• By Jeff Griffin
• Posted Friday, November 21, 2014

Space Heater Safety

With record breaking winter temperatures upon us, we consider methods of indoor heating to combat the bitter cold. For those wanting to heat a small room, space heaters are a popular choice. However, the improper use of space heaters can have disastrous consequences. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commision, improper space heater use results in more than 25,000 residential house fires that cause up to 300 deaths annually. When buying a space heater, follow these guidelines:

• Purchase newer models with modern safety features and endorsed by Underwriter's Laboratory (UL)
• Choose a model with a thermostat, to reduce energy use
• Select a appropriate size heater for the room
• Locate the heater away from foot traffic, children, pets and flammable materials

For additional guidelines, please visit the U.S Department of Energy website.