Is Your Home Ready for the Cold? The Top 10 Space Heater Questions Answered

Space heater safety tips

1. Can I leave my space heater on overnight?

It is highly recommended that you do not leave a space heater running while you sleep. Even modern heaters with safety features can pose a risk if they overheat or are knocked over by a pet. The safest practice is to warm up the room before bed and turn it off when you tuck in.

2. Can I use an extension cord or power strip?

This is the most common mistake we see. Never plug a space heater into a power strip or extension cord. These heaters typically draw 1,500 watts of power, which can easily melt the delicate wiring inside a power strip, leading to a fire. Always plug them directly into a wall outlet.

3. Why does my heater trip the circuit breaker?

If your lights flicker or the power cuts out every time you turn your heater on, your circuit is overloaded. A standard residential circuit can only handle so much “traffic.” If you have a heater, a TV, and a computer all on the same circuit, it’s likely too much.

Pro Tip: If this happens frequently, give us a call. We may need to install a dedicated circuit or upgrade your electrical panel to handle the load.

4. Can I put the heater on the carpet? (Unknown Space heater safety tip)

Unless your specific model says “carpet safe,” avoid it. Plush carpets can trap heat or cause the unit to become unstable. A hard, level surface (like tile, wood, or a linoleum floor) is always safest.

5. What is the “3-Foot Rule”?

Space heaters need their personal space! Keep any flammable objects—curtains, bedsheets, piles of laundry, or furniture—at least 3 feet away from the front, sides, and back of the heater.

6. What features should I look for when buying a new unit?

Don’t just look at the price tag. Look for:

• Tip-over switch: Shuts the unit off if it falls.
• Overheat protection: Shuts the unit off if internal components get too hot.
• UL Certification: A mark that proves the unit has been safety tested.

7. Can I use a space heater in the bathroom?

Electricity and water are a dangerous pair. Never use a standard space heater in a bathroom or laundry room. If you absolutely must, buy a heater specifically designed for bathrooms and ensure it is plugged into a GFCI outlet (the ones with the “Test” and “Reset” buttons) which prevents shock.

8. Will a space heater save me money? (Top Space heater safety tip)

Only if you use it for “zone heating.” This means turning your central thermostat down (say, to 65°F) and using the space heater only in the room you are currently occupying. If you leave your central heat high and run three space heaters, your electric bill will likely skyrocket.

9. How do I know if my outlet is safe?

When you run your heater for a few minutes, touch the wall outlet faceplate (carefully!). If it feels hot, or if you see brown discoloration around the slots, stop using it immediately. This indicates a loose connection or internal damage that could start a fire.

10. Are oil-filled radiators safer?

Oil-filled radiators are often safer for households with children because they don’t have a red-hot glowing element and they retain heat well. However, they still get very hot to the touch and require the same 3-foot clearance zone.