Does winter leave you chilled to the bone? There are many supplementary heating systems to choose from to help you stay warm. But those goosebumps might not just be due to the cold: using space heaters comes with non-negligible risks!
Indeed, you must exercise caution when employing these devices and appliances. Before you buy one, it’s a good idea to research the available options to find out what’s best for your situation.
Portable Electric Space Heaters
Usually simply referred to as “space heaters,” this type of supplementary heating is extremely popular. The units are easy to move from one room to another, relatively compact, and quite affordable. You’ll find them everywhere: homes, offices, campers, etc. They can efficiently keep you warm for hours on end.
Unfortunately, they consume a lot of electricity, which means their low purchase cost is cancelled out by the resulting energy bill. Moreover, they’re responsible for numerous house fires every year, many of them fatal.
To prevent a serious accident from occurring, remember to unplug the device before going to bed and anytime you leave the house. Also, make sure there is enough free space around the unit and never obstruct it (by laying clothes over it to dry, for example).
Gas Heaters
Modern in style, this type of heating is quite aesthetically appealing as well as popular since it’s very user-friendly and effective. However, gas fireplaces still present the same fire risk as most supplementary heating systems. Here again, always follow basic safety precautions; keep the unit on the floor, clean it to remove any dust, don’t place anything on top, and don’t use it to dry clothes.
Exercise extra vigilance if you have pets or young children about. They could burn themselves if they touch the unit or knock it over unintentionally and ignite a fire. Dropping small meltable objects inside could likewise damage the heating element or start a fire. Never operate the device if you can’t be present to keep an eye on it!
Another risk associated with gas heating is carbon monoxide poisoning. Now’s the time to check that your carbon monoxide detector is functioning properly. The manufacturer’s user’s guide, available on the Internet, will explain how to test it.
Wood Burning Fireplaces and Stoves
What’s more relaxing than reading a good book by the fire? Enjoying the soothing warmth, fragrance and crackling sound of burning logs is a classic winter activity and with excellent reason! To make the most of your fireplace, have it inspected, and the chimney swept every year. Prevent burns and house fires by using a fire screen. As in the case of gas heaters, a wood-burning fireplace can also cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure you completely extinguish the fire before going to bed or leaving the house.
To summarize, the basic precautions when operating any type of supplementary heating appliance consist in preventing burns, house fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. Remember to never leave the unit unattended, especially if you have pets or small children. You’ll be able to stay warm, safely, all winter long.