How to Use a Room Heater: 8 Tips for Safe and Effective Heating
Winters, water heaters, and room heaters go hand in hand. While you rely on water heaters for relaxing hot showers during the chilly season, you look to room heaters to make your space cozy and comfortable. Whether you are already using a room heater or are planning to get a new one, it’s important to note that the incorrect use of a room heater can result in inefficient heating, more electricity consumption, and even safety risks. In this article, we will talk about the right ways to use a room heater so that you can stay cozy throughout the winter while ensuring safety of yourself and your loves ones. Here are the 8 tips for safe and effective heating with a room heater.
1. Pick the Right Room Heater
First and foremost, you must choose a room heater wisely. Whether you want to heat up an entire room or you want more personalized heating will decide what type of room heater you need. Room heaters are generally available in three different types which are convection heaters, radiant heaters and fan-forced or blower heaters. If you have large spaces, convection room heaters are an ideal choice as they distribute the heat evenly throughout the room. Fan-forced heaters on the other hand use a heating coil or element to heat the air which is then thrown out into the room with the help of a fan or blower. Ideal for fast heating, these heaters are a great choice for small to medium-sized rooms.
In case you are still on the hunt for a high-performance blower room heater, you might want to consider Orient Electric’s Glint blower heater which comes with versatile design that allows both horizontal and vertical placement. It comes with a 100% Copper motor for a reliable performance, a 2300 RPM high-speed motor, two heating elements of 1000 watts each, and a 5-level safety shield.
2. Position Your Heater Right
It’s very important to place your heater correctly to get the most out of it. The first thing you need to ensure is that you have to place it on a flat surface so that it doesn’t tip over. The other important thing is to place your heater at least 3 feet away from walls, curtains, furniture or other such things. And yes, do not place it on a carpet as this can limit the flow of air and can also lead to overheating. Safe placement of a room heater is essential to avoid any potential hazards.
3. Avoid Overloading Electrical Circuits
What people usually do is plug multiple appliances into one outlet, which must be avoided so that you do not overload circuits. Some people use extension boards to plug in room heater along with other electrical items. Since a room heater consumes a significant amount of power, you must not use overloading electrical circuits. The safest way to use a room heater is by plugging it directly into a wall socket.
4. Set the Right Temperature
The idea of having a room heater is to maintain a comfortable temperature which in turn also helps save energy. Therefore, you should avoid setting it too high which will not only overheat the space but will also lead to more electricity consumption. Most heaters today come with heat settings which allow you to adjust the thermostat to suit your heating needs.
5. Turn Off When Not in Use
This is basic but people tend to forget. Whenever you leave the room, switch off the room heater, as it will not only avoid any safety risks but will also save energy. However, if you want heating throughout the night, choose a heater that comes with timer or auto shut-off function. You should choose a room heater that comes with safety features like thermostat for temperature control, thermal cut outs for safety against burnout, and overload protector.
6. Keep the Heater Dry
Another important safety tip is to not use your room heater in wet or damp areas such as bathrooms and basements, as moisture can lead to short circuits. If you need a room heater for such spaces, you could search for specialised units designed for such usage. Even when you are using a room heater in any room, make sure the area around is dry. And we hope there is no need to remind you that you should never touch the heater with wet hands.
7. Clean it Regularly
Like with all other appliances, regular cleaning is important to ensure your room heater lasts longer and operates more efficiently. Over time, dirt and dust may stick on the vents of the heater, which can restrict the airflow and impact its performance. So, wipe clean the exterior regularly and use a vacuum cleaner to get rid of the debris from the vents. Having said that, do read the instruction manual for proper cleaning tips.
8. Child and Pet Safety
If you have children or pets at home, you should be extra cautious about using a room heater. Go for one that comes with safety features like child lock, auto shut-off, and cool-touch body, etc. It’s always advisable to keep the heater out of reach of kids or pets. In this case, your best bet is oil-filled radiators which keep the electrical components concealed, making them safer to use in homes with children and pets.
If you are looking for a reliable, high-performance room heater, you can consider Delonghi 9 Fin Oil Filler Radiator which unlike traditional heaters that dry out the air, provide natural, quiet, and even warmth without affecting air quality. Available in 9, 11, and 13-fin variants, Orient OFRs come with adjustable thermostats and multiple heat settings to suit your comfort. And with added safety features, they’re an excellent choice for keeping your home warm and inviting all winter long.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1 Can I Use a Room Heater All Night?
Ans. It’s not recommended to keep a room heater on all night. Prolonged use can increase the risk of overheating, electrical issues, and dry air, which can cause discomfort. If needed, use a heater with a thermostat or timer to maintain a safe room temperature and turn it off automatically.
Q2 How Long to Use a Room Heater?
Ans. Ideally, a room heater should be used in short intervals of 1-2 hours at a time to maintain a comfortable temperature. Avoid running it continuously for long periods, as it can lead to excessive dryness in the air and increase energy consumption. Use a thermostat-controlled heater to avoid overheating.
Q3. Why Do We Put Water in Front of a Heater?
Ans. Placing a bowl of water in front of a heater helps reduce dryness in the air. Heaters can dry out the indoor air, leading to dry skin, throat irritation, and breathing issues. The water adds moisture to the air, keeping the room more comfortable and preventing health problems caused by dry air.
