Wall Heater SafetyKeeping Your Family Safe from Wall Heater HazardsThe perks to wall heating with electric technology are considerable. Electric wall heaters are economical, efficient, simple to install, and offer quiet heating with minimal disturbances. And that's just naming a few. Don't forget, though, that there are still dangers to be aware of.
However docile a wall heater may look, the risk of fire will always remain much like any other product that uses electricity. To gain a better understanding of how to keep your home (and family) safe, take a few moments to become friendly with this familiar product. Wall Heater HistoryThe wall heater is the descendant of the radiator. Low-cost cast iron radiators took central heating by storm in the latter half of the 19 th century. Early radiators used coal-fired boilers (often kept in the basement) to pump hot water through piping, delivering heat to every radiator in the home. Next came gas heaters in 1881. Naturally, a wall heater of this sort required a gas line (propane or natural gas) to generate the wall heater heat. Traditionally, these gas wall heaters needed vents to operate, but science later brought around the ventless gas heater. So although there are still safety concerns with an electric wall heater, they are much safer and simpler than using propane or natural gas heaters. Wall Heater TechnologyUsing electrical resistance to create heat, an electric wall heater warms air within a room. Air circulates, elevating room temperature to a comfortable level you specify. This is also known as convection heating previously seen in built-in radiators.
No gas lines, steam pipes, chimneys, or ducts are required for the wall heater to operate so locating a space is easy. The interior of the wall heater contains a metallic heating element which takes the high-voltage electric current from the outlet and processes it through a resistor. This resistance heat is then transferred outward to the exterior of the wall heater via metal fins. From the metal fins, the heat is transferred to the air currents in the room (similar to a convection oven). Once released, the heat rises, pulling in air to fill the empty space the heat has left. This phenomenon, a vacuum, is what naturally distributes the warmed air around you. Mother Nature kindly takes care of the heat distribution, allowing you to relax in warmth and comfort. Wall Heater SafetyThe biggest threat to your home from an electric wall heater is a fire hazard. Although there are no open flames, combustible oils and gasses, or easily ignitable materials, such as wood, a fire hazard is still possible.As mentioned above, convection technology uses intense heat emitted from the coils to heat the air. A large problem is that the wall heater is often installed in prime furniture spots. Because you want to heat the room where people will gather, you will also be heating near furniture. Furniture HazardsWhen a couch or curtain is placed too near, the wall heater becomes suffocated. The air flow stalls, building a surplus of heated air in a contained area. Check your home to be sure that furniture is not stifling your own wall heater. Not only would this cause inefficient heat, by preventing warm air from circulating outward, but it also prompts a visit from the fire department. The furniture becomes too hot, causing it to spark and catch fire. Each wall heater will have slightly variable manufacturer recommendations for wall heater clearance from objects. On average, a good distance of safety is at the very least six inches to a full foot of wide open space. To be on the safe side, should you no longer have the wall heater owner's guide in possession, give yourself eight to 10 inches.CombustiblesCombustible objects (items that are easily capable of igniting and burning your home into crisps) should be kept as far away from electric wall heaters as possible. Furniture and fabrics are easily recognizable wall heater fire hazards, but there are others you may not have considered.
Sticky Situations In addition, always be aware of your wall heater's surroundings. Your electric wall heater is going to heat air, melting anything too close. Avoid having your child too near with crayons, PLAY-DOH, artist's clay, and thin plastics, such as grocery shopping bags. If you're family is lucky and these items do not combust, at the very least you'll be dealing with a sticky situation. More on the risk of leaving food too near. Food HazardsFood should also be considered when placed near your wall heater. Butter, ice cream, popsicles, cotton candy, and bubble gum will melt into offensive blobs you'd rather not deal withIn addition, having food exposed to this manufactured heat for even a few minutes will prompt bacteria and germs (lovers of warm environments) to thrive. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, leaving food out at room temperature alone can cause bacteria, such as the much reviled Salmonella , to reach dangerous levels in cooked meat or poultry. What is known as the "Danger Zone" for food bacteria growth is as low as 40° F to 140° F. Imagine the invisible army growing on your pet's dinner should you keep it near the wall heater!Be safe and keep your meat, dairy, and fresh products in the fridge when not being eaten. Blown FusesWe've addressed individual items, but many times a dangerous fire can happen without the help of an outside party. Hot electrical sockets and plugs, as well as blown out fuses, can overheat and cause a damaging fire. Beware of sparks brought about by exposed wires or overloaded plug socket adapters and extension cords. If your adapter has more than two sockets or is old, make sure to purchase or update to one with a surge protector. Keeping your home safe and comfortable with a wall heater is easy, as long as you follow these simple guidelines! To find an electric wall heater that's perfect for your home, or for additional information, check out our selection of wall heaters . |
