When cool weather rears its frosty head, space heaters prove a godsend. However, heating equipment is responsible for roughly 65,000 home fires per year, making it essential to handle your space heater properly.
According to trusted HVAC companies in Charlotte, NC, below are some safety tips that promote peace of mind and optimal protection.
- Keep It On The Floor
Space heaters aren’t designed to balance on shelves, stools, or benches. With that said, they work best when placed on a flat, smooth surface like the floor. Otherwise, it’s liable to fall over and potentially start a fire. Moreover, when elevated, space heaters are more likely to overheat, which can prove detrimental to your safety. To ensure that you remain out of harm’s way, keep your space heater on the floor.
- Be Wary Of Flammable Objects
It’s all too easy to place your space heater near a flammable object unknowingly. Curtains, pillows, and furniture are some common household items that don’t take kindly to heat. A good rule of thumb is to keep your space heater at least three feet away from flammable materials.
- Don’t Leave It Alone
Any Charlotte heating and air company worth their salt will stress the importance of keeping an eye on your space heater. Unattended heating equipment can be a recipe for disaster, allowing pets and children to cause mayhem in your absence. From curious cats to rambunctious toddlers, there’s no telling what mishaps could arise when space heaters aren’t carefully monitored.
- Opt For Wall Outlets
Though power strips offer unmatched convenience, space heaters work best when plugged into a wall outlet. HVAC experts maintain that additional layers of electrical connection can trigger internal electrical damage. What’s more, this added resistance can overload the circuit, resulting in a fire or other catastrophe.
- Keep Away From Water
Most obviously, your space heater should never be near water. This fatal combination can compromise both your safety and the structural integrity of your home. To protect both, ensure that your space heaters remain out of kitchens and bathrooms.
As one of the most sought-after HVAC companies in Charlotte, NC, AirWorks Cooling & Heating provides exceptional services. Whether you require air conditioning repair in or around Charlotte or need help installing a heating system, Airworks Cooling & Heating is at the ready. To learn more about our specialties, give us a call at 980-689-6852.