November 6, 2003

 

Space Heater Safety Concerns

Home heating energy costs are expected to be higher for this winter, which means the use of space heaters will probably be more common, according to George Maher, North Dakota State University Extension safety specialist. "The use of space heaters always prompts some well- founded safety concerns. Neglecting safety issues can have tragic results."

Supplying enough oxygen for a space heater to work properly is difficult without losing the heat that is produced. Most homes today have been sealed and caulked tightly because of previous high energy prices, so allowing enough fresh air in to replace the burned combustion air can be difficult.

"You can’t depend on infiltration air that seeps in through windows and doors to provide the air that a space heater needs for safe use," Maher says. "Carbon monoxide is a deadly, odorless, colorless gas which is always produced whenever a fuel is burned. Every space heater should be accompanied by a working carbon monoxide detector."

Refueling space heaters is also dangerous, Maher advises. Space heaters should be shut off and allowed to cool before being refilled. There is no safe way to pour kerosene into the tank while the heater is operating. Even propane space heaters should always be turned off and allowed to cool before fuel containers are replaced. A glowing hot element in the heater will easily ignite propane vapors.

"Always locate space heaters away from traffic patterns because most space heaters are somewhat tippy since they are taller than they are wide," Maher says. "Kerosene fueled space heaters can spill their fuel and cause a fire. Tipped propane tanks will not spill the fuel, but the surging propane can cause a dangerous and sudden flair-up in the flame, which could ignite near-by combustibles."

Electric space heaters can also be dangerous. A safe design will not allow the hot electrical element to come in contact with combustible materials when the heater is tipped over. Newer units have an automatic shut off feature if the heater is tipped. There is a possibility of electrical shock with a space heater that is old and past its prime. Some electric space heaters can cause accidental burns when touched because the surface area gets very hot.

"Most toddlers and youngsters do not really understand ?hot? and ?don?t touch? so space heaters that have hot outside surfaces are dangerous," Maher says. "Often youngsters will try touching the heater to see if it really is hot or they will challenge what they have been told and get burned in the process. This ?hot? danger also poses a threat with combustible materials in the home. They should never be very close to the heater."

Some consumers may believe it is cheaper to use a space heater for warming a chilly room, when actually a few, very low cost home improvements could be the solution. Improving the weather stripping of windows and doors should be considered before using a space heater. Windows should be covered with plastic film and doors sealed with weather stripping before a space heater is used.

"Even temporary weather stripping can make a noticeable difference in the comfort of a room or house," Maher says. "However, if a space heater must be used, always be sure to read and follow the instructions and keep the fire department phone number handy. Practice safety to avoid burns and fires and possibly the loss of a home."

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Source: George Maher, (701) 231-8288, george.maher@ndsu.nodak.edu
Editor: Rich Mattern, (701) 231-6136, richard.mattern@ndsu.nodak.edu