Space Heaters

Portable heaters are a leading cause of home heating fires and burns. Most fires start when a heater is too close to something that burns, plugged into an overloaded cord, or left running unattended. Used correctly, they can be safe.

• Homeowners
• Renters
• Families

Choose a safer heater

• Look for a listing from a recognized testing lab such as UL or ETL
• Choose a model with an automatic tip-over shutoff and overheat protection
• Make sure it is the right size for the room, with a thermostat
• Pick units with a cool-touch housing or guards that keep fingers away from heating elements
• Do not buy used heaters with damaged cords, or recalled models. Check CPSC recalls

Placement

• Keep the heater at least 3 feet (1 meter) from beds, curtains, furniture, paper, clothing and anything that burns.
• Put it on a flat, hard, level surface, not on carpet, tables or soft furniture.
• Keep children and pets away. Use a safety gate if needed.
• Do not use in wet areas such as bathrooms unless the heater is made for it.

Power

• Plug directly into a wall outlet. Do not use extension cords or power strips with a heater, since they can overheat. If you must use one, use a heavy-duty cord rated for the heater's wattage. See Extension Cords.
• Do not share the circuit with other high-power appliances.
• Check the plug and cord: if hot, frayed or damaged, stop using it.
• Use a working GFCI outlet in damp areas.

Use

• Turn it off when you leave the room or go to sleep. Unplug when not in use.
• Never use a heater to dry clothes or thaw pipes.
• Keep the area around it clear of dust and lint.
• Have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level. See Smoke & CO Alarms.

Fuel-burning heaters

• Use only heaters approved for indoor use and the right fuel, such as kerosene for kerosene heaters. Never use outdoor or camping heaters, propane grills or charcoal indoors.
• Vent as the maker states and open a window slightly if directed. These heaters can produce carbon monoxide. See Carbon Monoxide.
• Refuel only outdoors when the heater is cool.

Last updated: October 8, 2026