NEWS for North Dakotans
Agriculture Communication, North Dakota State University
7 Morrill Hall, Fargo, ND 58105-5665

January 28, 1999

Space Heaters Are Not Always Safe Heaters

Space heaters can be a good source of heat in chilly areas, but if they are used without caution they can also be a source of carbon monoxide poisoning, burns and fire says a North Dakota State University safety specialist.

"There are many types of space heaters available. Some are more appropriate for certain uses and some are more dangerous to use and require more care in their use than others. Neglecting these special requirements and operating instructions can have tragic results," says George Maher of the NDSU Extension Service.

Maher notes that all space heaters that consume a fuel must have an adequate supply of combustion air. When any fuel is burned, oxygen is consumed along with the fuel. That oxygen must be sufficiently replaced. Burning a fuel also produces carbon monoxide, a deadly, odorless, colorless gas. Space heaters should never be used in an area not protected with a carbon monoxide detector.

"Supplying enough fresh, oxygen-laden air for a space heater without losing the heat is very difficult," Maher notes. "The ventilation air is cold enough to cause a noticeable draft or chill, and infiltration air that seeps in through windows and doors is not adequate for a space heater."

Most space heaters get very hot on some of their outside surfaces. "That poses a serious threat for toddlers and youngsters who do not completely understand hot and don't touch," Maher says. These hot surfaces also pose a threat when combined with combustible materials in the homespace heaters are a frequent source of residential fires.

Hot surfaces pose a particularly dangerous threat if they are not allowed to cool before refueling fuel-burning heaters. It's recommended that all space heaters be shut off and allowed to cool down before being refilled with fuel. Propane-fueled space heaters must be shut off before gas connections can be changed.

"A hot, glowing element in the heater can easily ignite escaping propane vapors," Maher notes. "And trying to pour kerosene into the tank of space heater while it is operating is very dangerous, too. Spilling and splashing a small amount of kerosene on the hot heater will immediately cause a serious fire."

Most space heaters are shaped so they are taller than they are wide, making them relatively easy to tip over. Liquid fueled space heaters then can spill their fuel and cause a fire. Propane in the tank will not spill, but the surging propane may cause a sudden flare-up in the flame that could ignite near-by combustibles. Maher advises placing space heaters out of traffic patterns where they are less likely to be knocked over.

Maher notes that electric space heaters are not without dangers. If a heater is tipped over, hot electrical elements can contact combustible materials. Newer units have automatic shut-off features to prevent such events. Electric shock is a possibility when the space heater is used in a damp location or is old and used past its time. Electric space heaters also may have very hot surfaces which can cause accidental burns.

"Consumers often believe it is cheaper to use a space heater for warming a chilly room than to turn up the thermostat or improve the weather stripping of windows and doors. But, they need consider the risks and alternatives," Maher says. "Home improvement may be the better answer. Temporary weatherstripping and other improvements can usually make a noticeable difference in the comfort of a room or house. However, if a space heater is to be used, be sure to read and follow the instructions to avoid burns, fires and possibly the loss of a home."

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Source: George Maher (701) 231-8288

Editor: Tom Jirik (701) 231-9629