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Yes, but also definitely not.
Space heaters are much safer than they used to be. Modern space heaters are highly regulated, especially regarding exposed heating elements and automatic shut-off switches to prevent overheating. But all heating devices require caution, and so do all devices that draw a lot of energy for long periods.
Most residential heating fires start with the actual fire, in particular in fireplaces and fuel burners. But space heaters accounted for more than a thousand fires in the United States each year from 2017 to 2019, according to the United States Fire Administration. Although only 3 percent of heating fires overall, these led to more than 40 percent of deaths, in part because portable heaters tend to be placed precisely where people are and because the resulting fires are much more likely to be uncontained.
So treat your space heater with the caution and wild skepticism it deserves. Here are some pretty simple safety tips, courtesy of the good federal experts at the USFA and the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Do not leave a space heater unattended. “Unattended” includes sleeping, y’all! If you insist on using one in your bedroom at night, get a device with a timed shut-off and use it, so it doesn’t run all night while you sleep. (Or, we can suggest a wonderful feather console in contrast? So hot mmm.)
Plug your heater directly into the outlet. This is a big one. Never, ever, use extension cords or power strips with space heaters. The added length of the cord increases the electrical load and can lead to shorts, overheating and fires. If you must Use a longer cord, consult an expert to make sure you have the proper gauge and rating.
Do not plug another appliance into the same outlet or circuit as the heater. Perhaps the worst thing to happen is to trip the circuit breaker. But it’s not fun, either.
Place a space heater only on the floor, on a level surface. There is no particular need to leave a space heater on a table or chair that could be unstable. The heat rises and travels around the room by convection.
Keep your heater at least 3 feet away from flammable objects. This includes bedding, sheets, furniture, the clothes you were going to wear, stray socks or stockings, your grocery delivery bag, and that great book you were reading.
Do not leave a portable heater in a room with a child, nor with a person who has mobility problems. The risk is not only fire, but hyperthermia.
Keep space heaters away from water as well as general humidity. Bathrooms are notoriously dangerous places for high-wattage electrical devices. But also: Do you know that the wet basement? The one that’s a little cold and has puddles sometimes? Not a good place for a space heater.
Read the manual. The producers have all kinds of good advice.
