Heating Your Home This Winter: Safety First

As winter sets in across Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury, space heaters offer quick warmth but can pose risks like circuit overloads and fires if used improperly. Here are practical tips to keep your family safe and ensure your home’s electrical system can handle the extra load responsibly.

As the temperatures drop across our community Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury, many residents and businesses in the community turn to space heaters for a quick and convenient source of warmth. Sound familiar?

While portable heaters are effective for supplemental heating, especially for those outdoor jobs, they can pose significant safety risks to you and your family if not used properly. As winter is already upon us, safety and comfort is critical for this time of year, especially for our families and seniors around the community. Let’s cover some essential tips for using space heaters safely and avoiding electrical circuit overloads that could lead to fire hazards.

Why Space Heater Safety Matters

According to Ontario’s Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) who is responsible for enforcing electrical safety standards in the province to keep our homes safe, space heaters are one of the leading causes of home heating fires. 

Improper use, such as placing a heater too close to flammable materials or overloading electrical circuits, can have devastating consequences. For homeowners and businesses around The Soo and Sudbury, understanding how to use these devices responsibly is critical to staying safe during the colder months.

Choosing the Right Space Heater

Before you run out to Costco to buy the latest deal, keep in mind not all space heaters are created equal. When selecting a space heater for the home, consider the following:

• Look for Safety Features: Choose a model with built-in safety features such as tip-over protection and overheat shutoff.
• Size Matters: Ensure the heater is appropriately sized for the space you intend to heat. Overloading a small heater can cause it to malfunction.
• Certified Models: Go for heaters certified by recognized testing laboratories like CSA (Canadian Standards Association) and look for the CSA certification mark or those approved by other accredited organizations such as Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC) or Intertek's Warnock Hersey (WH) mark.

Tips for Placement and Usage

Where and how you use your space heater is just as important as the model you choose. Follow these best practices for safe placement:

• Keep a Safe Distance: Place the heater at least 3 feet away from flammable objects, including curtains, furniture, and bedding.
• Flat, Stable Surface: Always place your heater on a flat, level surface to prevent it from tipping over.
• Avoid High-Traffic Areas: Keep heaters out of pathways where they could be accidentally knocked over.
• One Room Only: Use space heaters in a single, enclosed area rather than attempting to heat multiple rooms.

Preventing Circuit Overloads

Portable heaters draw significant power, often between 1,500 and 2,000 watts. Plugging them into circuits that cannot handle the load can result in blown fuses, tripped breakers, or even fires. Here’s how to prevent overloads:

• Dedicated Outlet: Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet, avoiding the use of power strips or extension cords.
• Check Circuit Capacity: Ensure the circuit you’re using has enough capacity to handle the heater and any other devices connected to it.
• Limit Other Appliances: Avoid running multiple high-energy devices on the same circuit, such as microwaves, hairdryers, or toasters.
• Inspect Cords and Plugs: Damaged or frayed cords can cause overheating and sparks. Replace or repair them immediately.

When to Call an Electrician

If you frequently experience tripped breakers or flickering lights when using a space heater, it’s time to consult a licensed electrician. Give us a call and one of our certified local electricians in Sudbury or Sault Ste Marie can help steer you in the right direction. We’ve helped countless people around our community with issues related to space heaters and home electrical issues, including:

• Electrical Safety Inspections: Identifying and addressing potential hazards in your wiring system around your home or business.
• Electrical Panel Upgrades: Ensuring your home or business can handle increased power demands, especially during high-consumption times as winter or storm season.
• Dedicated Circuits: Installing separate circuits for high-energy devices like space heaters.

Additional Safety Tips

• Turn Off When Unattended: Always turn off space heaters when leaving the room or going to bed or leaving your home.
• Child and Pet Safety: Use models with cool-to-the-touch exteriors and ensure heaters are out of reach of children and pets.
• Regular Cleaning: Dust and debris can accumulate on heaters, creating fire risks. Clean your space heater regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Your Safety 

At Tombari Electric, we’re committed to providing homeowners and businesses around our community of Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury with reliable electrical solutions, especially the safety and support for the elderly and seniors.

Whether it’s a small electrical job, upgrading your electrical panel or fixing fixtures around the home or office, our experienced team of electricians ensures your property is equipped to handle modern power demands safely.

Don’t let a space heater become a fire hazard. Contact our team for expert advice and services that keep your home or business warm and safe throughout the winter.

Final Tip

Space heaters are a practical solution for keeping warm during our harsh winters, but they require careful use to avoid risks to your home and family. By choosing the right model, following placement guidelines, asking for advice, and ensuring your home electrical system is up to the task, you can enjoy a cozy, warm and secure environment all winter long for you and your family.

For more safety tips and professional electrical services in Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury, give us a call or contact us. Your safety is our priority!