Space Heater Safety | RCTM

Matthew HritzNOLA AC BLOG

How much do you know about space heater safety? We are very lucky in Louisiana to not be experiencing the Polar Vortex that states like Chicago are experiencing right now! Right now in the midwest, temperatures in the region plunged below Zero. Some state offices are closed and postal workers won’t be delivering mail in 10 states! In addition, thousands of flights have been canceled along with dozens of train services and the temperature is still dropping.

Fortunately for us, we won’t be experiencing any below freezing temperatures anytime soon, but even though it’s well above freezing in Louisiana, it’s no secret that the insides of our homes are hard to heat! You might be thinking about purchasing an extra space heater. Before you do so, call River City Total Maintenance so that we can make sure your heating system is working at its’ full potential. If you still find yourself wanting some extra warmth, here is how you can find the safest space heater for your home.

About 25,000 house fires and 300 deaths are attributed to space heaters each year, mostly caused when a heater is placed too close to curtains, bedding, or upholstered furniture, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. In addition, 6,000 people end up in emergency rooms with burns from touching a heater’s hot surface.

You should always look for these safety features when shopping for a new space heater.

Certification

The heater you buy should carry a safety certification label. This means that the product has been tested.

Sturdy Cord

Most space heaters come with a cord that’s 6 feet long. To prevent overheating, never use an extension cord or a power strip with an electric heater.

Shut-off Features

A smart sensor that automatically shuts off a heater when it overheats is necessary. There are also heaters that have a tip-off switch that does the same if the heater is knocked over.

We hope that you stay toasty warm during this frigid winter and if you just need some help with your HVAC system in your home, River City Total Maintenance is on the call. Give us a call today at 504-841-3300.