Florida isn’t exactly a frozen winter wonderland.
We rarely need to turn the heat on in our homes. There are always a few weeks out of the year that it does get downright cold (at least in our spoiled Floridian mindsets). Often during this time rather than flip on the whole house heater many will opt for using small-area space heaters.
Space heaters are a wonderful alternative to get the warmth to just where you need it.
A good quality space heater is often a great answer. The thing is many of us are not used to using a heater at all. We wanted to make sure you are safe by reviewing a couple of “hot tips” to keep you cozy this winter season in Southwest Florida.
All Day Air Cooling & Heating’s Top Tips for Safe Space Heater Usage
1. Be sure your heater has a safety device so that if it overheats or tips over it automatically shuts off.
2. Place on a level surface – Always run heaters on a flat surface. Never ever place heaters on carpet or soft furniture – they can easily overheat and be a fire hazard.
3. Distance – Placement of heaters is important. All space heaters must be kept at least 3’ away from anything that can potentially burn.
4. Only plug your heater directly into the wall. Do not plug into an extension cord or power bar. Those are a fire hazard.
5. Sleeping with the heater on Leaving a heater on overnight creates a potential safety hazard. It also can dry out your skin and nasal passages. Once you are cozy in bed. Turn it off or at the very least down low.
6. Install smoke alarms on every floor and outside all sleeping areas. Test them regularly.
7. Unplug all heaters when not in use.
Read the pamphlet that comes with it before you toss it in a junk drawer or in the trash.
Adhere to all manufacturer’s warnings and suggestions. Improper use of heating equipment is the second leading cause of house fires in the USA. It can result in costly damage, injury, and even death. Over 65,000 homes each year have insurance claims related to portable heaters.
If you need any work done on your central heat, give All Day Cooling and Heating a call today. (239) 357-0727 or visit www.alldayaircooling.com. We are a full-service HVAC company and available to you 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
