Did you know there are places in the world that bear temperatures as low as minus 60 degrees celsius? There are inhabited regions in far northern Europe where the temperature remains below minus 50 degrees celsius for almost two-thirds of the year. People living in such places, need additional resources to heat their homes and survive the bitterly cold weather.
Even in the tropical or subtropical regions that bear temperatures close to or below freezing point, space heaters or unit heaters are a must for every house.
That being said, these pieces of equipment are often found to be the reason for accidental fires and damage to property. This is the reason it is quite important to know the safety tips that must be followed when using a unit heater.
1. Never Leave The Unit Unattended
Regardless of the type and size of your unit, it is important that you never leave it unattended. Of course, when you’re not around anything could go wrong, and the damages could be devastating. Whereas, if you’re attentively close to the unit, if something may go wrong, you can at least prevent extensive damages. For instance, experts suggest not to leave heaters running when you’re sleeping.
2. Form A Perimeter Around The Heater
Room heaters use a heat exchanger to generate heat and a fan propels air over the exchanger unit, spreading warm air around in the room. The working principle of a unit heater is very simple, however, simpler things need more care. The heat exchanger can potentially start a fire. Therefore, it is advisable to create a safety perimeter around the heating unit. Never place clothes on or around the heater. Using the heater unit as a dryer unit for wet clothes must be avoided at all costs.
3. Avoid Using Extension Cords
It is advised that heaters should never be plugged into extension cords. The extension units are not usually durable to heavy loads, and may easily overheat. This is the reason you should always plug the heaters directly into a wall outlet with an appropriate power rating.
4. Be Extra Cautious With Children And Pets
It needs no saying that children and pets can be careless. They have a knack to play with anything that intrigues them. If you have children or pets at your home, it is suggested that you be extra careful. Keep an eye on your children and your pets and never let them too close to the heater unit. They may get a shock or burn themselves.
5. Regular Inspection Can Prevent Faults
Most importantly, you should maintain a regular check-up regime for your unit heater. Look for cracks in the cord, the energy it uses, the sound it makes, and also how long it takes to heat up. These simple checks can help you avoid some major accidents.
Undoubtedly, a space heater or a unit heater is one of the most essential parts of comfortable modern living. Which is also the reason why it should be used more carefully.
