Although the climate in Florida is ideal all year round, we occasionally dip into low temperatures that my have you reaching for your space heater or extra blankets to stay warm. When it comes to space heaters, you want to always practice proper safety habits to keep you and your home safe. When used improperly, space heaters can become a fire hazard placing you and your loved ones at risk. To protect your home from the dangers of electric heaters, our electricians in Winter Park, FL have the right tips to follow. By following these space heater safety tips, you can prevent any dangers in your home while still staying cozy on colder days.
An electric heater should be kept clear of any other items, especially blankets, sweaters, furniture, and stuffed toys. It is recommended that you keep all objects at least three feet away from the heater itself, as this will prevent them from becoming too hot and catching fire. Also, you should never put anything on top of your heater when it is turned on, as this can be a fire hazard as well.
When the space heater is on, you should refrain from touching the surface. It can become very hot to the touch during use, and this can result in severe burns to your body if you come into direct contact with the surface. Keep your distance from the space heater, as it will still keep you warm from a few feet away.
Because the surface of a space heater quickly becomes hot to the touch, you need to keep children and pets away from the perimeter of your heater. This involves watching your kids and your pets carefully when your heater is turned on to prevent any accidents or burns. As a rule of thumb, you should actually avoid turning your heater on when they are nearby.
Although it is uncommon to even carry these units outdoors, you need to avoid turning on space heaters when you are outside. These heaters are designed for interior use only.
Space heaters require a lot of energy to operate. Before you plug your space heater into an outlet, take the time to make sure that the outlet is working properly and the circuit can handle the electrical output required. When you overload the circuit with a space heater, it can blow the entire circuit. If you plug the space heater into a damaged outlet, it can result in even more danger to your electrical system and pose a fire hazard to your home.
By following these tips, you can practice proper electric heater safety in your home. As the temperatures begin to dip during those cold winter days, you can stay prepared with all the right electrical tips. If you want to keep your home safe, consider having an electrical inspection by our electricians in Winter Park, FL before the season arrives.