Miya Pearson
Space heaters are a popular way to keep warm during the colder months, but are they safe to use while sleeping? The short answer is no. Despite the potential dangers, some people believe that if you take the right precautions, you can use a space heater at night safely. However, the general consensus among experts is that you should never leave a space heater running overnight. The main danger comes from misuse or placing the heater too close to flammable materials such as bedding, curtains, or furniture. Even a small spark or excess heat from the heater can ignite nearby objects, leading to devastating fires.
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What You'll Learn
Safety concerns and precautions
Space heaters are generally regarded as unsafe for use while sleeping. The main danger comes from misuse or placing the heater too close to flammable materials such as bedding, curtains, or furniture. Even a small spark or excess heat from the heater can ignite nearby objects, leading to devastating fires. The risk is significantly higher when left unattended, and when asleep, you may not notice if something goes wrong, such as the heater tipping over or overheating.
To reduce the risk of fire or burns, look for a space heater with a built-in tip-over sensor or automatic shut-off feature. This will turn off the heater if it is accidentally knocked over or reaches a certain temperature. It is also important to place the heater on a flat, stable, and non-inflammable surface, keeping it at least three feet away from anything flammable. Never place a space heater on a bed, couch, or any elevated surface.
Additionally, it is crucial to prioritize safety by choosing a heater with cool-touch exteriors, which prevents the surface from becoming too hot and minimizes the risk of accidental burns. It is also recommended to select a heater certified by safety organizations like Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Intertek’s ETL certification.
Other safety measures include avoiding leaving the space heater running unattended and turning it off before going to sleep. Instead, consider warming the room before bed and using alternative heating methods such as electric blankets or heated mattress pads, which provide controlled warmth with adjustable heat settings and safety features.
Furthermore, sleeping with the heater on can increase carbon monoxide levels in the room, posing a risk of asphyxia (sleep death) and causing health issues such as dry skin, eye irritation, and conjunctivitis. To mitigate this, keep a mug or bucket of water near the heater to maintain moisture in the room. It is also essential to install smoke detectors, regularly check their functionality, and keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
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Health concerns
While space heaters can be a convenient way to keep your space warm, there are several health concerns associated with their use, especially while sleeping. Here are some key considerations:
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Using a space heater while sleeping can increase the levels of carbon monoxide in the room. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, and deadly gas. High levels of carbon monoxide can lead to asphyxia (sleep death) by choking off the supply of blood to the brain, resulting in a haemorrhage and eventually death. People with heart disease, particularly smokers, the elderly, and young children, are at a higher risk of experiencing adverse effects. It is crucial to turn off the heater and unplug it before going to bed to mitigate this risk.
Dry Skin and Eye Irritation: The use of space heaters can reduce humidity levels in the room, leading to dry skin and eye irritation. Prolonged exposure to dry air can cause itchiness, redness, and allergies on the skin. Additionally, dry eyes can result in conjunctivitis. To counteract this, it is recommended to keep a container of water near the heater to maintain moisture in the room or use a humidifier to prevent dehydration.
Fire Hazards: Space heaters can pose a significant fire risk, especially when left unattended. According to the National Fire Protection Association, space heaters are involved in about 46% of home heating-related fires and 88% of associated deaths. Even a small spark or excess heat from the heater can ignite nearby flammable objects, such as bedding, curtains, or furniture. It is crucial to keep a safe distance of at least three feet between the heater and any flammable materials. Additionally, placing the heater on a flat, stable, and non-inflammable surface can reduce the risk of tipping over.
Oxygen Levels: Fan heaters and infrared heaters can decrease oxygen levels in the room, which may have adverse effects on respiratory health. This reduction in oxygen levels can be particularly harmful to individuals with respiratory conditions such as asthma or sleep apnea. It is recommended to ensure proper ventilation in the room when using a space heater.
Safety Precautions: To enhance safety, it is advisable to choose a space heater with advanced safety features. Look for heaters with automatic shut-off mechanisms that turn off the device if it tips over or overheats. Additionally, opt for heaters certified by safety organizations like Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or bearing the Intertek's ETL certification. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and never leave the heater unattended or running while you sleep.
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Energy efficiency
While the use of space heaters is generally regarded as unsafe while sleeping, they can be an effective, energy-efficient way to add extra heat to a specific area. Space heaters are nearly 100% energy efficient, as almost all of the electricity consumed is converted to heat.
