by As we head straight into the depths of a freezing winter, we all look for ways to keep warm. One of the most popular ways to stay warm in a small space is to invest in a space heater. They can take the edge off a super cold season. All types of space heaters can be safe if used properly. Flawful design and poor placement are two reasons things can go horribly wrong when warming up with one.
Space heaters cause most fires in December, January and February
The only problem is that they are also the cause of an estimated 56,000 home fires in most reported years, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
Many fires start from problems including old heaters, no automatic safety shut off, no toggle switch, and poorly placed heaters that are either prone to tipping over or are too close to objects that can catch fire. That’s why you should know the safest way to avoid trouble and what to look for when buying a space heater.
The main things to look out for when using a space heater
Despite the staggering number of fires caused by space heaters each year, there are things to consider before turning on one that can significantly reduce the risk of fire.
Person warming legs near an electric heater. Concept image of the heating season at home
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- Choose the safest heater type that is Underwriters Labs (UL) rated and certified
- Look for one automatic shutdown function that turns it off after a certain amount of time
- A anti-tilt switch is also at the top of the list. If your old heater won’t turn off when it falls over, it’s time to stop using it.
- A built-in thermostat can help him from overheating
- Store everything that is flammable or easily combustible at least 3 meters away of space heaters
- Don’t ever let them go unattendedalways turn them off when you leave the room or go to bed
- Always keep space heaters on a flat, flat surface on the ground where they are less likely to tip over
- Never use a space heater with a visibly damaged cable
- Always follow Manufacturer Notices and Warnings
Our recommendations for the best space heaters
When purchasing a space heater, it’s always a good idea to make sure it has a safety certification label from an organization like CSA International if you live in Canada, or Underwriter Laboratories (UL) in the US
Lasko electric ceramic space heater
- Price: $39.99 (at the time of publication)
- 2,483 global ratings / 4.5 stars out of 5 / 74% 5-star ratings
- Built in safety features including auto tip over shut off and auto overheat protection
- Always cool to the touch
- Features 2 heat settings (900W and 1500W) and a cooling fan
- 8ft long chord so you can plug it in from anywhere
A person wearing bright rainbow-colored socks and warming cold feet near an electric heater. Infrared halogen heaters at home.
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Get Lasko’s electric ceramic space heater
Vornado MVH vortex heater
- Price: $69.99 (at the time of publication)
- 7,547 global ratings / 4.2 stars out of 5 / 67% 5-star ratings
- The unique vortex air circulation delivers heat similar to an oven
- stay cool
- Anti-tilt and automatic switch-off
- 3 quiet heat levels
- Internal thermostat with seven settings
- 5 year guarantee
Get the Vornado MVH Vortex Heater
Oscillating digital ceramic tower heater from Lasko
- Price: $57.02 (at time of publication)
- 4.6 out of 5 stars
- 76% 5-star ratings
- 23,799 global ratings
- Adjustable thermostat settings
- Hello and low heat
- remote control
- Light
- Overheat protection features
- stay cool
A cylindrical shaped electric heater illuminating and radiating in an old room.
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Get Lasko’s oscillating digital ceramic tower heater
Dyson Pure Hot + Cool air purifier, heater
- Price: $764.88 (at the time of publication)
- 4.3 out of 5 stars
- 73% 5-star ratings
- 1,310 global ratings
- All-in-one space heater and fan
- Includes an air purification mode that neither heats nor cools
- Long range heating
- Connects to Wi-Fi
Electric heater on a gray background with copy space.
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Get the Dyson Pure Hot + Cool air purifier, heater
Make Atom One Space Heater
- Price: $59.99 (at the time of publication)
- Over 9,670 global reviews / 4.5 stars out of 5 / 74% five-star ratings
- Fast heating, reaching the desired temperature in seconds
- Tilting and overheating protection as well as reinforced safety plug
- Smooth airflow and gentle warmth
- 70-degree wide-angle oscillation that provides wide reading warmth
- Built-in digital thermostat
Get the Do Atom One space heater
