Space heater safety checks that actually matter

Space heaters can take the edge off a chilly room, but they come with real risks if you don’t use them carefully. A few quick checks and habits make a big difference in how safely they run—and how confident you feel leaving them on while you’re in the next room.

Check for a tip-over shutoff

Most modern space heaters come with a built-in switch that turns them off if they tip. Before you rely on yours, test it in a controlled way. On a safe surface, gently tilt or tip the heater according to the manual and make sure it shuts off like it should. If it doesn’t, that’s a red flag.

Make sure the cord and plug are in good shape

Frayed cords, loose plugs, or warm outlets are all warning signs. Inspect the cord along its full length for damage. When the heater has been running a while, carefully feel near the plug (without touching metal). Warm is one thing; hot is not. If something feels off, stop using that heater and replace it.

Give it real clearance space

Space heaters need open air around them, not a tight corner. Follow the manual, but a good rule is at least three feet away from anything that can burn—curtains, furniture, bedding, and laundry. Don’t set them on thick rugs, piles of clothes, or wobbly surfaces.

Plug directly into the wall

Extension cords and power strips aren’t a safe match for most space heaters. They draw a lot of power, and those extra connections can overheat. Whenever possible, plug the heater directly into a wall outlet with no other heavy-load devices on that same outlet.

Use the right size heater for the room

A heater that’s too small will run constantly, and one that’s too strong for a tiny room can overheat the space quickly. Check the manufacturer’s suggested room size and match it roughly to where you’re using it. You don’t need to heat the whole house with one small unit.

Turn it off when you leave or sleep

It’s tempting to let a heater run while you sleep or when you run an errand, but it’s safer to switch it off. Warm the room before bed, use extra blankets, and turn the heater off at the unit itself, not just the power strip. The same goes for leaving the house, even for “just a few minutes.”

Keep kids and pets in mind

Children and animals are curious. Place heaters where they can’t be easily bumped, knocked over, or used as a perch. Talk to older kids about not touching or moving the heater. For little ones, consider a gate or barrier if needed to keep them from getting too close.

Dust and inspect it between seasons

Before you plug in a heater for the first time each year, inspect it. Wipe off dust, check the cord and plug, and make sure the controls move smoothly. A quick cleaning helps avoid burning dust smells and lets you catch problems early.

A space heater can be a helpful tool when you use it wisely. A few extra seconds of attention—checking cords, giving it space, and turning it off when you’re not in the room—go a long way toward keeping your home warm and safe at the same time.