Staying warm during the winter months is a necessity, albeit a pricey and sometimes dangerous one. With an abundance of options promising to be more affordable, greener, or localized, many fail to mention the inherent risks. The truth is that any heating method can pose a safety risk when used improperly or haphazardly.
Here are a few heating methods that are affordable and safe when done right:
Your Home’s Heating System
Perhaps the safest in terms of ventilation and most effective for whole-home heating is the HVAC system already installed in your home. If you’re looking to heat multiple rooms, it may be worthwhile to run your heater in desired rooms and close off vents to unoccupied rooms. But keep in mind this method usually incurs the highest costs and, if not properly cared for, can create the same risks as smaller warmers.
If you’re opting for your home’s heating, it’s vital you keep up to date with all maintenance and address problems as they arise. Letting issues linger could bring costly fixes down the line of danger for you, your family, and your home. For example, damaged wires create fire danger, and clogged filters may trap harmful gases. This is especially true in older homes and dated heating systems. So long as you’re properly caring for your home’s heating system, it remains a safe option, especially because it eliminates many issues faced by other methods such as tripping hazards from cords, painful burns from contact by little ones, or proximity to flammable materials.
Fireplaces
Fireplaces can be a statement piece, a focal point. Many new builds come equipped with electric fireplaces today, older ones with wood-burning fireplaces. They’re cozy and pretty to look at, but they’re not ideal for long-term use.
Not only will you run a high bill, but if the fireplace is burning for an extended period of time in a small space, there is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is known as the silent killer, odorless and invisible, killing within minutes, which is why it’s important to take preventative measures.
Before lighting up your fireplace, be sure there is proper ventilation. In the case of built-in fireplaces, it’s important to be sure that the chimney is in good shape in order to avoid buildups or blockages that can trap dangerous gases in the home with you. And, of course, don’t burn a fireplace unattended, especially with open flames. There is far too much risk involved, and when out of your eyesight, you run the risk of rampant danger.
Plug-in Space Heaters
Space heaters, as the name suggests, are one of the best ways to warm up individual rooms. Not necessarily cost-effective as they require a ton of power, but better than running heating through the entire home when you’re only occupying one room. Though not without their own set of risks.
When opting for space heaters, it’s important to keep all flammable materials away from the heater with at least a three-foot radius. Also, do not use an extension cord or power strip to power the heater. The voltage required for space heaters far exceeds what most cords can provide.
To further minimize risk, it’s also important to choose high-quality heaters that minimize the risk of cheap parts causing problems down the line. Madison Home Builders recommends selecting a heater with an automatic shut-off feature as these devices provide an extra layer of safety.
Portable Heaters (propane and kerosene)
While these little heaters are perfect for outdoor warming, they pose significant risks inside the home. Portable heaters require ventilation in order to burn off the excess gases produced while warming you up. When using, you’ll want to be sure your walls are not made of combustible materials and that the room is very well ventilated. In fact, it may be best to use near a cracked window for an extra layer of safety. Be sure to follow all manufacturing safety tips, and many general guidelines can be found online to help guide your decision and use.
In the case of an emergency where power is inaccessible, these heaters can be especially useful and may be best reserved for those situations. However, that’s not to say they cannot be used when you’re in need and all other methods fail. They’re not ideal for warming large spaces but rather provide a localized option when all others fail.
