The common indoor heater can be a warming friend or a deadly foe, and it often depends on where you place it.

Space heaters are a large energy consumptionbut they are excellent at heating small rooms and spaces that tend to stay cold when temperatures drop. Smart versions can also be turned on and off by: ambient temperatures To save you some work.

However, these heaters are both a significant new burden on your electrical system and a heat source that can quickly become a fire hazard. Heating methods like these are the second leading cause of residential fires in the USA. But you can eliminate risks early by avoiding these major trouble spots for the installation of your heater (yes, even your small office heater).

Read more: Best Space Heaters

1. On any carpet, rug or flammable surface

Space heaters cannot be placed on any surface that can easily burn or catch fire. This means you can never put it on carpet or rugs. You should also avoid using them on more delicate hardwoods or fusible vinyl, especially over long periods of time.

But what if you only have carpet in a cold room? You can look for a ceramic or heat-resistant base to place under the heater. It should be about 3 inches larger than the heater itself on each side.

2. Near walls and furniture

Your space heater needs a safety zone: Keep it at least 10 feet away from walls or furniture to avoid burns. Unfortunately, this also means no getting under your desk or dining table. Try to direct heaters towards these areas rather than placing heaters directly underneath them.

3. Near blankets, pillows or curtains

Heaters become an even bigger fire risk if someone accidentally places a blanket or pillow over the heaters, and this can easily happen in the winter. The same applies when the heater is pushed against any hanging curtains. Always keep all these flammable items at least 3 meters away from the heater.

4. Anywhere pets or small children can easily access

Space heaters can easily burn the unwary, and although many newer models have an automatic shut-off feature if knocked over, a dropped space heater can still pose a serious fire hazard. Additionally, pets and children may not pay attention to where they put toys or blankets, creating additional risks.

Use heaters in areas where very young children can enter. and larger pets I can’t access or rarely go. Teach them to give the heater plenty of room when they pay attention.

5. Bathrooms and laundry rooms

Space heaters move poorly around water, which can affect operation and greatly increase the risk of electric shock. Additionally, the risk of tipping over is higher in these environments.

Unfortunately, bathrooms and laundry rooms often suffer from brrr-level temperatures if the heating is inadequate. For maximum effectiveness and safety, we recommend placing a heater outside these rooms.

6. Installed next to many other devices or lights

Space heaters place a large load on the amplifiers an electrical circuit uses. This is generally fine for newer 15-amp household outlets, since modern space heaters are designed to work with these outlets. However, the circuit and breaker that manages that room/area also have their limits.

Installing a heater with many other appliances (kitchen appliances, large entertainment systems, etc.) can overload the system. Best case scenario the breaker trips and the power goes out. At worst, it will cause the cables to overheat and cause an electrical fire.

Read more: 7 Things You Should Never Plug into an Extension Cord or Power Cord

This risk of overload is also more prevalent during the colder months because holidays often lead to the installation of more lighted decorations, further increasing amplifier loads on home circuits. You can help reduce problems by placing devices on alternate schedules to reduce overall power loads. smart plug monitor.

7. Plugged into an extension cord or power strip (or both)

Extension cords and power strips may not be rated for the power needed by space heaters and can increase the danger of electrical fire even if the outlet and breaker can handle the heater. Plugging the extension cord into the extension cord before connecting the heater only increases the danger.

If you desperately need a heater in a secluded location, look for a model that comes with a wireless power cord. Some extension cords are designed to support higher amperage devices, but you should be very careful when pairing them with a heater; We would prefer that you avoid this altogether.

8. Plugged into an old or non-GFCI outlet

A ground fault circuit interrupter is a useful technology that shuts off the outlet if there is a problem with the electrical current, especially if it looks like it could complete the circuit elsewhere. It is a useful protection against impacts, overheating devices and other problems. Always make sure your heater is plugged into a GFCI outlet.

Similarly, avoid plugging the heater into an outlet, especially an old outlet or one that has previously experienced problems such as suddenly not working. This increases the risk of damaging the cables, resulting in a fire.

Last tip: Never use fuel heaters indoors.

Only Use electric or radiant heaters when inside. Never use heaters that require fuel such as kerosene, propane, or another gas in enclosed spaces, including the garage.

Fuel will always create exhaust fumes, and these fumes need a special vent to escape the home (like a gas fireplace). Without venting the smoke, these heaters will fill indoor spaces with carbon monoxide, which can lead to carbon dioxide poisoning, the worst news. The exception is some oil-filled heaters that do not actually burn oil, but these are relatively rare.

Read more: Best Smoke Detectors

If you’re going out or going to bed, don’t forget to turn off the heater; Never leave it open and unattended in your home. For more home safety tips, check out: Dangerous mistakes made by homeowners during a fire, The best ways to deter thieves and absolute The worst places to put a security camera.