Home Heating Safety

Ask our expert on home heating safety

About Our Expert

Daniel Lozano, M.D., is a burn surgeon with Lehigh Valley Health Network

• Should I be concerned about using a space heater to heat certain rooms in my house?
• What safety tips are there with other heaters, such as kerosene heaters or a coal-burning stove?
• What type of safety and maintenance is necessary for fireplaces?
• Are heating pads and electric blankets safe to use?

Q: Should I be concerned about using a space heater to heat certain rooms in my house?

A: Space heaters are some of the most common heating elements used in homes, and a small electric space heater can be used safely and effectively. Be sure to keep the heater away from flammable materials such as curtains, bedding, newspapers, etc. Keep the heater out of reach of children and pets, and be sure to leave plenty of space (around 36 inches) around the heater. Never leave a space heater unattended while in use.

Q: What safety tips are there with other heaters, such as kerosene heaters or a coal-burning stove?

A: When using kerosene heaters, the room must be properly ventilated. The byproduct of using such fuel-based heaters is a buildup of carbon monoxide and other toxic fumes, which are fatal in high doses if rooms are not ventilated properly. If you have a coal-burning stove, make sure it's properly ventilated, because it also will produce carbon monoxide.

Candles or cooking stoves shouldn’t be used to heat your home. They aren't meant to be used in that manner, and pose a safety risk to you and your family.

Q: What type of safety and maintenance is necessary for fireplaces?

A: If you haven’t done so yet, have your fireplace inspected by a certified chimney sweeper and cleaned if necessary. Most residential heating fires are caused by creosote buildup in the chimney or stovepipe.

It's also a good idea to use a metal mesh screen to prevent sparks from popping out of the fireplace. If you have glass doors covering your fireplace, leave them open while burning a fire. These doors can reach temperatures of 400 degrees in a matter of minutes, and takes 45 minutes to cool down.

Q: Are heating pads and electric blankets safe to use?

A: They are, but some precautions need to be taken. Heating pads and electric blankets shouldn't be covered by anything else (that includes you). Keep these items on top so the heat can dissipate into the room. With an electric blanket, inspect it to make sure there are no breaks in the wiring plugs or connectors.

This page last updated 3/11/10 11:46 AM