| Homes and work places often have areas that | | | | considered when using an area heater. Never |
| are "dead zones" when it comes to heat. If you | | | | leave any space heater unattended nor place it on |
| want to use that space during cold weather, you | | | | furniture or unstable flooring. You need to make |
| need a space heater. When used according to the | | | | sure cords are above carpeting and rugs since |
| instructions, they are a safe, inexpensive way to | | | | anything over the cord could cause overheating. |
| focus heat into a localized area. Most space | | | | Always make certain the heater is plugged in |
| heaters lightweight (some as little as 2 pounds), | | | | properly, because loose plugs can also overheat. |
| and compact enough to move from place to | | | | Replace the plug if it becomes worn out. Keep |
| place as needed. | | | | debris, paint, solvents, and other flammable liquids |
| There are several varieties of heat sources used | | | | away from the area around the heater. Replace |
| in space heaters. Convection (electric) heaters | | | | missing parts at once or cease using the heater |
| provide background warmth in small spaces. They | | | | until the part can be replaced. Never operate a |
| warm the air near the body of the heater using | | | | defective heater. Propane heaters must be used |
| air convection currents to generate heat. These | | | | in well-ventilated areas such as warehouses, patios |
| currents are then circulated throughout the | | | | or decks because the fuel emits carbon |
| appliance. | | | | monoxide, which can be deadly indoors. |
| Infrared heaters transfer thermal energy through | | | | The room heaters currently being made offer a |
| electromagnetic waves. These space heaters | | | | number of safety features to prevent fires. |
| have the same characteristic: the object heated | | | | Precautions still need to be taken when using any |
| emits heat and only the objects are warmed | | | | of these heating units. As a rule, oil-filled heaters |
| rather than an entire area. These are | | | | are viewed as safer than electric convection or |
| energy-efficient and serve multiple uses. They are | | | | radiant heaters because they have lower surface |
| especially effective for use in industrial | | | | temperatures. An oil-filled heater warms the oil |
| warehouses, and greenhouses where fast | | | | inside the reservoir, making the heater easy to |
| temperature increases are sometimes required. | | | | use and safer. |
| A fan heater is another form of convection | | | | Portable space heaters can be tipped over and |
| heater using a fan to pass air over the heating | | | | cause fires. Those now being produced boast |
| element to speed the airflow. The surrounding | | | | safety switches, functions that protect against |
| area is quickly warmed, rapidly heating the room. | | | | overheating, and indicator lights to alert you when |
| Where other heaters would be impractical, these | | | | you need to check the unit. The new electric |
| heaters work well. They can, however, be | | | | heaters are shaped with a wider base and are |
| somewhat noisy. These are most often used in | | | | weighted to minimize tipping. The heaters must |
| "blue collar" work areas such as garages. | | | | also pass rigorous laboratory testing and meet |
| Space heaters cause a number of home heating | | | | national safety standards. |
| fires annually. Safety always needs to be | | | | |