Staying warm during the colder months is a priority for many homeowners. Space heaters provide an efficient way to heat specific rooms or areas of your home without having to turn up the thermostat and heat unused spaces. With so many types of space heaters on the market, how do you know which one is the safest option for your home? In this comprehensive guide, we will compare the most popular types of space heaters based on safety features, efficiency, cost, and more.
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Types of Space Heaters
There are four main types of space heaters:
Ceramic Heaters
Ceramic heaters use a ceramic heating element that gets hot when electricity passes through it. The heat is then transferred to the air via convection. Ceramic heaters heat up quickly, are energy efficient, and distribute heat evenly throughout the room. Most have adjustable thermostats and overheat protection.
Infrared Heaters
Infrared heaters emit infrared radiation that directly heats objects, floors, and people rather than just the air. Infrared heaters provide instant, localized heat. They are best for warming small spaces and supplementing your main heating system.
Oil-filled Radiators
Oil-filled radiators (also called oil-filled heaters) are electric heaters filled with thermal oil. They heat up when electricity passes through internal heating elements. The oil helps distribute the heat slowly and evenly. Oil-filled heaters take longer to heat up but provide steady, uniform heat.
Gas Space Heaters
Gas space heaters use propane or natural gas to produce heat. This type of heater requires ventilation and should never be used indoors. Gas heaters can help heat garages, patios, or outdoor working areas.
Safety Features to Look for in Space Heaters
When evaluating space heater safety, look for these key features:
Automatic Shut Off
A space heater with automatic shut off will turn off if tipped over or overheated. This prevents fire hazards if the unit gets knocked over.
Cool-Touch Exterior
Heaters with cool-touch exteriors stay cool to the touch on the outside. This reduces burn risks, especially if pets or children accidentally touch the unit when it’s operating.
Tip-Over Switch
A tip-over safety switch immediately shuts off the heating element if the unit tilts or falls over. This minimizes fire risks.
Overheat Protection
Overheat protection shuts off the unit if internal temperatures get too high. This prevents overheating and potential fires.
Intelligent Safety Features
Advanced space heaters may have intelligent safety features like sensors that detect human motion. If no motion is detected for a period, the unit will automatically power down.
The Safest Type of Space Heater
Oil-Filled Radiator Heaters
Of the common space heater types, oil-filled radiators are generally considered the safest option. Here’s why:
Steady, Even Heat
Oil-filled heaters don’t get extremely hot at any single point. The oil distributes heat gently and evenly across the heating elements and out into the room. The exterior stays cool enough to safely touch.
Low Surface Temperatures
Unlike infrared and ceramic heaters which can get blisteringly hot, surface temperatures on oil-filled heaters remain relatively low. Typical surface temperatures are just warm to the touch, reducing fire and burn risks.
Tip-Over Auto Shut Off
Most quality oil-filled heaters have tip-over safety shut offs in case they get knocked over. If tipped, the heating element will immediately shut down.
Overheat Protection
Overheat protection is common in oil-filled radiators. If internal temperatures rise too high, the unit will power down to prevent a fire.
No Exposed Elements
The heating elements are sealed safely inside the steel reservoir filled with oil. There are no exposed heating coils, minimizing fire risks.
| Space Heater Type | Safety Rating |
|---|---|
| Oil-filled radiator | Very safe |
| Ceramic heater | Moderately safe |
| Infrared heater | Less safe |
| Gas space heater (outdoor only) | Potentially dangerous |
This table summarizes the safety rating for common space heater types. Oil-filled radiators have the best combination of safety features.
Consistent, Reliable Heat Output
Once an oil-filled heater heats up, it provides steady, consistent heat. The oil maintains temperature, unlike some space heaters which cycle on and off. This reliable heat output is unlikely to overload circuits.
Other Safe Options with Precautions
With proper precautions, other space heater types can be safe options too:
Ceramic Heaters
Ceramic heaters get hot fast, so they present a greater burn risk. However, models with tip-over shut off and overheat protection are fairly safe if used cautiously. Keep combustible materials at least 3 feet away. Only use on flat, hard surfaces.
Infrared Heaters
Infrared heaters can pose fire risks if flammable objects are too close. Maintain at least 3 feet clearance. Never leave operating unattended. Position carefully to avoid inadvertent contact.
Gas Heaters
Ventilate well and only use gas heaters outdoors to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Situate away from any flammable materials. Monitor carefully to prevent fires.
