Space heaters are one of the most common household items in America — and one of the most dangerous. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that portable heaters, including electric space heaters, are involved in an average of 1,600 fires per year, resulting in an average of 70 deaths and 160 injuries annually. About half of all space heater injury victims are children under five years old.
Fire Hazards
Space heaters can cause fires if placed too close to combustible materials. CPSC recommends the following to reduce fire risk:
- Keep space heaters at least three feet away from drapes, furniture, bedding, and other flammable materials at all times.
- Always plug electric space heaters directly into a wall outlet — never into an extension cord or power strip, as this can overload the circuit and cause a fire.
- During use, check frequently to see if the heater plug, cord, wall outlet, or faceplate feels hot. If so, turn it off immediately and have a qualified electrician inspect it.
- Place the heater on a level, hard, non-flammable surface — never on rugs, carpets, or near bedding or drapes.
- Select a space heater with a guard around the flame area or heating element.
- Choose a space heater that has been tested and certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
- Never leave a space heater on when you go to sleep, and never place a space heater close to any sleeping person.
- Turn the space heater off if you leave the area. Keep children and pets away from space heaters at all times.
Carbon Monoxide Hazards
Unvented fuel-burning space heaters — those that burn natural gas, liquefied petroleum, kerosene, or other fuels — pose a serious risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning because they require a constant supply of fresh air to operate safely. CO is colorless and odorless, and symptoms of poisoning can be as mild as drowsiness, headaches, or nausea — meaning it is frequently misdiagnosed until it is too late.
- Keep doors open to the rest of the house when using an unvented fuel-burning space heater to prevent pollutant buildup and promote proper combustion.
- Never use unvented burning charcoal devices indoors due to the extreme hazard of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Never use an open oven for heating, as ovens can emit carbon monoxide.
- Install CO alarms on every level of the home and outside sleeping areas. Test alarms every month and replace batteries at least once a year.
- Have gas and kerosene space heaters inspected annually to ensure proper operation.
For Fuel-Burning Heaters
- Never refuel a portable heater while it is in use or while it is hot. Turn the heater off and allow it to cool completely before refueling.
- For kerosene heaters, use only water-clear 1-K grade kerosene. Never substitute gasoline or any other fuel.
- Never make fuel substitutions or convert heaters to another fuel without expert advice.
To report a dangerous space heater or a product-related injury, visit SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC’s Hotline at 800-638-2772.
