How to Use a Portable Electric Heater Safely
Portable electric heaters are a great choice for heating smaller spaces. They’re often inexpensive, easy to use and have safety features that shut them off if they tip over or begin to overheat. However, they also pose some risks that you should be aware of before using them in your home. Consider the following tips as you learn how to safely use a portable electric heater.
How to Use a Portable Electric Heater Safely
Portable electric heaters are a great choice for heating smaller spaces. They’re often inexpensive, easy to use and have safety features that shut them off if they tip over or begin to overheat. However, they also pose some risks that you should be aware of before using them in your home. Consider the following tips as you learn how to safely use a portable electric heater.
Choosing an Appropriate Heater According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), there are four main types of portable electric heaters: convective, infrared radiant, fan-forced and oil-filled radiators Each has its own benefits and recommended uses. For example, convective heaters use a fan to move heated air around the room. They’re good for heating multiple spaces as they transfer heat easily from one area to another. However, many convection heaters lack built-in safety features and must be used sparingly in enclosed spaces due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Infrared radiant heaters work by creating a beam of light that converts electricity into infrared radiation. Although they require more energy than other heater types, they can provide safe, portable warmth without using fans or distributing heated air throughout a room. Radiant heaters are also very efficient and usually have built-in overheat protection devices.
Fan-forced heaters blow heated air across a heating element or hot ceramic plate. They can be great for quickly heating a room, but their safety features are often less advanced than other types of portable electric heaters. It’s especially important to be careful when using this type of heater in small spaces due to the risk of overheating—even if you are using it in conjunction with other heat sources like an oil-filled radiator.
Oil-filled radiators use heated oil to warm surrounding air and minimize energy loss while dissipating heat into the room. However, they should only be used by responsible adults who will monitor them regularly during operation because they lack built-in thermal cutoff protection devices.
FAQs:
How do you use a portable electric heater?
Portable electric heaters plug into standard household outlets and work like space heaters, but they require less space and are more cost-effective. They come with built-in safety features such as automatic thermal cutouts that turn them off if they tip over or begin to overheat. Some models also have adjustable thermostats to regulate the amount of heat being distributed throughout a room. These devices will also shut down automatically if they feel unusually hot due to excessive power consumption or improper ventilation. Finally, portable electric heaters should always be used on level surfaces—never place them on furniture or carpets.
What are the best ways to prevent fires when using a portable electric heater?
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends placing space heaters. At least 3 feet away from anything that can burn—including furniture, bedding, and rugs. It’s also important to check heating devices regularly for signs of damage or overheating. Don’t operate portable heaters while wearing loose clothing or dangling jewelry, and unplug them before attempting any type of maintenance. Only allow responsible adults to use this type of device in your home.
How often should you clean an electric heater?
While many modern electric heaters have built-in safety features that shut them off. If they feel excessively hot due to excessive power consumption or improper ventilation. It’s a good idea to clean them regularly. Any dust or debris that collects on a heater’s heating element can reduce its efficiency and cause it to overheat. Which could lead to a fire if the device isn’t off in time. It’s also important to check your portable electric heaters. For signs of burning, fraying, cracking, or melting every month. As these issues could potentially lead to fires as well.
Can you use an extension cord with a portable electric heater?
It’s generally safe to plug a space heater into an extension cord during use, but it’s important that you check the product manual first. Especially if your model hasn’t been safety test with an extension cord.
Conclusion:
Now you know how to safely use a portable electric heater. Whether it’s time to replace your oil-filled radiator or you’re looking for a space-saving way to heat up your bedroom. Portable Electric Heater Source offers the largest selection. Safe, high-quality convection, infrared radiant, fan forced, and oil-filled radiators at great prices. Check out our site today to find the perfect heater for any size room in your home!