Is There a Safe Way to Use Space Heaters?

Space heaters are a popular way to warm up drafty homes or provide extra comfort when central heating isn’t working. They’re convenient, portable, and affordable, but they also come with serious safety risks.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), a staggering 81% of home heating fire deaths involve space heaters. That means nearly 4 out of 5 fatalities related to heating fires are caused by these small devices!

So, is there actually a safe way to use space heaters?

Yes, when used correctly, in short bursts, and with proper precautions, space heaters can be a temporary solution to keep your home warm.

Below, your Brooklyn heating experts at Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning share the most important space heater safety tips to help keep your home and family safe.

Why Space Heater Safety Matters

Space heaters are supplemental heat sources, not replacements for a central heating system. They’re designed for short-term use, such as keeping a single room warm while your main system is being repaired, not for overnight use, cooking, or thawing frozen pipes.

Misusing a space heater can lead to:

• Fires, when flammable objects are too close to the heater
• Burn injuries, especially for children or pets
• Electrical hazards, due to faulty cords or overuse
• Carbon monoxide dangers, if using a fuel-burning model indoors without proper ventilation

Before you plug in that space heater, take a moment to review these critical safety guidelines.

Essential Space Heater Safety Tips

1) Inspect for Damage Before Every Use

Before plugging in a space heater, check the cord, plug, wall outlet, and faceplate. All components should stay cool during operation. If anything feels warm or hot to the touch, unplug it immediately; this can indicate a defective heater or electrical issue that could spark a fire.

2) Use in Short Bursts — Never for Hours on End

Space heaters are meant to supplement heat, not provide continuous warmth. Running one for hours increases the risk of overheating, electrical faults, and fire. Use it only as needed to temporarily warm up a room while your primary system is offline.

3) Always Unplug When Not in Use

When the heater isn’t actively running, unplug it completely. Even if it’s turned off, leaving it plugged in creates a potential hazard. Without power, it cannot overheat or catch fire.

4) Keep at Least 3 Feet Away from Flammable Items

Maintain a minimum of 3 feet of clearance around the space heater. Keep it away from:

• Furniture
• Curtains and drapes
• Bedding and blankets
• Paper, boxes, or storage

Even radiant heat can ignite nearby objects within minutes, so always position the heater in the center of the room, never near walls or corners.

5) Keep Children and Pets at a Safe Distance

Children and pets may accidentally knock the heater over or touch hot surfaces, leading to burns or fire hazards. Set up barriers or clear zones to keep them safely away when the heater is in use.

6) Choose a Heater with Automatic Shut-Off Features

When shopping for a space heater, look for built-in safety features, such as:

• Tip-over protection – automatically shuts the unit off if it falls
• Overheat protection – turns off the heater if it reaches unsafe temperatures

These features significantly reduce fire risks, especially in busy households.

7) Ensure Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms Are Working

Even with careful use, accidents can happen. Make sure your smoke detectors and CO alarms are installed and functioning properly. Regular testing can provide life-saving alerts in the event of a malfunction.

8) Never Leave a Space Heater Unattended

Leaving a space heater running while you’re out of the room, asleep, or away from home is one of the most common causes of heating fires. If you need to leave, turn it off and unplug it, it’s not worth the risk.

Frequently Asked Questions About Space Heater Safety

Brooklyn Heating Experts Here to Help

At Petri Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Drain Cleaning, we don’t recommend prolonged use of space heaters — but we understand they’re sometimes necessary in emergencies.

The best way to avoid relying on space heaters is to keep your home’s heating system in top shape through regular maintenance and prompt repairs.

If your heat goes out during a Brooklyn winter, our 24/7 emergency heating repair services are just a call away. We’ll get your system back up and running so you can stay warm without the risks!