If you are looking to heat a single room, it is likely to be more energy-efficient to use a space heater than to increase the home thermostat setting by a degree or two. This is because the energy of heating is focused on a smaller area, and there is reduced heat loss from the rest of the house. However, electricity is usually more expensive than natural gas or heating oil, and space heaters can be relatively energy-hungry.
To maximize energy efficiency, only use your heater in occupied rooms, and try to save heat energy elsewhere. For example, if you are using a space heater to warm a small home office during the day, try lowering your home thermostat by a few degrees to conserve electricity overall.
There are also energy-efficient space heater models available, such as the DREO Radiator OH712, which offers an ECO mode that precisely manages heat output, helping you achieve up to 60% energy savings. The DREO Space Heater Solaris 718 features Controllable Silicon Technology, allowing for precise temperature control within ±1.5 °F. It adapts to your room’s environment, delivering consistent warmth without wasting energy.
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Space heater features
Space heaters are generally regarded as unsafe for use while sleeping. However, if you are looking to buy one, there are several features you should consider.
Firstly, space heaters can be powered by electricity or combustion. Electric space heaters convert electricity into heat through the process of Joule heating, while combustion space heaters convert chemical energy into heat through the combustion of a fuel. Combustion heaters often do not require electricity and can be used off-the-grid, but they come with the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Secondly, space heaters can be classified as vented or unvented. Vented heaters are designed to be located next to an outside wall so that the flue gas vent can be installed through the ceiling or wall. Unvented combustion heaters are not recommended for use inside due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and the introduction of nitrogen oxide and water vapour, which can cause structural damage.
Thirdly, space heaters can heat a room through convection or radiation. Convective heaters rely on natural or forced convection, with the latter using a fan to generate airflow and spread heat quickly. Radiant heaters transfer heat directly to objects and people within their line of sight, making them more efficient when used for a short period in a small space.
When choosing a space heater, it is important to select one with advanced safety features. Look for models with automatic shut-off functions that activate if the heater tips over or overheats, and ensure that the heater carries a safety certification from organisations like Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Intertek’s ETL. Place the heater on a flat, stable, non-flammable surface, and keep it at least three feet away from anything flammable, such as bedding, curtains, or furniture.
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Alternatives to space heaters
Space heaters are generally regarded as unsafe for use while sleeping. The main danger comes from misuse or placing the heater too close to flammable materials such as bedding, curtains, or furniture. Even a small spark or excess heat from the heater can ignite nearby objects, leading to devastating fires. The risk is significantly higher when left unattended, which is why using a space heater while you sleep is not recommended.
- Heated floor mats: These are perfect for under an office desk or in front of your couch. They keep your feet toasty and warm, and many believe that if your feet are warm, your whole body will be warm.
- Heated seat covers: These are ideal for keeping warm while sitting in an office chair or lounging around.
- Portable heating pads: These are usually associated with cramps, but they are also great for staying warm on the go. Get a rechargeable one that can be stashed away in a bag when not in use.
- Hot Hands shoe inserts: These simple insoles can keep your feet warm, and they are inexpensive.
- Overhead heating: This eliminates the risk of space heaters being tripped over and accidentally touched by kids or pets.
- Wall units: These can be installed in strategic spots to provide safe and effective heating.
- Floor heating: Thermostat-controlled floor heating is safe and energy-efficient. It can be installed in various rooms and even in showers and saunas.
- Hot water bottles: If your bedroom gets cold at night, a hot water bottle placed under the covers 20-30 minutes before bedtime can help keep you warm.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not safe to use a space heater while sleeping. The general consensus among experts is that space heaters should not be left running overnight. The main danger comes from misuse or placing the heater too close to flammable materials such as bedding, curtains, or furniture. Even a small spark or excess heat from the heater can ignite nearby objects, leading to devastating fires.
The risk of fire is significantly higher when a space heater is left unattended, which is why using one while you sleep can be particularly dangerous. When asleep, you're less likely to notice if something goes wrong, such as the heater tipping over or overheating, reducing your ability to react quickly in case of an emergency. Sleeping with the heater on also increases carbon monoxide levels in the room, which can be dangerous for people with heart disease, smokers with heart disease, young children, and the elderly.
Instead of leaving the heater on all night, you can warm the room before bed and then turn it off before you go to sleep. You can also use an electric blanket or heated mattress pad, which provide controlled and comfortable warmth throughout the night and have safety features such as automatic shut-off. If your bedroom gets too cold in the later part of the night, you can use a hot water bottle or two, placed under the covers 20-30 minutes before you climb in.
