Although improperly placed or misused freestanding portable heaters are most often to blame for these tragedies (as opposed to professionally installed, wall-mounted space heaters), safety should always be the top consideration when using any type of space heater.
Here are some propane space heater safety tips to keep in mind as you continue to warm your Central Maine home in the weeks and months to come.
Before using any space heater, read the manufacturer’s instructions and warning labels carefully.
Never leave a space heater unattended. Turn it off when you’re leaving a room or going to sleep.
Have a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters; do not allow underage children to play in a room with a propane space heater.
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 and carbon monoxide alarms on every floor of your home and outside all sleeping areas; test them once per season, and replace them as instructed in your equipment’s owner’s manual. Consider adding propane leak detectors, too.
Make sure that space heaters are installed correctly and in the right place; keep them at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including papers, clothing and rugs.
Never use an outdoor heating device (an outdoor grill or outdoor space heater for example) inside your house! They are not equipped to safely ventilate in your indoor space. Don’t use a gas-powered oven for heat, either (for the same reason).
Always have your propane space heaters installed by a professional who understands how to properly connect and ventilate your system. Propane direct vent space heater installation is NOT a DIY job.
At Murray-Heutz Oil and Propane, your safety is ALWAYS our #1 priority. If you have any questions about your propane space heater – or if you are considering adding one to your Central Maine home – contact us today for a FREE, no obligation estimate.
