A space heater can keep you warm and cozy all winter long, but it can also lead to a serious home fire if not used properly. In fact, space heaters are the most dangerous type of home heating equipment, causing 1,700 blazes per year and an average of 70 deaths and 160 injuries, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Our safety experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute only recommend space heaters with built-in safety features, including an automatic shut-off in case of overheating or a sensor that will turn the unit off if it tips over. It’s also important to make sure any space heater you buy carries a third-party safety certification from UL or ETL.
That said, even the safest, most reliable space heater on the market won’t protect you from fire hazard if you don’t use it properly. And one of the biggest mistakes you can make is not following the 3-foot rule.
What is the 3-foot rule?
This safety rule refers to the distance that a space heater, or any heat-generating appliance or electronic, must be from combustible materials, things like curtains, furniture, and bedding. That’s because flammable items that are closer than three feet could potentially ignite from the intense heat coming off a space heater. Safety experts also recommend maintaining a 3-foot kid- and pet-free zone around space heaters, as well as fire pits, wood-burning stoves, and the like.
More space heater tips
- Always turn the space heater off when you leave the room or go to sleep for the night.
- Place the space heater on a flat, stable surface; our experts recommend floors over a table or other elevated surface.
- Never use a space heater in a workshop or garage that contains paint, gasoline, or other hazardous material.
- Don’t use extension cords or power strips with a space heater, as this can result in overheating; instead, plug the heater directly into a wall outlet.
- Make sure your home is equipped with functional smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.
Having written thousands of product reviews and how-to articles on all aspects of home ownership, from routine maintenance to major renovations, Dan (he/him) brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role as the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. A one-time roofer and a serial remodeler, Dan can often be found keeping house at his restored Brooklyn brownstone, where he lives with his wife and kids.
