Space Heater Safety

[RiverRes]

With cold weather coming and Lefrak's poor heating systems, I am sure many of my neighbors will be using space heaters this winter. But please do us all a favor and be very careful. Let's not have any fires, injuries or deaths!

Please remember to do the following:

-- Read the instructions and use the space heater properly.
-- Keep anything flammable at least 3' away from the heater.
-- Don't leave it running unattended or while you're asleep.
-- Unplug it when not in use.

Here's some additional information from sources on the web:

New Jersey Department of Consumer Affairs
http://www.state.nj.us/dca/dfs/spaceheatersafety.pdf

Underwriters Laboratory
http://www.ul.com/fallsafety/home_heating.html

FDNY
http://www.nyc.gov/html/fdny/html/safety/firesafety_heating.shtml

Thanks and be safe.

[demiking]

I would like to get a space heater but like I said on another thread I am fearful of inadvertently causing a fire. I have witnessed my co-workers little electric heater/fan burst into flames at the job. Since I have an 11 year old son and a dog, I just wont risk it. But I agree with RiverRes that those who do have them should definitely show caution.

[ercarta]

Space heaters can be safe if you isolate them. I mean don't put them in between sofas or by the bed. Keep them away from the furniture and off carpeted areas, if possible. You don't want to set it on maximum wattage and you do want to keep that cord in plain site. I've also seen people plug them into extension cords. That doesn't seem smart. Space heaters are also an item you don't want to "get a deal on". Spend the money, and get a good one. Look at it frequently and notice any changes in its performance and appearance. You may catch something and correct it before it becomes an issue.

I once had one and it set on fire because the cord was touching the heater and no one really noticed. Needless to say the cord ignited and started a fire. We had extinguishers so it turned out alright. So notice it every now and again, it not something you just want to turn on and off without pay it mind.

[Jean Lafitte]

we just bought a couple of these (http://tinyurl.com/3l6vd) oil filled radiators and they're amazing. Much safer than a standard space heater as well.

[neetzer]

So did I. I think you need two for the living room to get it really warm but overall not too bad so far.

[TPN1997]

Jean or Neetzer,

Curious to know in which building(s) you are using this radiator. I don't think I can compare properly if you're using them in different building(s) than I am...I'm in the TJ.

Thanks.

[Jean Lafitte]

TPN1997, I'm in Pacific facing North.

[neetzer]

I am in John Adams

[TPN1997]

This is only from anecdotal evidence, but I understand that the "insulation" in the Pacific is actually worse when compared to the TJ, a much older building. Does anyone find that to be true?

OK, so the building vs. building comparison might not work. How about space? I live in a junior 2 bedroom apt...pretty large living room (I have no idea what sq. ft would be). For my bedroom, I find simply closing my door is quite effective. Now for the living room, neetzer suggested getting two. When either one of you say that these radiators work well, are you talking about working well now, when the the weather is still rather mild or are you referring to the bitter cold of last winter?

[ercarta]

So what is the cost per unit on these oil heaters we're speaking of?

And are these the heaters w/two red switches that have the voltage printed on each switch. If it's the heater I'm thinking of then it resembles an old radiator and stands from the ground up on wheels, am I right?

If so then these are good but they don't stand a chance in the piercing cold we experienced last winter.