Safety Precautions for Space Heaters
To safely operate any space heater, follow these basic safety guidelines:
Read the Manual First
Read the entire safety manual before using your space heater. Follow all manufacturer guidelines.
Give it Space
Allow ample clearance around the heater – at least 3 feet from furniture, curtains, clothing, or other flammable objects.
Keep on Solid Ground
Place the unit on a flat, hard, stable surface. Never put on carpets, rugs, or unstable surfaces.
Plug Directly into Wall Outlet
Avoid using extension cords which can overheat. Plug directly into wall outlet. Verify the circuit can handle the amperage.
Don’t Leave Unattended
Always turn off and unplug the heater when leaving the room or going to sleep. Never leave operating unattended.
Install Smoke Detectors
Make sure your home has smoke detectors in case of fire. Test them monthly to verify they work.
Keep Kids and Pets Away
Don’t leave children or pets unattended near a space heater. Teach kids to stay three feet away.
Inspect for Damage
Check for any damage before using. Make sure there are no exposed wires or scorch marks.
Use as Intended
Carefully follow all manufacturer instructions. Don’t use to dry clothes or too close to water sources.
Maintenance Tips for Space Heaters
Proper maintenance helps ensure your space heater operates safely and efficiently over its lifespan. Follow these tips:
Clean the Filters
Clean air intake filters regularly according to manual instructions to remove dust and debris. This prevents overheating.
Vacuum Around the Unit
Use a vacuum or duster to frequently clean around and under the space heater to prevent buildup of lint or dirt.
Inspect the Cord
Check that the power cord is in good condition, not damaged or frayed. Don’t use damaged cords.
Check Connection Points
Inspect that there are no loose connections or damaged wiring inside the unit or at the plug.
Replace Components When Needed
If the thermostat, heating elements, or other components become faulty, replace them.
Clean Exterior
Wipe down the exterior with a dry cloth to remove any dust. Follow cleaning guidelines in manual.
Verify Safety Features Function
Test the tip-over auto shut off feature and other safety functions per the manual.
Using Space Heaters Efficiently
Follow these tips to use your space heater energy efficiently:
Heat the Person, Not the Room
Don’t overheat unused spaces. Place portable heaters only where people are located.
Adjust Thermostat
Set the thermostat to the precise temperature you need, then leave it there. Don’t continually fiddle with settings.
Use a Timer
Use an outlet timer to automatically turn the unit off after a set number of hours.
Lower at Night
Turn down the thermostat at night when asleep or away. A lower temperature will suffice.
Close Doors and Windows
Close off rooms not in use and keep doors shut. Make sure windows are closed tightly.
Use Insulating Window Coverings
Lower blinds, close curtains and use insulating window coverings to trap heat.
Zone Off Unused Areas
Close heating vents and doors to zones not in use. Concentrate heat only where needed.
Layer Clothing
Wear extra layers to stay warm instead of overheating space. Remove layers as you get warmer.
Let the Sun Heat It Up
On sunny winter days, open blinds to let sunlight naturally heat up the space.
Watch for Signs of Problems
Monitor your space heater carefully for any signs of potential issues:
Strange Odors or Smells
Unusual odors or burning smells could indicate an internal problem. Unplug immediately.
Excessive Noise
If the heater is suddenly much noisier than normal, disconnect and inspect it.
Failure to Turn On
If the heater doesn’t turn on, check that it’s plugged in. If issues persist, don’t force it.
Dirty or Cloudy Oil
Oil-filled heaters with unclear or dirty oil may have issues. Contact manufacturer.
Leaks
Any sign of an oil leak on an oil-filled heater means it’s time to replace the unit.
Damaged Plugs or Wires
Frayed, cracked, or damaged wires and plugs present serious safety hazards. Replace immediately.
Excessive Heat or Smoke
Unusual heat coming from the unit or any smoke could precede a fire. Turn off and unplug.
Tip Overs
If a heater gets knocked over, thoroughly inspect it before using again. Make sure auto shut off worked.
Conclusion
Oil-filled radiator heaters rank as the safest type of space heater with their cool exterior temperatures, steady heat output, tip-over switches, and overheat protection. Still, exercise caution with any space heater and supervise carefully around kids and pets. Read all manufacturer guidelines and inspect heaters routinely for problems. With sensible precautions, space heaters can provide budget-friendly, energy-efficient supplemental heating. Stay cozy this winter with the safest space heater for your needs!