Safety of space heaters?

[Tikall]

I keep my snakes in my room which is probably the warmest room in the house. The ambient room temperatures were great for the cool side during the summer, but now that it's cooling down it isn't working (cool side is getting down to 77).

I've looked into buying a space heater to keep the room temps up to 80-82. When I suggested this to my mother, she was horrified. She said they're incredibly dangerous, and I'd burn the house down. Are they really this dangerous? What safety precautions should I take? Also, are there any specific heaters you'd recommend?

Thank you for any information!

[tigerlily]

Here's a link with some information. http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/463.html

As with all heaters, there is some risk. That risk is there for the under the tank heaters too. I wouldn't plan on buying the cheapest model out there, but look for one that meets federal regs. I know I've had good success with my electric space heater when I used to have to use one. The room they're in now doesn't require it now. I usually put extra smoke detectors in that room, and you can use a thermostat to help control the heat output of the heater. Otherwise most of my knowledge is very limited. Hopefully that helps some.

[Chandler reptiles]

I use an oil filled heater hooked to a thermostat and haven't had any issues yet. I find the oil filled ones to last longer then the forced air variety.

[tigerlily]

Also with any heater, remember to up your humidity since they have a tendancy to suck all the moisture from the air.

[Tikall]

Thanks for the link! I'm still reading it.

Drying out the room shouldn't be a problem. I had to make over 75 holes (I stopped counting) holes in the tubs to keep the humidity down. Even now it's at 60-70%. Bringing the humidity down would be AWESOME for when I upgrade the tub sizes so I don't have to make so many holes again. And before anyone asks, I use a digital hygrometer so it should be accurate.

For the thermostat, could I plug it into the one I'm using to regulate the UTH or do I need to buy a new one and set it at 80-82? I ask in case it's just a precaution if it starts malfunctioning and gets really, really hot.

[jglass38]

I use oil filled radiators all over the place and find them to be pretty safe. I have 3 going right now and probably will need something to keep the ASFs warm in the basement this winter.

[Beardedragon]

Just make sure that they are in clean areas. I threw a towel on top of one once forgetting that it was there and did not have any fire or even smoke, so id consider them pretty safe. Also make sure you get brand name, I do not trust some of those cheaper ones out there....

[FIREball]

Yes they are dangerous, but if used correctly you lower the chance of anything bad happening. During the winter A LOT of house fires I see are caused by space heaters, well more likely caused by the person operating them. Keep one hooked to a thermostat and keep paper items and clothing a few feet away from it and you will be fine.

[jonf]

Yes they are dangerous, but if used correctly you lower the chance of anything bad happening. During the winter A LOT of house fires I see are caused by space heaters, well more likely caused by the person operating them. Keep one hooked to a thermostat and keep paper items and clothing a few feet away from it and you will be fine.

what he said.........

definitely want to use an extra t-stat (probably on-off type like a Ranco) If the built in t-stat fails, then the additional t-stat will prevent the heater from running wide open and overheating the area or room.

[Argentra]

I agree. Make sure the heater is in an open area with no fabrics or such near it, hook it up to it's own t-stat, and get a good one! Do that and you should be fine. I'm Terrified of fires, but I trust the one I got.

I use an oil filled heater I got at Lowes during a spring sale. It has wide feet to prevent tip over (good thing, since I bumped into it full force one night and it only rocked a little), and the surface doesn't really get that hot, but the air over it does. Heaters are a great asset in cold areas when you can't afford to run the main heater much.