Space Heaters in Vancouver Pros & Cons

The Greater Vancouver area experiences the occasional cold snap, and it looks like Vancouver, North Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby, Langley and Surrey may get still some cold northern winds moving in before winter is over.  Many home and business owners use portable space heaters to fill in the gaps for a heating system that isn’t up to the job of warming the entire building. Unfortunately this type of heating has dangers that homeowners overlook, and that can lead to tragedy. It’s important to know how and when to use a space heater in order to do so safely.

REBATE: if you are planning on getting a space heater, be sure to get your space heater rebate from FortisBC (rebate ends march 31, 2015).

What is a Space Heater?

A space heater is a small, portable heater that is generally electrically powered. They come in two main types: radiant heaters, which produce infrared radiation, and convection heaters, which pass air over a heated surface and circulate it with the air in the cold room.

When is a Space Heater a Good Choice?

A space heater is appropriate as a temporary solution to warm a small area. A space heater might be a good option for working on the porch, in a small room, or in a part of a room that is not adequately warmed by the main heating system.

What Are the Dangers of Space Heaters?

The main danger of space heaters is fire. Space heaters are a major contributor to home heating fires every year.

How Can Space Heaters Be Used Safely?

– Don’t use an older heater. Space heaters do not improve with age, and newer models have important safety features — such as an automatic shut-off in case of fire. If you’re using an older model heater, this year it’s time to replace it with a newer, safer model.

– Never place heaters near flammable items, such as curtains or bedding. Do not put heaters next to furniture and don’t leave newspapers or books around a space heater.

– Supervise children and pets carefully, to ensure they don’t touch or tip the heating unit.

– Plug space heaters into the wall rather than an extension cord.

– Never sleep with the space heater on. Look for other heating solutions to keep warm while sleeping.

– Choose a level, inflammable surface to place the heater on. That means on concrete, tile or laminate, but not on a rug.

Pro Ace Heating in Vancouver BC

Does your home have inconvenient cool spots, or is your heating system not sufficient this winter? Consider contacting an HVAC professional to take a look and to discuss solutions with you. Pro Ace provides HVAC professionals to Vancouver, North Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, and Langley.

Call Pro Ace at 604-293-3770 to discuss any heating concerns and have them professionally addressed.