Space Heater Safety and Efficiency Tips

Check the cords before you use space heaters. Don’t use a space heater with a frayed, brittle or cracked cord. Never use an extension cord.

Keep space heaters at least 3 feet from blankets, clothing, paper and other flammables.

Don’t put space heaters in high-traffic areas.

Place space heaters on level, hard, nonflammable floor surfaces. Don’t put them on carpets, furniture or countertops.

Your space heater should have guards from heating elements and automatically shut off if it tips over or overheats.

Use space heaters sparingly. To run one space heater for 12 hours every day for a month could cost around $76. Instead, use small electric blankets for direct heat to avoid the cost of heating an entire room.