are not toys and should never be touched, moved, or played around. For younger children or pets, position the space heater in areas that are out of their reach to prevent accidental tipping — even if your unit has a tip-over switch, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Finally, never leave young kids or animals alone in a room with a switched-on space heater.
Don’ts: Common Space Heater Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t: Use Extension Cords or Power Strips With a Space Heater
One of the most important space heater safety tips is to never plug the unit into a power strip or extension cord. Space heaters should be plugged directly into a wall outlet — ideally with nothing else plugged into the same outlet— to reduce the risk of overheating or an electrical short. Using an extension cord or power strip can overload the circuit, causing a fire.
Don’t: Leave a Space Heater Unattended
You should never leave a space heater unattended in any room, especially while sleeping or leaving the house. Even most modern space heaters equipped with advanced features (like tip-over switches, emergency shutoff features, and other safety technology) still require careful supervision. Always turn your space heater off when you leave the room to minimize the risk of fire.
Don’t: Use Space Heaters as a Long-Term Solution
Portable space heaters are designed to provide supplemental heat, not to act as the primary source of heat for an entire room or home. Relying on them as a total solution can strain electrical systems, increase the risk of fire, and leave certain areas inadequately heated. Instead, use these devices as a temporary fix while addressing any underlying issues with your central heating system. If your HVAC system isn’t providing consistent warmth, call Gagne Heating & Air Conditioning for professional assistance.
Need Long-Term Comfort Solutions? Call Gagne Today!
While space heaters can be a quick fix to heat your home during colder days, they should only be considered a temporary solution. If you consistently rely on a portable heater to maintain warm air in a specific room or your entire home, there could be underlying issues with your central heating system.
Don’t run the risk of a fire when Georgia’s best heating pros are one call away! Gagne Heating & Air Conditioning can help you address these problems, ensuring your HVAC system is running efficiently and safely. From routine maintenance to high-quality heater installations, our team provides reliable solutions to keep your home — whether in Alpharetta, Cumming, Canton Marietta, Milton, Sandy Springs, Suwanee, or Dunwoody — comfortable year-round. Contact us today to book a service appointment and say goodbye to that old space heater!