Minnesota winters are no joke, and even well-insulated homes have a cold spot or two. A portable heater can warm a basement, home office or bedroom quickly. Here's how to keep it safe.
Choose a heater with key safety features
- Tip-over shut-off turns the heater off if it falls.
- Overheat protection shuts it down if internal parts get too hot.
- Cool-touch housing is a good idea around kids and pets.
- Safety certification from UL, ETL or a similar lab shows independent testing.
Keep a three-foot zone clear
Keep at least three feet of space around the heater, away from curtains, bedding, furniture, boxes and clothing. Place it on a flat, hard floor.
Plug it in safely
- Plug the heater straight into a wall outlet, never into an extension cord or power strip.
- Don't share the outlet with other high-power appliances.
- Check the cord and plug often and stop using the heater if either is damaged.
Turn it off when you leave
Switch the heater off whenever you leave the room or go to bed. A timer or thermostat makes it easy to avoid overuse.
Keep alarms and a plan in place
Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly, replace batteries at least once a year and keep a fire blanket near the kitchen. Make sure everyone at home knows two ways out of every room.
Do's and don'ts
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Keep 3 feet of clear space | Dry boots or clothes near the heater |
| Plug straight into the wall | Use extension cords or power strips |
| Switch off when you leave | Leave it running overnight |
| Test alarms monthly | Use a heater with a damaged cord |
Getting ready for winter? Standard shipping is free on orders over $50, and express delivery arrives in 2 business days when you order by 1 pm Central Time.