Every winter we are faced with the same problem. On one hand, we want to heat our homes so that we can be comfortable and cosy – but on the other hand, we want our families to be safe, without worrying about a risk of fire. If you’re trying to find a way to keep your home warm without sacrificing your family’s safety, then use tips for using a  room heater.

1. Keep it away from water

Let’s begin with the obvious. No electrical items should ever be placed near water, because you never know when they may fall over or be splashed. For that reason, you should avoid using your room heater in the bathroom or laundry. If it does come into contact with water, you might not just damage the heater, but your whole homes electrical system. You also run the risk of electrocution and even fire.

2. Stay away from objects

Because room heaters are designed to heat a single space quickly, they are often far hotter than ducted or air conditioning units. Don’t have it blowing directly at walls or objects, and keep it at a safe distance (usually at least a meter) from curtains and drapes. Try to keep young children and pets away from the unit so you can avoid any accidental burns or shocks.

3. Avoid extension cords

Though our gadgets and technologies are constantly improving, the wiring in our homes isn’t always up to scratch. These types of units are often quite powerful, so plug it directly into a power point (with an adequate amperage rating). Don’t overload the power point that you’ve plugged it into either – ideally it should be the only appliance plugged into that point. They can cause a fire if connected to an insufficient or damaged power supply or cord.

4. Don’t leave it unattended

This is especially pertinent if you have an older model. Room heaters are built to heat the room you’re in, not your whole home, and they heat quickly once turned on. There is no reason to leave your heater on when you’re not in the same room, and never leave it on when you aren’t at home. The older your model, the higher your risk of carbon monoxide poisoning if not used correctly.

5. Replace old heaters

As you can see, the older the unit, the more careful you need to be. Though buying a new model can be expensive, it is definitely more affordable than cleaning up after an incident caused by an old heater. There is no harm replacing an older unit with a newer and safer model – especially when your family’s safety is involved.

Keeping your home warm is incredibly important, especially over winter. We think that keeping your family safe is just as important too, which is why we’re sharing our tips for using room heaters. If you’re doubting your current model, an upgrade can often be the best thing for you and your family.