La Jolla HVAC Contractors Association
LJHCA Warns on the dangers of space heaters
The La Jolla HVAC Contractors Association (LJHCA) has warned against the dangers of using space heaters at home. As an association that deals with home heater installation, repair, maintenance and upgrades, the LJHCA member are experts when it comes to home heating. “There really are a lot of safety risks in using these space heaters especially when the user himself does not understand the possible fire hazard that the space heater may create,” says Phil Thompson, President of the LJHCA.
Thompson says instead of using space heaters, homeowners should instead set their heat thermostat in a level they are comfortable with, or bundle up if need be. “It is worth the trouble, or the heating bill. The statistics on space heater fires is alarming. It is something that every space heater user should take seriously,| Thompson adds.
The National Fire Protection Association has earlier warned against the use of space heaters, and mentioned that close to 80-percent of fatal residential fires are due to its misuse.
“The leading factor contributing to space heater fires in general was heating equipment too close to things that can burn, such as upholstered furniture, clothing, mattress, or bedding. Other leading factors contributing to home space heater fires were failure to clean, which is principally related to creosote build-up in chimneys, and leaving an operating space heater unattended.”
Check out the NFPA’s full press statement here.
The Electrical Safety Foundation International meanwhile came up with guidelines on the safe use of space heaters. In their guidelines they acknowledged how helpful space heaters can be during the chilly winter months, however they emphasized that it can be very dangerous to use especially when left unattended. HVAC Wiki
“Space heaters are only meant to provide supplemental heat and should never be used to warm bedding, cook food, dry clothing or thaw pipes. Install smoke alarms on every floor of your home and outside all sleeping areas and test them once a month. Proper placement of space heaters is critical. Heaters must be kept at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including papers, clothing and rugs. Locate space heaters out of high traffic areas and doorways where they may pose a tripping hazard. Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet. Do not use an extension cord or power strip, which could overheat and result in a fire.” The rest of the safety tips can be found here.
Space heaters can indeed be very dangerous, and if they have to be used, they should be utilized with utmost caution.
Reliable Standard Heating & Air La Jolla
1636 Caminito Solidago La Jolla, CA 92037
858-295-0909
http://reliablestandard.com/la-jolla/