Space Heater Safety: What Homeowners Should Know Before the Cold Weather Hits

Portable space heater plugged directly into a wall outlet in a cozy fall living room

The mornings are getting cooler, fall is around the corner, and before long, space heaters will start coming out of closets across the Pacific Northwest.

A portable space heater can be a convenient way to take the chill out of a bedroom, office, garage, or other space.

But it also puts a significant electrical load on the circuit it is plugged into.

That does not mean space heaters are automatically unsafe. It does mean homeowners should understand how to use them properly and know when repeated electrical problems could point to something that needs attention.

Why Do Space Heaters Use So Much Power?

Space heaters create heat using electricity, which requires a relatively large amount of power compared with many of the smaller devices we plug into our homes every day.

That becomes especially important when a space heater shares a circuit with other appliances or devices.

You might notice:

  • A breaker that trips when the heater is running
  • Lights that dim or flicker
  • An outlet or plug that feels unusually warm
  • A burning smell near an outlet
  • Discoloration around a receptacle
  • A heater that repeatedly shuts off because power is interrupted

A breaker that trips is doing its job by protecting the electrical circuit. Repeatedly resetting it without determining why it keeps tripping is not the best solution.

Plug Space Heaters Directly Into the Wall

One of the simplest things homeowners can do is plug a portable space heater directly into a wall outlet.

Avoid plugging a space heater into a standard extension cord, power strip, or multi-plug adapter unless the manufacturer specifically allows it and the equipment is properly rated for the load.

Space heaters draw enough electricity that undersized cords and connections can become hot.

Also take a moment to look at the outlet itself.

If the plug feels loose, does not stay securely in the receptacle, or the outlet shows signs of heat or damage, stop using it and have the outlet inspected.

Give the Heater Some Space

Electrical safety is only part of safe space heater use.

Keep portable heaters away from curtains, blankets, furniture, clothing, paper, and anything else that could catch fire.

They should also be placed on a stable surface where they are unlikely to be knocked over by children, pets, or normal activity in the home.

And when you leave the room or go to bed, turn the heater off unless the manufacturer specifically states that the unit is designed for unattended operation.

What If the Breaker Keeps Tripping?

If using a space heater consistently causes the same breaker to trip, there may simply be too much electrical demand on that circuit.

But it could also indicate another electrical issue.

Instead of moving the heater from outlet to outlet or repeatedly resetting the breaker, it may be worth having the circuit evaluated.

An electrician can help determine whether the issue involves:

  • Too much demand on the circuit
  • A worn outlet
  • A loose electrical connection
  • An aging breaker
  • Older wiring
  • Another issue within the electrical system

The goal is not just to stop the breaker from tripping. It is to understand why it is happening.

Older Homes May Need a Closer Look

Many older homes were built when households used far fewer electrical devices than they do today.

Over the years, homeowners add televisions, computers, kitchen appliances, chargers, entertainment systems, portable heaters, air conditioners, and other equipment.

The electrical system may still be working, but the amount of power being asked of it can look very different than it did when the home was built.

If you regularly experience tripping breakers, flickering lights, warm outlets, or other electrical issues when high-demand appliances are running, it is worth having the system checked.

Get Ready Before the Cold Weather Arrives

Fall is a good time to pay attention to electrical issues before heaters, holiday lights, and other seasonal equipment begin adding more demand to your home’s electrical system.

If something does not seem right, do not wait until it becomes a bigger problem.

Bayless Electric can help evaluate electrical concerns, troubleshoot frequently tripping circuits, and make sure your home’s electrical system is ready for the season ahead.

Questions about your home’s electrical system? Give Bayless Electric a call.

206-708-3105
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