BERLIN, Connecticut – October 28, 2008 – Residents looking to add a little extra warmth to their home with the chill of the season setting in may turn to space heaters. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 25,000 fires happen each year because of improper use of portable space heaters. And while electric space heaters are convenient, they can be costly to operate.
The Connecticut Light & Power Company (CL&P) encourages consumers to understand the risks and costs of using these heating appliances.
"Space heaters are meant as a secondary heat source and should be used sparingly in small, unheated areas for short periods of time," said John Ferrantino, director of Customer Solutions, CL&P. "Use space heaters as a temporary fix to a heating problem, never as a permanent solution." Leaving a space heater on for long periods of time can increase your monthly bill. A 1,500-watt electric space heater now costs, on average, over $185 per month to operate if it runs 24 hours a day in your home or office. Always select a properly sized heater for the room you wish to heat and choose a heater that is thermostatically controlled, which will reduce the chance of overheating a room and wasting energy.
Portable electric space heaters manufactured after 1991 include many safety features, ranging from a tip-over switch that will turn the heater off until it is turned upright again, to indicator lights that let users know that the heater is plugged in or is turned on. Only use heaters that have been tested and certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriters’ Laboratories (UL). Look for the UL sticker on the portable heater.
CL&P also reminds customers to:
· Keep at least three feet of open space around all portable heaters and away from combustible materials, including furniture, bedding, clothing, draperies, rugs, pets and people.
· Never use a space heater to dry clothes, shoes or gloves.
· Check the cord on your space heater; frayed or splitting cords should be professionally repaired. If during use the cord becomes very warm or hot, unplug the space heater immediately and try another outlet. If the cord continues to be hot, unplug the space heater and contact an electrician.
· Do not use space heaters with extension cords; plug the heaters directly into an outlet.
· Always place the heater on the floor, never on a chair, kitchen counter, table or elevated surface.
· Place a strip of sheet metal between the heater and any wood, linoleum or tile floor as portable heaters can become extremely hot.
· Do not use space heaters in rooms where children are unsupervised and remember to turn off and unplug heaters when not in use, when you are out of the room and when you are asleep.
· Never use a gas stove, electric range or a charcoal grill as a space heater.
· Unless the heater is designed for use outdoors or in bathrooms, do not use it in these areas. The moisture may damage parts and result in fire or electrical shock.
To learn more about electrical safety, visit our Web site at www.cl-p.com, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission at www.cpsc.gov, Electrical Safety Foundation International at www.esfi.org or The National Fire Protection Association at www.nfpa.org.
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The Connecticut Light and Power Company (CL&P) has been part of everyday life in Connecticut for more than 100 years, providing safe and reliable electric service to homes, neighborhoods and businesses. With 1.2 million customers in 149 cities and towns, CL&P is an active member in the communities it serves, offering programs in energy conservation, economic development and environmental stewardship. CL&P is part of the Northeast Utilities System (NYSE: NU). For more information, please visit www.cl-p.com.