Precautions to take when using space heaters

by Marsha Charles 07/31/2023

Space heater safety tips  featured image

Space heaters are a convenient way to warm up and manage the temperature within your home. However, every year, thousands of space heaters are responsible for house fires. With this in mind, It’s important to exercise precaution when using these devices. 

How do I make my space heater safer?

Before purchasing a space heater, make sure it has been labeled and tested by a credible facility. These facilities test the product to make sure it follows safety guidelines. 

Place space heaters away from furniture and fabrics when in use to cut down on the possibility of the device starting a fire. Space heaters should only be used to warm a room. Don’t use them to heat food or dry clothing, and always the device and store away when not in use. 

Space heater safety features to consider

Many of the latest space heaters come with built-in features to make the device safer when in use. Consider these features when purchasing your next space heater: 

  • Some have a thermostat: This feature is helpful to monitor how hot the heater is getting. 
  • Automatic turn off: When the device warms up too much, it will turn off automatically to prevent overheating. 
  • A switch to turn off the device when overturned. 

Space heaters are an affordable way to keep your home warm no matter the season; however, it’s important to proceed with caution when using them. Don’t put them too close to other household objects, and make sure they’ve been tested for safety.

About the Author
Author

Marsha Charles

Consistent top listing and selling agent receiving Chairman's Club award for superior sales achievement almost every year while associated with Preferred Properties, Inc. Consistently receive the International Presidents Premier award for sales volume since joining Coldwell Banker Realty and ranked in the top 1% of agents in Connecticut and Westchester County. In 2021 I received the International Society of Excellence award for sales volume in excess of $100,000,000. I have been named a Top Five Sales Agent for customer satisfaction since 2010 (longer than any other agent in Connecticut) and listed in Connecticut Magazine. Named one of the Top Agents in Connecticut by Real Trends since 2018. 

I work with sellers and buyers and also have a strong understanding to needs of those who are relocating . Background and experience in advertising, public relations and photography offer creative and innovative marketing plans for sellers.  

Realtor designations include: Graduate Real Estate Institute, Certified Residential Specialist, Certified Residential Marketing Specialist, and Pricing Strategy Advisor. Served as President of New Canaan Board of Realtors (two terms), Director (three terms) and currently serve on Professional Standards Committee. Named Realtor of the year by the New Canaan Board of Realtors in 1994and again in 2022. 

Married and mother of other of four children who attended and graduated from the New Canaan School System, Member of New Canaan, Darien, Greenwich and Statewide MLS systems. Areas covered include New Canaan, Darien, Greenwich, Rowayton, Norwalk, Wilton and all of lower Fairfield County.