Space Heaters: Polluting The Air We Breathe?

Space heaters are a convenient way to warm up specific rooms in your home, but they can also pose safety risks and affect indoor air quality. While they are generally safe when used correctly, improper ventilation can lead to a buildup of carbon monoxide, causing various health issues. Space heaters can also circulate dust and allergens, triggering respiratory problems and exacerbating existing conditions like asthma and allergies. Additionally, the use of extension cords with space heaters is discouraged due to fire hazards, and overheating can lead to fires if safety guidelines are not followed. Understanding these risks and taking necessary precautions, such as proper ventilation and regular maintenance, is crucial for safe and healthy space heater usage.

Do space heaters pollute the air?

Fire hazards

Space heaters can pose a notable fire hazard, and improper use of these devices can lead to the ignition of nearby combustible materials. Space heaters are responsible for about 55,000 fires, 450 deaths, and more than 1,500 injuries every year. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that portable electric heaters are involved in about 1,100 fires per year, resulting in about 50 deaths, while other sources cite an average of 1,600 to 1,700 fires per year, resulting in an average of 70 deaths and 160 injuries.

To prevent fires, it is crucial to adopt precautionary measures. Always position the space heater on a flat and stable surface, ensuring it maintains a safe distance from flammable objects such as curtains, furniture, and carpets. Regularly inspect the heater for any signs of damage or malfunction, and remove dust accumulation on grates, grills, coils, and other elements of the heater.

Additionally, avoid using extension cords or power strips, as these can increase the risk of electrical fires and overheating. Instead, always plug your space heater directly into a wall outlet to ensure a dedicated and reliable power source. It is also important to check that your space heater is compatible with your home's electrical system to prevent electrical overload, a significant cause of fires.

Space heaters with a built-in tip-over switch that automatically turns off the unit if it falls are recommended. These heaters should be placed in an area less prone to being bumped or knocked over to enhance overall safety. It is also advisable to choose a heater with a guard around the heating element to keep children and pets safe from burns.

For fuel-burning space heaters, only use the approved fuel type and never refill the heater while it is still hot. Allow the heater to cool down before refuelling, and always store extra fuel away from the heater in designated containers. Keep doors between rooms open for ventilation when using a propane, oil, or kerosene heater, and ensure the exhaust duct(s) and flow are unobstructed.

Carbon monoxide poisoning

Space heaters fuelled by electricity are generally considered safe and efficient for indoor use, as they do not produce carbon monoxide. However, gas and kerosene heaters can cause a buildup of carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide in your home. Carbon monoxide is a stealthy intruder, as it is an odourless, colourless, and poisonous gas that can build up in enclosed spaces without being detected. It is produced when fuels like gas or wood do not burn completely.

To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, it is crucial to have a professional inspect all fuel-burning heating systems annually. This includes furnaces, boilers, fireplaces, wood stoves, water heaters, chimneys, flues, and vents. Improper installation, poor maintenance, defective or blocked venting systems, or misuse of these systems can all lead to carbon monoxide production.

Additionally, portable heaters should never be left running unattended, especially in confined spaces around infants or individuals with reduced physical, sensory, or mental capabilities. Always plug electric space heaters directly into a wall outlet, avoid placing them too close to combustible materials, and refrain from using extension cords or power strips to prevent fires and potential carbon monoxide hazards.

By following these safety precautions and maintaining good ventilation, you can effectively use a space heater while minimising the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Dry air and respiratory issues

Dry air can have a significant impact on respiratory health, and this is particularly true during the winter months when humidity levels tend to be lower. The fluid that hydrates your bronchial tubes can quickly evaporate in low-humidity environments, leaving your airways vulnerable to irritation. As a result, the symptoms of respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, and other respiratory illnesses can worsen.

The mucus that lines your sinuses and throat becomes drier in low-humidity environments, making it less effective at trapping germs and leaving you more susceptible to illness. This is especially problematic for those with pre-existing respiratory issues such as lung disease or sleep apnea. Furthermore, dry air can cause a sore throat, irritated eyes, and even nosebleeds.

To maintain a healthy environment, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends keeping indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50%. Humidity levels that are too high can also be problematic, as they can encourage the growth of mold and dust, which can trigger respiratory issues.

To increase humidity levels in your home, you can use a humidifier, limit hot showers, and use moisturizing balms and sprays. You can also drink more water and eat hydrating foods such as fruits and soups to keep your body and airways properly hydrated.

In addition to the direct effects of dry air on the respiratory system, research has also linked prolonged exposure to dry indoor air with increased stress levels and poorer sleep quality. This highlights the importance of maintaining optimal humidity levels in indoor environments, especially during the dry winter months.

Circulating dust and allergens

Space heaters can circulate dust and allergens, which can be harmful to people with respiratory conditions or allergies. When a heater is in operation, it can stir up dust and other particles that have settled in the room, increasing exposure to allergens. This can trigger symptoms such as coughing, a sore throat, and irritated nasal passages, as well as exacerbate asthma and allergies.

To reduce the circulation of dust and allergens, it is important to maintain a clean environment around the heater. Regular dusting and vacuuming can help to minimise the number of particles in the air. Additionally, using a heater with a built-in air filter can be beneficial in trapping dust and allergens before they are circulated, improving indoor air quality.

It is also recommended to keep the heater away from flammable items such as curtains, furniture, and bedspreads. A safe distance of at least three feet should be maintained. Furthermore, selecting a heater with a guard around the heating element can provide additional safety.

Space heaters can contribute to poor indoor air quality if not used correctly. Improper ventilation can lead to a buildup of carbon monoxide (CO) from other sources, such as gas appliances or fireplaces. To mitigate this risk, ensure proper ventilation and consider installing CO detectors in key areas of the home for early warning of dangerous CO levels.

Additionally, space heaters can dry out the air, causing respiratory issues and exacerbating existing conditions like asthma and allergies. To counteract this, a humidifier can be used in conjunction with the space heater to maintain balanced humidity levels. Regular monitoring of indoor humidity and making adjustments as needed can create a healthier living environment.

High electricity bills

Space heaters can be a costly addition to your energy bill. Depending on the size and type of space heater, they can use anywhere from 500 watts up to 1500 watts when running on full power. The average space heater uses around 1500 watts of power, which can cost around 18-27 cents per hour to operate. This amount of power is higher than other small electrical appliances like TVs, fans, and CFL bulbs.

The cost to run a space heater depends on the type of heater, including its size and wattage. A small personal heater can be purchased as cheaply as $20, whereas a full-room heater can run up to $300, depending on the model and heating capacity. Larger heaters cover more area and are more effective, but they also cost more to run.

Running multiple space heaters can drive up your energy costs. Space heaters should be used sparingly and to heat a specific area. They are intended to supplement existing heat sources or increase the temperature of a small area for a short amount of time.

To save on heating bills, you can turn down the thermostat and use a space heater for local warmth. Using a space heater in the rooms you occupy most and leaving the thermostat lower for a portion of the day can trim hundreds off your yearly spend.

To determine the exact amount of electricity a space heater is using, you can use a watt-hour meter or a kilowatt-hour (kWh) meter. This will tell you the amount of power you are using over a period of time.

Frequently asked questions