What is a Space Heater? Are They Safe?

As we progress through winter, many Australian households turn to space heaters to keep their homes warm and cosy. From natural gas-powered to electric space heater options, they can be particularly helpful with providing effective and efficient heating when you need it most. But space heaters are not without their potential safety risks, especially when not used properly.

Understanding the safety features and proper usage of portable heaters is crucial to ensuring they provide warmth without posing risks. This article will explore what space heaters are, their benefits, and essential safety tips to help you make an informed choice for your home.

A space heater is a portable device designed to provide supplementary heating to a specific room or area in your home. Unlike central heating systems that warm the entire house, most space heaters focus on delivering warmth where it is needed most, making them an efficient and cost-effective solution.

Space heaters use different methods to generate heat, with gas and electric space heaters being the two key options available. These heaters come in a range of sizes and designs, allowing you to choose one that best suits your needs and aesthetic preferences. Whether you need a compact heater for a small bedroom or a larger unit for heating large spaces, there is a space heater to match every requirement.

Space heaters come in various types, each with distinct features to suit different needs. Here are some of the most common types and their characteristics:

• Convection heaters: The convection heater heats the air before distributing it evenly throughout a room. It’s ideal for consistent, long-term heating in living spaces and bedrooms.
• Infrared heaters: As its name suggests, it uses infrared radiation to warm objects and people directly, rather than the air. An infrared heater effectively provides immediate warmth to specific areas, such as a cosy spot in the living room or a workspace.
• Fan heaters: A fan heater combines the elements of convection and forced air to produce heat. It uses an internal fan to blow air over a heating element, spreading warm air rapidly. They’re perfect for quick, on-demand heating but may be noisier compared to other types.
• Radiant heaters: A radiant heater provides direct heat to objects and people in its line of sight. It’s an efficient choice for spot heating and can quickly warm up a small area.
• Ceramic heaters: These use ceramic plates and aluminium baffles to produce and distribute hot air. Ceramic heaters provide quick heating and are energy-efficient. They’re also generally safer as they maintain a lower surface temperature compared to other types of heaters.

Other options include oil filled column heaters, wall furnaces and gas log fires. Each type offers unique benefits, allowing you to choose the best option for your home’s heating needs.

Space heaters offer several advantages, making them a popular choice for many Australian households. One of the primary benefits is energy efficiency. By heating only the rooms you use, energy-efficient space heaters can reduce overall energy consumption and lower utility bills compared to central heating systems.

The portability of electric heaters is another significant advantage. Electric space heaters are typically lightweight and easy to move, allowing you to place them wherever you need extra warmth. This flexibility ensures that you can keep any room in your home comfortable without the need for extensive installations.

Additionally, many space heaters are user-friendly and come with various features to enhance convenience and safety. Many models include adjustable thermostats, timers, and remote controls, providing easy operation and control over your heating preferences. With a range of designs available, space heaters can also complement your home décor while keeping you warm.

When using space heaters, safety is paramount to prevent accidents and ensure a secure home environment. Here are some essential safety tips and features to consider.

• General safety tips: Always keep flammable materials such as curtains, furniture, and bedding at least one metre away from your space heater. This helps reduce the risk of fire hazards.
• Proper placement in the home: Ensure your space heater is placed in an area with minimal foot traffic to avoid accidental knock-overs. We also recommend keeping heaters away from wet areas like bathrooms unless they are specifically designed for such environments.
• Safety features to look for: Modern space heaters come equipped with various safety features. Overheat protection automatically shuts off the heater if it becomes too hot, preventing overheating.
• Usage best practices: Children should be taught to keep a safe distance, and pets should not be allowed to lie too close to the heater. Regular maintenance and inspections of your space heater are also important to ensure it remains in good working condition.
• Regular maintenance: Regularly inspect your space heater for any signs of wear and tear. Ensure that the cords are not frayed and that the plugs are intact. Cleaning the heater to remove dust and debris will also help maintain its efficiency and safety.

By following these best practices, you can enjoy the warmth of your space heater while keeping your home safe.

While space heaters are a popular choice, there are several other effective ways to keep your home warm during colder months.

Central heating or ducted systems, for instance, provide consistent and even heating throughout the whole home. Though they may have higher upfront installation costs, they can be more efficient for larger homes and offer the convenience of controlled heating.

As you go to sleep, electric blankets are an especially great alternative for keeping warm at night. They consume less energy than space heaters and provide direct warmth to your bed, ensuring a cosy and comfortable sleep without heating the entire room.

Consider Using Space Heaters In Your Home

Space heaters offer a safe, convenient and effective way to keep specific areas of your home warm. By understanding the different types and their features, you can choose the right heater to meet your needs while ensuring safety through proper usage and maintenance.

While space heaters have their benefits, considering alternatives like central heating systems and electric blankets can provide additional options for maintaining comfort in your home. Prioritising safety and efficiency will help you make the best choice for a cosy and secure living environment.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.