From ceramic to infrared, there are several types of space heaters on the market. While it’s true that space heaters are an affordable source of heat, they can be dangerous. Are you thinking about using a space heater in your Austin home this winter? Here are some pros and cons you should know.
Pro: Can Heat a Room Quickly
When you’re cold, you don’t have time to wait for the thermostat to warm up your room. Space heaters offer a good source of quick heat. Depending on the model and wattage of your heater, you can expect immediate relief from cold temperatures.
Con: You Can’t Use Extension Cords
Space heater cords are designed to be plugged directly into a wall outlet. However, most of these heaters don’t have long cords. If you use an extension cord with your space heater, it could overheat. Since the cord on a space heater is short, you can’t move it around the room.
Pro: Automatic Shut-Off Features
It can be easy to forget to turn off your space heater. This is especially true if you have to leave the house in a hurry. Newer space heaters have automatic shut-off features. After a certain amount of time, the space heater will stop running even if it’s plugged into a wall outlet.
Con: Space Heaters Can Be Hazardous If Left Unattended
You shouldn’t place anything within three feet of your space heater. This includes walls, curtains, and furniture. In addition, you shouldn’t leave your space heater unattended. It could only take a few seconds for a space heater to overheat and catch fire. In fact, more than 25,000 house fires are caused by space heaters in the United States every year.
Although there are plenty of reasons to use space heaters, nothing beats an efficient heating system. If you need repair, installation, or maintenance services for your heating system, schedule an appointment with Totally Cool Heating & Air. We also work with cooling systems in Austin.
