Locations for a Space Heater

Staying Warm

• With few exceptions, you can place an electric space heater in virtually any location where you need a bit of extra heat, including the bedroom, living room, kitchen or other living areas. Underwriters Laboratory cautions against using a space heater outdoors or in the bathroom unless the unit is rated for these moisture-prone applications. Consumer Reports warns not to place space heaters in children's rooms due to the risk of fire or burns. For maximize effectiveness, locate your space heater on the main floor of your home to heat the central living areas. Avoid placing the space heater in the basement unless you spend time in a basement living area. Place radiant space heaters close to where you plan to sit, as these units are most effective at heating the immediate area. Convection heaters can be placed anywhere, as they can typically heat the entire room.

Fire Safety

• Space heaters are responsible for one-third of all home heating fires in the United States, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Reduce your risk of fire by locating your space heater with care. Choose a hard, flat surface that's far from foot traffic. Keep anything flammable at least 3 feet from the heater, including bedding, clothes and drapery. Positioning space heaters too close to these kinds of flammable items is the leading cause of fatal home heating fires, according to the association. Never hang or drape objects from your heater, and position the unit far from any flammable liquids or fuels.

Venting Requirements

• The U.S. Department of Energy warns homeowners against using an unvented or ventless space heater inside the home. Many states, including California, ban the use of unvented combustion heaters indoors due to the dangers associated with carbon monoxide. Vented combustion heaters must be located next to an exterior wall so they can be vented through an appropriate chimney or vent system.

Power Supply

• When using an electric space heater, position your heater so that you can plug the power cord directly into the wall without using an extension cord. If you can't find a location near a power outlet for your heater, the Department of Energy recommends using a heavy-duty extension cord of 14-gauge wire or higher.