When the cold of winter seems to be penetrating your home, you may turn to portable heaters as a way to warm up an area. They can be a good thing, especially if you just need to heat a small area. Yet, they come with numerous risks of which every homeowner should be aware.
What Are the Risks?
Portable heaters typically create a significant amount of heat in a localized area. In some cases, they can fall over and catch on fire. They can also burn a person who touches them without realizing that they’re running. Poor-quality products tend to cause a significant amount of damage to the surfaces they sit on if they get too hot.
If you plan to use them, there are a few things to consider before doing so:
- Place the portable heater on a solid surface. Make sure you cannot knock it over.
- Choose only those that are modern in design. They should be approved for indoor use.
- Never choose any that use fuel in the home. Only electric varieties are safe to use in homes because they do not create fumes.
- Never leave them unattended. Turn them off – without fail – every night and when not in the same area.
- Keep children and pets away from them. The surfaces get hot and can cause burns.
Are There Alternatives?
An efficient furnace or heating system should provide your home with ample warmth even on the coldest day. If you are feeling cold spots, or your furnace does not provide enough warmth in some areas, it may be time to call an electrician. Give us a call today.