Space heaters are a godsend during those cold winter months. Not only do they quickly heat up drafty rooms, but they can also save you money on your heating bills. But how long can you leave a space heater on?
You can leave your space heater on for 8-12 hours straight. Most newer models are designed to be safe for this length of operation. However, how long you can leave your space heater on depends on more than just time.
In this article, we’ll cover how long to leave your space heater on and some safety tips to ensure you’re using your heater efficiently.
Know Your Heater’s Limitations
There are dozens of space heater brands and models on the market. Because of this, you should familiarize yourself with your heater before using it for prolonged periods. Some units will automatically turn off after a certain period. Others are specifically designed to last all day long with little rest in between.
With that in mind, start by reading your instruction manual. Yes, it can be tedious reading, but nothing will tell you about your space heater’s capabilities and limits better than the manufacturer’s instructions.
Most newer models have safety features that shut the heater off if it tips over. Or they automatically turn off if the internal sensors get too hot. Due to these advancements, newer models are typically safe to use for longer periods than older space heaters.
Give Older Models A Rest
If you own an older space heater, it’s best not to run it for more than eight hours straight. Once eight hours have passed, turn the heater off for at least half an hour. You might ask why. The reason is that internal computer parts get hot after running at high temps for several hours. So, older space heaters without proper ventilation or overheating prevention can pose a fire hazard.
Don’t leave your space heater on while you sleep or while you’re away from home. You’ll save very little on your heating bill by doing so, but you put yourself at risk of starting a fire.
Newer Models Are Made to Run Continuously
Newer space heater models are much different from their predecessors. In fact, some are designed to be left on 24 hours a day if necessary. This is why many companies market their space heaters as safe to leave overnight.
But you should still take extra precautions with a new space heater. Always ensure the heater rests on a flat, stable surface. You should also be mindful of where you place the heater.
Ideally, you want to keep the heater at least three feet away from anything that can burn. So, keep it away from curtains, furniture, beds, and papers.
Just because your space heater can run all day doesn’t mean you shouldn’t follow general safety tips.
Know When to Give It a Break
If your space heater is doing too much work, it will let you know. Keep an eye out for these signs that your heater needs a break:
- The space heater itself is extremely hot to touch
- You smell burning plastic or other odd smells
- Odd sounds coming from the heater like clicking or buzzing
- The power cord is hot to the touch
- Your circuit breaker keeps tripping
If you experience any of these issues, shut the heater off. Let the unit cool down, and if the problem persists consider buying a new one.
Follow These Safety Tips
Who wants to stress over whether or not it’s safe to leave their space heater on? Follow these tips, and you’ll be just fine:
Create A Safe Zone
Space heaters can throw off a surprising amount of heat. So, always clear a three-foot space around your heater. In that three-foot radius, you shouldn’t have any furniture, curtains, or clutter. Creating this safety zone can drastically reduce your fire risk.
Plug it Into The Correct Outlet
Plug your space heater directly into the wall socket. Do not use an extension cord or a power strip. By doing this, you can prevent your cords from overheating and starting a fire.
Space heaters require a lot of energy and draw heavily on your circuits. Ideally, you should plug your heater into its circuit. If your lights dim when you turn on the heater, it’s putting too much stress on your circuit.
Check on it From Time To Time
Make it a habit to walk by your space heater once every couple of hours. When you do, look for any signs of problems. You should also ensure that nothing has fallen into your heater while it’s running. By performing these quick checks, you can prevent any major issues.
Leave The Door Open
Leaving the door open to the room you’re heating up isn’t just for social etiquette. When you run your space heater, make sure the door stays open. By doing this, you allow air to flow through the room easier. Heater Specialists noted that this is especially important if you’re using a kerosene or propane space heater. You don’t want carbon monoxide to build up in one area.
When You Should Turn Your Heater Off
You should always turn your heater off if you’re leaving the room. Additionally, you should turn your heater off before going to bed. Don’t leave your space heater on if kids or pets will be alone in the room. And like smoke alarms and fire extinguishers, you should use your space heater when vacuuming or cleaning near it.
Of course, if your space heater starts acting up, turn it off. Don’t risk damaging your heater further.
Final Words
As stated above, you can leave your space heater on for 8-12 hours. Unless your space heater is very old or has visible damage, it’s fine to run your heater all day. Remember to always use your space heater as directed by the manufacturer. Plus, use common sense when it comes to keeping your family safe.
Space heaters are meant to provide additional heat to a room. They’re not meant to be your primary source of heat for weeks on end. Your family’s safety is more important than saving a few bucks on your energy bill. For this reason, buy a newer model space heater that has been safety-certified.
Look for a heater with a UL or ETL label. This means the company tested the heater and ensured it meets safety standards. Hopefully, this article helped you understand how long to leave your space heater on. Use this knowledge to stay warm and safe throughout the winter months.
FAQ’s
1. When Used Correctly, How long can I safely leave my space heater on?
With proper precautions, most space heaters can be left on for 8-12 hours at a time. Many of the newer models are designed to run for longer periods. But remember, “safe” doesn’t just mean how long you can leave it on. Where you put it, how old it is, and if it’s in good working condition all play a role. There’s more to keeping your space heater safe than run times alone.
2. Will leaving my new space heater on all day hurt it?
Probably not. Many newer heaters are specifically designed to be safe for long periods of continuous use. Once you’ve ensured your heater is safe to use overnight, feel free to leave it on all day if needed. Most modern models will even shut themselves off should something fail. However, it’s still important to follow proper safety precautions. Don’t put it on uneven surfaces, keep plenty of space around it, and give it a once-over every few hours.
3. Does the age of my space heater matter?
It sure does. Older heaters typically require more vigilance and care. If your heater lacks features like tip-over protection or built-in overheating sensors, let it rest every once in a while. Your heater can overheat internal parts if you run it for more than eight hours straight with no breaks. Newer isn’t always better, but if your heater is antique enough to look like this …
4. What are some clues my space heater needs a break?
Heaters usually give you some signs before they do something they aren’t supposed to. If the heater is too hot to touch, smells like it’s melting, is making buzzing or clicking sounds, keeps tripping your circuit breaker, or, if the power cord is hot to the touch, it’s time to turn it off. Allow the heater to cool down before restarting it. These are not situations where you should wait and monitor the problem. To be safe, turn it off.
5. Can I leave my space heater on while I sleep?
Technically, yes. There are even a few brands that brag about how safe their heaters are to leave on overnight. However, that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea. You won’t be around to react if you smell something odd, hear an unusual noise, or otherwise notice your heater doing something strange. As long as you take the proper precautions mentioned above, feel free to leave it on while you sleep. But only use newer models that have been safety-certified. And please, keep your space heater away from your bed, blankets, curtains, etc. For your own safety, it’s best to turn your heater off before sleeping.
6. Any other tips for safely leaving my space heater on for long periods?
Make sure there are at least 3 feet between your heater and anything else. Always plug the heater directly into the wall, never use an extension cord or power strip. And of course, give your heater a once-over every few hours like mentioned above. Don’t trap the heater in an enclosed room with no ventilation either. As long as you follow the above advice, you should be fine. When used responsibly, space heaters can provide some valuable warmth during these cold winter months.
