Space/Portable Heater Safety and Ventilation: Stay Warm, Stay Safe

Space and portable heaters can bridge winter cold safely if you select the right type, place them correctly, and manage ventilation and power loads to avoid fire and CO hazards.

Choose the Right Heater

• Electric (ceramic/oil‑filled/infrared): No combustion; best for bedrooms and living spaces.
• Combustion (propane/kerosene): For ventilated, non‑sleeping areas; follow manufacturer ventilation requirements.
• Look for tip‑over, overheat protection and UL/ETL listing.

Placement and Clearance

• Keep 3+ feet clearance from curtains, bedding, and furniture.
• Place on a flat, stable, non‑flammable surface; avoid high‑traffic paths.
• Never run cords under rugs; use a single, heavy‑gauge extension only if manufacturer allows.

Ventilation and CO Safety

• Electric heaters require no ventilation; combustion heaters do.
• Install CO alarms on every level; test before storms.
• Never use grills/ovens for heat; crack windows only as manufacturer specifies.

Power and Load Management

• Most electric units draw 12.5A at 1500W—dedicated 15A circuit recommended.
• Avoid shared circuits with microwaves, hair dryers, or space heaters on the same breaker.
• For generators, prioritize critical circuits and avoid daisy‑chained power strips.

Maintenance

• Vacuum dust intake grills; check power cords for warmth or discoloration.
• Replace filters on models that include them; keep pets and fabrics away.

Video: Portable Heater Safety Basics

Recommended Features (Affiliate‑ready)

• Tip‑over + overheat protection; child lock.
• Thermostat with eco mode and timer.
• Oil‑filled for bedrooms (quiet, steady), ceramic for fast warm‑up, infrared for spot heating.

Recommended Models

• Oil‑Filled Radiator (Quiet Bedrooms) View on Amazon
• Ceramic Tower (Fast Warm‑Up + Tip‑Over) View on Amazon
• Infrared Panel (Directional Spot Heating) View on Amazon

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