3 Surprising Things You Can Do To Prevent Space Heater Fires

7/7/2021 (Permalink)

If you rely on a space heater for warmth, follow these helpful tips.

Did you know that space heaters are estimated to cause over 25,000 residential fires each year? If you rely on a space heater to warm your home or office in Dallas, TX this number can be alarming. Fortunately, you are not helpless and can minimize your chances of dealing with a burned space heater. Here are three surprising things you can do to prevent space heater fires in your living space.

Space Heater Fire in Dallas

1. Keep Filters Clean

Have you ever cleaned the filters in your space heater? If not, your heater is at greater risk of catching on fire. Dirt and debris collect on the filters over time and can cause the space heater to overheat and ignite. To keep this from happening, clean your filters regularly (preferably before each use).

2. Turn Your Heater Off Regularly

Many homeowners use space heaters just like furnaces to keep specific rooms in their homes warm during the colder months. However, a space heater is designed for only temporary use and can easily overheat if left on indefinitely. To reduce your chances of dealing with a burned space heater (or burned home!) remember to turn your heater off regularly.

3. Never Leave Your Heater Unattended

Life gets busy, and it’s easy to forget you have a space heater running in the other room. For this reason, it’s strongly recommended that you never leave your heater unattended by an adult. You should also place it on a hard, stable surface that’s far away from carpets, fabric and other flammable items. Your heater should have at least 3 feet of space all around it whenever it is operating. You should also keep it away from children and pets that could knock it over and get burned by it.

If you rely on a space heater for warmth, follow these helpful tips to avoid dealing with a burned space heater or home fire. If your space heater does overheat, know the number of your local fire restoration experts in Dallas, TX. They can help with your fire damage and smoke cleanup efforts.