It is important to know what heaters are safe to leave on overnight, especially during the winter season. Some heaters can be used overnight, while some are better to turn off before bed, especially since some may have risks that can cause problems if you leave them overnight.
Why Leaving Heater Overnight Can Be Dangerous?
- Monoxide poisoning
Carbon monoxide is a byproduct of gas heaters, and if it leaks into your house, it can be dangerous. Furthermore, detecting a leak without a special detector that can alert you when the amount of carbon monoxide exceeds the limit is difficult. So, to avoid this risk, it is important to turn off the heater while you sleep.
- Dry skin and allergies
Water heaters can dry your skin, cause nausea and trigger your allergy. Furthermore, exhaust gases from the water heater are filled with carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide, which can cause respiratory problems.
- Fire hazard
Many gas companies, including equipment companies and manufacturers, warn against turning your gas appliances overnight, especially since there is a risk of fire hazard that comes from the furnace, which will heat up and combust, chimneys and flues that are clogged can cause reversed airflow, which is also dangerous.
- High temperature
While sleeping in a warm bedroom is very comfortable, some heaters are not designed to work overnight since they can cause high temperatures. So, it is better to heat your bedroom and turn it off before bed. If you need to leave it on overnight, you must find the right heater.
What Heaters Are Safe To Leave On Overnight? Here Are the Options
- Oil heater
This heater can be safely used since the heating element is inside the metal body. So you can touch it safely, and it will not overheat or become a fire hazard. However, it may explode if the thermal fuse cannot turn it off. You can reduce the chance of explosion by having better air movement around the heater.
- Infrared heater
An infrared heater is cheap and uses rays to warm people and objects, not the air. Because of this mechanic, it is safe to leave them on overnight. But if you are sleeping, it is still important to be cautious. Some models might not have a cool-touch exterior, making the exterior too hot and dangerous.
- Ceramic heater
This heater uses electric energy to warm the ceramic plate, which will radiate to your bedroom. So, it is safer to use since only the ceramic gets hot, and the outer surface will remain cold. It is among the safest heaters you can use if you want to leave it on overnight.
Heaters That You Cannot Leave On Overnight
- Gas heater
Gas heaters can create carbon monoxide, which can be dangerous if inhaled. So, you need to install safety measures when using this type of heater. Another risk is that this heater can be a fire hazard, so you cannot leave it on overnight.
Read also: Will a Gas Water Heater Work Without Electricity?
- Electric heater
It is possible to damage the electric socket on your electric heater if you leave it on overnight. So, make sure to turn it off when you go to bed.
Read also: Do You Need a Permit to Install A Water Heater?
Conclusion As you can see, a few heaters are safe to be left on the entire night. However, you need to use the right model to ensure it is safe. Take any safety precautions before using specific models to lower the risk.
