Space Heater Safety Tips

Space Heater Safety Tips

Space heaters can be a useful addition to the home.

They give you the option to heat one room rather than the entire house, which can result in lower utility bills. Space heaters, like any other home appliance, require proper use and handling. Below are a few simple tips to safely enjoy your space heater for many winters to come.

Select a High-Quality Heater

Only use a heater that has been inspected and certified by a well-known testing agency. In theUnited States, you will often see mentioned on the packaging and the paperwork that the heater meets the standards of the Underwriters Laboratory (UL). If the paperwork is not available on a second-hand space heater that you’re considering purchasing, perform internet research to make sure the heater has passed the proper safety review. When shopping on the internet for a heater, be suspicious of units that ship from countries where stringent codes to protect consumers are not in place. It is also not a good idea to purchase a unit whose operating instructions appear only in languages that you don’t understand.

Look For Safety Features

A quality space heater will include built-in sensors that detect a problem and immediately switch off the unit. Selecting a heater with safety features reduces the likelihood of fires and burn injuries.

Some of the situations that safety sensors can detect include the following:

The heater falls over. More sensitive units will shut down even if the unit doesn’t fall, but

receives a collision hard enough to tilt it.

The unit gets hotter than it should.

There’s not enough oxygen in the room.

Choose the Correct Size of Heater for the Job

It’s tempting to get a small heater to save money. However, a small heater has to work longer and harder to raise the temperature of the room. But overworked small heaters pose a danger because of having to operate at much higher temperatures.

Put Your Heater in the Proper Setting

The standard rule of thumb is to keep a diameter of three feet of space around your heater. Resist the temptation to move the unit closer to flammable material such as bedding, upholstery, or drapery.

If the manufacturer of your heater does not specify that the unit is safe near water, don’t operate it in the bathroom or similar areas where there’s the possibility of the heater encountering moisture. Most heaters are built to sit on the floor. Don’t place your heater on tables or other objects unless the manufacturer says that it’s safe to do so.

Plug In Carefully

The standard design for a space heater calls for you to plug it directly into a wall outlet. Manufacturers will warn against using extension cords. They can overheat.

Of course, sometimes a wall outlet isn’t conveniently located. Nevertheless, resist the urge to use an extension cord. The manufacturer knows the results of laboratory tests with extension cords and is warning you for a valid reason.

Monitor the Room

It doesn’t hurt to keep a close eye on even the best space heater. Install a smoke detector in the room where you use the heater, and check the batteries twice a year. If your space heater burns fuel such as kerosene or propane, you’ll want to install an additional detector—a carbon monoxide detector.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas, so it’s important to keep a detector in good working order.It’s also important to always have a window or door partially open when you’re using a fuel- burning space heater that doesn’t vent to the outside.

Do you have additional questions concerning the safe use of space heaters? Ask a trained

professional at HVAC Philly.

When in need of high quality heating repair Philadelphia come to us, and so should you!

5 Steps To Get Your AC Ready For A Surprise Spring Heat Wave

It’s hard to believe it’s spring here in the greater Philadelphia, Bucks County, Pa, and Montgomery County, PA areas. Yet another Nor’ Easter has come through, giving our heaters more work to do. Fret not though; spring is here.

Spring is usually the time home, and business owners like to give their HVAC systems a much-needed break. We throw open the windows and doors and let that fresh spring air circulate through our homes.

sb10069400f-001

However, even as we are giving our HVAC systems a break, we still need to think and plan for the warm weather ahead. In fact, it is not uncommon for a surprise heat wave to hit in the middle of spring. You do not want to be caught in the middle of a heat wave with an AC unit that is in need of maintenance.

HVAC Philly, your top rated AC repair, and AC Maintenance experts have some helpful steps to make sure your HVAC system ready for the spring:

Step 1; Turn On Your Air Conditioning System
The easiest way to know if your AC unit is operating properly is to turn it on. Turn the air on at a higher setting for your thermostat, but low enough to feel the cool air in your home or business. If you do not feel cool air blowing through your vents, you will want to contact your local Air Conditioning repair specialist to come in and inspect the unit.

Step 2; Make Sure The Area Around The Unit Is Clean.
If there is any leaves, debris, dust, or any other items around the AC unit, it could cause significant issues when it comes to using your HVAC unit on a consistent basis. It can affect the air flow substantially to the point of changing your temperature in your home. It can stop your air conditioner from reaching the set temperature. Dirt and debris clogging your unit will cause the AC system to work harder than it should.

Step 3; Inspect The Components
Make sure that your system has the right refrigerant levels, and the openings are not restricted. Look at the blades and fan motor for wear. You can also check tubing, the compressor, hoses, and control box; Areas where problems that are more common can occur.

Step 4; Change Your Air Filters, Clean Your Ducts
The number one cause of restricted airflow is the result of dirty air ducts and dirty air filters. Limited airflow is the least of your problems. Dirty ducts and filters can also allow the growth of mold. Schedule a proper duct cleaning with an HVAC professional in your area and replace your old air filters. Unrestricted airflow will help prevent an increase in your utility bills.

Step 5; Address And Repair Any Problems
The benefit of having routine maintenance is that you will find any issues your HVAC system before you need it. In the event of a surprise heat wave in spring, this will come in extremely handy. Avoid running into a problem the when you most need your air conditioning. Maintenance helps to identify the issues and get them solved before any heat waves come in and make it uncomfortable.

Our team at HVAC Philly can assist you with your maintenance and repairs, so your AC system is working right. We can recommend a maintenance schedule that fits you, as well as any services you may need.

For more FAQ about your HVAC system, be sure to follow HVAC Philly Blog, for helpful tips and information related to heating repair, heating maintenance, and services provided to the greater Philadelphia, Bucks County, PA and Montgomery County, PA areas.

If you are in the greater Philadelphia, Montgomery County,  or Bucks County, PA areas, HVAC Philly offers affordable, professional and expert HVAC services to commercial buildings and homes throughout the area. They have over 20 years experience and rated top ten HVAC companies in Philadelphia.

When in need of high quality heating repair Philadelphia come to us, and so should you!