Space heaters give a jolt of warmth to chilly corners of your home. They can even cut your heating bill during the cold season when used strategically in place of whole-house heat.
However, these portable warmers can also cause problems, especially when used improperly or in the wrong locations.
Space heaters are a leading cause of home fires in the US during the winter months, yet many of these fires are preventable with proper placement. It's critical to keep an eye on your space heater while it's on and never leave it running without supervision. It's also important to avoid placing them in areas that increase fire risk.
For a safe, warm winter, here are nine places your space heater should never be.
Read more: The Best Space Heaters
Space heaters, even those with tip-over safeguards, don't belong on rugs. Getty Images
1. On a carpet, rug or flammable surface
Space heaters can't sit on any surface that can easily scorch or catch on fire. That means you can never place one on a carpet or rug. You should also avoid using them on more delicate hardwoods or meltable vinyl, especially for long periods.
What if you have only carpet in a cold room? You can look for a ceramic or otherwise heatproof base to position under the heater. It must be larger than the heater itself by about 3 inches on all sides.
2. Near walls and furniture
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