Despite being in an area where we experience milder winters, the locals of Houston still want to have warm homes and businesses throughout the winter. Though we want the warmth, homeowners look to try and save energy, so they often seek out alternatives, such as the use of space heaters. Space heaters should only be used for a short-term heating solution, especially because they have quite a list of hazards. With this in mind, we at Absolute P&M Services would like to stress why space heaters should not be something you rely on all season long for heat.

Space Heaters Overload Circuit

Space heaters require a lot of power, much like a furnace. Simply by plugging a space heater directly into the wall, it incredibly easy to overload your circuits. If you do need to temporarily use a space heater, do it safer by plugging it in a surge protected power strip, or a three-prong extension cord. You could blow a fuse or cause an electrical fire should a space heater was to overload a circuit.

Space Heaters Can Catch Fire

Statistically, space heaters are responsible for 44% of home fires. This is because the space heater was placed too close to flammable materials, in most cases. You should keep it at least three feet away from anything that could be considered flammable, which includes carpets and rugs if you are going to use a space heater. A space heater can easily set bedding, clothes, carpets, blankets, curtains, and other materials a blaze a matter of seconds. Know you run the risk of starting a home fire when you operate your space heater near any flammable materials. Practice extra diligence to make sure your family stays cozy and safe if you need to operate a space heater.

You Can Carbon Monoxide Poisoning from a Fuel Burning Space Heater

Electric and fuel burning space heaters are the two types. The same can’t be said for their fuel-burning counterparts, electric space heaters do not pose a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Tragically, anyone in this confined area could suffer from carbon monoxide poisoning without proper ventilation. Running fuel-burning space heater is a huge safety danger, particularly in an enclosed space. Always check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, no matter what. These alarms could be the difference between life and death, despite the type of space heater you use.

Space Heaters are Not Safe to Leave Unattended

For those who know better, one of the most stressful sights to see is an unattended space heater. Life happens, and you may need to leave the room for a spell and step away from your space heater. These heat emitting appliances can be pushed, pulled, or knocked over far too easily, especially in homes that have pets and kids. All that is seen is a tragic accident waiting to happen when we combine that with the threat of flammable materials.

Furnace & Boiler Heating Maintenance, Repairs, Replacement & More in Santa Fe, Tomball, Sugar Land, Galveston, Austin & Greater Houston, Texas

For your primary heating source, it is safer and more energy efficient to rely on your central heating. If you need heating system services in Houston, TX and surrounding areas, call in the experts of Absolute P&M for quality heating services.