Are Space Heaters Safe to Use?

According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment is a leading cause of home fires in the U.S., with an estimated average of 44,210 home fires reported each year. Between 2016–2020, 88% of deaths caused by these incidents involved stationary or portable space heaters. The organization also reports that almost half of home heating fires occur during the winter months of January, February, and December.

Depending on your space, heating needs, and comfort levels, a space heater can be an efficient heat source. But while these appliances can pose fire and health risks, it's ultimately up to you to operate your unit as intended, following all safety guidelines.

Space Heater Safety Tips

To protect your home and everyone in it, it’s crucial to prioritize fire prevention measures when using heating appliances. Whether you need a space heater for supplemental heat or as a backup when your central heating fails, you can safeguard your home by following a few guidelines.

1. Choose the Right Location

Where you place your space heater is one of the most important safety factors to consider. "Always place your space heater at least 3 feet away from any flammable materials like curtains or bedding, in an open area on a flat, non-flammable surface, [ensuring] it’s not near carpets or rugs," Gunn says. He adds you should always position your heater away from any high-traffic areas where it can easily be knocked over.

Whenever using space heaters in a bathroom or kitchen, take all precautions to reduce the risk of electric shock by positioning your heater away from water sources like sinks and showers.

2. Choose the Right Size for Your Space

It's important to note that a larger space heater will not necessarily generate more heat. In fact, sometimes smaller heaters can match or outperform larger units, depending on their design. A few features that impact a heater's output include its airflow technology, energy efficiency, and wattage. When possible, opt for a smaller heater if you plan to reposition or relocate it often. Always base the size of your heater on your space, aiming for 10 watts per square foot. For example, if your space is 150 square feet, look for a model with 1,500-watt capacity. Many heaters come with a standard sizing table, making it easy to choose the right one for your needs.

3. Skip Extension Cords

Gunn suggests choosing a unit with "features [that] help minimize the risk of accidents [and provide] efficient heating." But he says these features are only effective when you do your best to reduce user error. One of the biggest mistakes people make with space heaters is using an extension cord. Gunn says you should always plug your unit directly into your wall outlet to reduce risk of fire.

4. Never Leave Your Space Heater Unattended

For added safety, never leave your space heater on while sleeping or unattended. If this feels unavoidable, such as a cold winter evening when the power goes out, you can equip yourself with a model backed by smart controls that enable you to adjust the settings, schedule operation times, and monitor the heater from your smartphone. "These smart controls provide added convenience and peace of mind by allowing you to manage your heater without constant supervision, significantly reducing the risk of it running unattended," Gunn says.

5. Test Carbon Monoxide Detectors Before Use

If you have a fuel-burning space heater, install a working carbon monoxide detector within the recommended distance. Placing your carbon monoxide detector in the proper location can alert you to dangerous levels of the invisible gas, which is unfortunately more likely to occur with the use of personal space heaters.

6. Avoid Old or Faulty Models

If you're still using a decades-old model, it's time for an upgrade. Faulty wiring or frayed cords are a recipe for disaster, so be sure to thoroughly inspect your model to check for any broken elements. It's a good idea to do this at the start of each season. If you notice anything wrong, don't try to fix it yourself. Instead, replacing the unit is the safest way to go.

Before starting your appliance, always educate all members of your household on how to safely operate it, and keep an eye on pets and kids while it is running. Always unplug your space heater when not in use and follow all manufacturer guidelines.

7. Prioritize Smart Devices

Using smarter, newer devices means you can be on alert without much extra effort. For example, "many modern heaters feature essential protections like overheat shut-off mechanisms and tip-over switches, which automatically turn the heater off if it becomes unstable or overheats," Gunn says.

Some appliances even use flameproof materials and thermally insulated wiring, which can further reduce fire risk. Features like these indicate your appliance will not overheat internally and stay cool to the touch, even after extended use, which reduces fire or burn risks.

Above all else, Gunn encourages consumers to opt for certified models, such as those with ETL or UL certifications. These labels indicate the product has met rigorous safety standards.

Bonus: Reduce Your Energy Costs with Eco Modes

Most space heaters use about 1,500 watts of electricity, which translates to roughly 84 kilowatt-hours per week based on an 8-hour day, leading to an average monthly cost of $51.65 and an annual cost of $258.26 to operate.

To prioritize both safety and energy efficiency, look for space heaters that feature an Eco Mode. This design "automatically adjusts power output based on room temperature [which helps] avoid overheating and saves energy, offering up to 50% energy savings."