Space heaters can provide supplemental warmth and comfort during cold winter months. However, they also pose some safety risks, especially for young children. As parents, it’s important to understand both the benefits and potential dangers of space heaters in order to make informed decisions about using them safely around kids.
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Benefits of space heaters
Space heaters offer several advantages:
Warm a single room efficiently
Unlike a central furnace which heats an entire house, space heaters work by warming up only the room they are placed in. This makes them an energy-efficient option for adding extra heat to a cold bedroom or playroom without cranking up the thermostat for the whole house.
Portable and adjustable
Most space heaters are compact and wheeled, allowing them to be moved from room to room with ease. They can provide spot heating where and when you need it. Temperature settings allow you to adjust the heat output to keep a small space at just the right cozy temperature.
No installation required
Unlike a fixed wall unit or central heating system, portable space heaters simply plug into a standard wall outlet and require no professional installation. This makes them a versatile and inexpensive heating option.
Help reduce indoor dampness
By raising air temperatures slightly, space heaters can help reduce cold surface condensation, indoor dampness and accompanying mold growth during winter. Proper humidity levels also help minimize flu and cold transmission.
Potential risks of space heaters
However, space heaters do come with some safety concerns, especially around infants and young children:
Heat source can cause burns
The heating elements and grills of a space heater can reach extremely high temperatures. Young kids are vulnerable to burns from accidentally touching hot surfaces.
Fire hazard
Space heaters are a leading cause of residential fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association. If flammable materials like curtains or blankets come into contact with the heating elements, a fire can ignite. Poor wiring or malfunctioning units can also spark fires.
Tip-over accidents
Space heaters are top-heavy and prone to tipping over if bumped or if a child tries to grab onto them. The falls can cause serious crush injuries and burns.
Electric shock risks
Defective, damaged or frayed power cords can expose children to electric shocks and electrocution hazards. Kids may also accidentally knock over a space heater into water, creating shock risks.
Overheating dangers
Running a space heater for too long in a confined room can raise temperatures to dangerous levels and contribute to overheating, especially for sleeping infants.
Tips for using space heaters safely around children
It is possible to balance the benefits of space heaters with safety when little ones are present by taking the following precautions:
Supervise use
Continuously watch children whenever a space heater is operating – never leave them alone near a running unit even for a minute. Turn heaters off entirely when you are unable to supervise.
Keep space clear
Allow at least 3 feet of empty space in front of and around space heaters so kids do not accidentally run into or trip over them. Keep the areas clear of flammable objects.
Use safety features
Select space heaters with automatic shut-off switches in case they tip over or overheat. Choose models with cool-touch exteriors that do not get dangerously hot.
Avoid use in bedrooms
Refrain from using space heaters in rooms where unattended infants or young children sleep, since they can pose fire risks and oxygen depletion dangers.
Inspect for damage
Check units for functioning controls, frayed wires and cracks periodically. Discontinue use of any damaged space heaters immediately.
Plug directly into wall outlet
Plug space heaters directly into wall outlets, not power strips, to prevent overloading circuits. Use units with short cords to discourage outlet-to-outlet daisy chaining.
Keep on low surfaces
Place space heaters on the floor or very low, stable surfaces rather than on high tables or shelves to minimize accidental tip-over risks.
Turn off when leaving
Always turn space heaters off when leaving a room or going to sleep, even for short periods of time. Unattended units should never be left running.
Are smart space heaters safer?
Newer smart space heaters offer enhanced safety features such as:
Automatic shut-off if tipped over
Built-in tilt sensors will immediately switch the heater off in case it gets knocked over to prevent fire risks.
Remote control via smartphone
Apps allow remote power on, off and temperature adjustments from anywhere in the house. No need to directly interact with the unit.
Preset timers
Set schedules allow the heater to automatically turn on/off as needed. Timers prevent the units from running unattended.
Motion sensors
Motion detecting models turn off automatically if no movement is detected for a preset time. This adds protection if you forget to manually power down.
Safer exterior temperatures
Some higher-end space heaters maintain only slightly warm, not hot, external surfaces to reduce burn risks.
However, appropriate supervision is still required around children. No safety mechanisms are failproof so units should never be left running unattended.
Best practices for supervising space heater use by kids
Here are some best practices for carefully overseeing space heater use in children’s rooms:
Watch kids at all times
Continuously monitor children in rooms where space heaters are running. Do not leave them alone even for a minute due to tip-over and burn hazards.
Warn about dangers
Verbally instruct kids to stay at least 3 feet away from space heaters and not to touch them. Explain that they can cause ouchie burns.
Keep doors open
Leave doors open to rooms where unattended children are napping and using space heaters so you can frequently check on them.
Use safety gates
In toddlers’ rooms, use safety gates to block access to space heaters while running. gates prevent accidental contact while allowing supervision.
Turn off when not in room
Always turn space heaters off when leaving a child’s room, even if only stepping out briefly. Unattended use poses extreme fire risks.
Check cord condition
Inspect power cords for damage before each use and unplug units immediately if any fraying, cracks or exposed wires are spotted.
Keep around smoke detectors
Ensure space heaters are only used in rooms equipped with working smoke detectors in case of fire. Test detectors monthly.
Are space heaters safe for older kids?
Once children are older, around ages 10-12 years, they may be mature enough to exercise caution around space heaters under supervision. However, safety risks still exist so direct oversight is recommended. Consider the following general guidelines based on age:
Under 3 years
Avoid use of space heaters altogether in rooms where unattended infants or toddlers will be present. Risk of burns and fire is extremely high.
Ages 3-7 years
Permit use only with close, constant visual supervision. Warn children repeatedly to stay back. Use safety gates to limit access.
Ages 8-10 years
Allow supervised use if children exhibit consistent caution. Remain vigilant as kids this age may still take risks around heaters.
Over 10 years
May be responsible enough for cautious, short-term unsupervised use after thorough safety training. However, continuing supervision is still recommended.
Ultimately, an adult needs to directly monitor school-aged kids of any age interacting with space heaters given the potential dangers. Their developing brains may not consistently recall or apply safety rules on their own. Exercise extreme care and err on the side of safety.
Conclusion
Space heaters can be an effective way to provide extra warmth to cold rooms in your home. However, extreme caution is warranted when using them around infants and young children due to significant risks of burns, fires, and other accidents. With prudent safety practices like constant adult supervision, barriers to access, and smart heater features, space heaters can be used around kids in a reasonably safe manner. But unsupervised use around minors should be avoided altogether. Ultimately, vigilance is key to balancing the benefits of space heaters with safety, especially when little ones are present.