Everything you need to know about a space heater. What is one thing that you hate most about winters in Denver?
Ours is unexpected damage to space heaters!
2022 is expecting one of the coldest winters in the past few years, so you have to ensure that your Space heater is ready for it. If your space heater is more than ten years old, then there is a high chance of it getting damaged during the peak of winter.
Did you know that an error in the proper functioning of a space heater can also start fires in your home?
According to the National Fire Protection Association reports, electrical heating equipment is the common cause of most home fires. Almost 81% of fire deaths in America were due to stationary or portable space heaters.
However, you can prevent such issues with genuine residential electricians’ proper care and service. Everything you need to know about a space heater. Scroll down to know how to protect your space heater from damage this winter.
Know your Space Heater
How much do you know about the space heaters you have been using? Using one for years, throwing them once it gets old, and buying new has been a routine for most of us. It is time to take a closer look into it and understand your heater.
Types of Heaters
Before learning about different types of heaters, get a grip on the process of heating. Heating is generally of three different varieties based on the object it warms. The first one is radiant heating, which warms things; the second is convection heating, which warms the air; the third type of heating is micathermic, which heats both objects and air.
Space heaters are available in four different types:
- Oil/water filled: A convection model that works by passing hot water/oil through the unit and warming the surrounding air.
- The ceramic heater is also a convection model with solid ceramic materials inside the unit instead of water/oil.
- Infrared: It is a radiant water heater that warms the objects in the room with infrared light. It is of significant use in commercial spaces such as restaurants.
- Fan-forced: A micathermic heater will keep the air and objects in the room warm. The air is pumped out of the hot metal coil to warm for a long time.
Safety Features
Every heating system comes with many safety features to avoid unexpected fire damage or anything dangerous. Safety features also save you from calling residential electricians for electrical repair frequently. So, before buying a heater, you should inquire about the safety features present in the system and confirm that it is any of the following.
- Tip-Over Switch: This switch turns off your heater if it is not in an upright position. It saves you from fire hazards.
- Overheat protection: Heaters with this feature shut down automatically when the heaters start heating above the optimum temperature.
- Plastic Face: The plastic cover over the metal parts protects you from getting burnt due to overheating.
- Thermostat: You can set a comfortable temperature on the thermostat and prevent overheating. It will turn the heater on and off according to the atmosphere and keep you warm.
Safety Tips for Space Heaters
We know how exhausting it is to call an electrical repair company for your space heater and not get it fixed properly. However, you can avoid unnecessary complaints about your space heater by taking proper care of it.
Here are some golden tips to save you from frequent electric repairs and your family from heat or fire damage.
- Three-foot rule:
Always place your space heater three feet away from curtains, bed, carpet, or anything that can catch fire. Don’t even think of keeping it over a rug or anywhere in the high-traffic area where tripping chances are higher.
- Switch off the heater when you are away:
Unattended heaters are one of the significant causes of fires, so never leave your space heater on while you are away. You should take special care if you have children or pets at home; make sure they cannot turn it on by themselves. Keeping your heater off while sleeping is advisable as overheating can start a fire.
- Be vigilant:
Give your space heater a complete 360-degree inspection before plugging it back in this winter. Check for cracks, dents, or any breaks on the surface of the heater. A small crack can prove dangerous if left unnoticed. If you are unsure of the heater’s condition, call a residential electrician and check it.
The best electrician at your service
If you have a space heater in your home or commercial space, you will need the service of electrical companies. It can be frustrating to search for ‘good electrician companies near me and end up with no trusted electricians.
Contact Electricall, one of the most trusted residential electrician companies, is now serving at your location.
So don’t wait for winter to knock on your door; take that space heater out today and call them for a good inspection and service.