How many fires are caused by space heaters?

A Leading Cause of Fires The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that approximately 1,200 fires a year are caused by portable electric space heaters.

Do space heaters catch fire easily?

Millions of people use space heaters to keep warm in winter. But according to a warning from the National Fire Protection Association, space heaters are a leading cause of house fires. In mere minutes, the blanket caught fire. The flames quickly spread to a sofa, which sent out choking black smoke.

How likely is it for a space heater to start a fire?

The National Fire Protection Association puts that figure into even starker context, noting that space heaters factor into about 43 percent of home heating-related fires (which includes items like water heaters and fireplaces) and 85 percent of associated deaths.

Is leaving a space heater on a fire hazard?

Unfortunately, they can pose significant fire and electric shock hazards if not used properly. Fire and electrical hazards can be caused by space heaters without adequate safety features, space heaters placed near combustibles, or space heaters that are improperly plugged in. Never leave a space heater unattended.

What is the best room heater?

Lasko 751320 is one of the best room heaters that one could buy. It has a very simple tower design and comes with a moderate price tag. The unit includes a remote but also has controls at the top of the heater.

How safe are space heaters?

A modern space heater can be very safe to keep on for long unsupervised periods of time, including while sleeping. Be sure your heater is certified by one of the three major testing organizations and has features like automatic shutoff, tip over protection, a shut off timer, and adjustable thermostat.

What causes space heater fires?

Although space heater fires can happen in many different ways; the most common causes of space heater fires are: The heater is placed too close to flammable material such as a mattress. The heater itself is defective. Product warnings were inadequate.

What is the most efficient electric heater?

Forced-air heat pumps are the most energy-efficient electric heaters. These systems use about 50 percent less power than any other type of resistance heating unit to produce heat for the home (see References 1).