Since garages typically have less insulation than the rest of your home, you may want to invest in a garage heater to use during the cold winter months. Here are four safety tips to keep in mind when using a garage heater.
1. Don’t run the heater unsupervised
You should only use your garage heater when you’re at home. Even if you’re only planning to run a few quick errands, it’s best to turn off the unit and unplug it anytime you leave the garage. In addition, you should avoid leaving your garage heater running all night while you’re asleep. The unit could overheat, short-circuit or tip over, causing a fire to break out.
2. Install proper ventilation
Garage heaters need to be well ventilated to prevent the buildup of dangerous fumes, such as carbon monoxide. If your unit doesn’t vent directly outside, make sure there’s adequate airflow in the space. As an extra precaution, you should install a carbon monoxide detector to alert you if the level becomes unsafe.
3. Plug the heater directly into an outlet
You should never plug your garage heater into an extension cord or power strip. Since garage heaters require a considerable amount of power, they could cause the extension cord or power strip to short-circuit or overheat, potentially causing a fire. Instead, always plug your garage heater directly into a wall outlet. You should also avoid plugging other devices into the same outlet when the heater is running.
4. Remove any obstructions
Don’t store anything on or around your garage heater, especially fabrics and paper products such as cardboard, as these materials are extremely flammable. In addition, make sure you periodically clear away any dirt, dust and debris from around your unit that could easily catch fire. Generally, you should leave at least three feet of space around the heater in all directions. In addition, if you have a free-standing unit, don’t place it on top of a table or another piece of furniture, as a family member or pet could knock it onto the floor and potentially start a fire.
Lastly, whether you need a wall-mounted, free-standing or floor heating unit, Harmony Heating & Air Conditioning has what you need.
Garage Heaters in Calgary
Whether you use your garage as a workshop, storage space or a place to simply park your vehicle, investing in a garage heater has numerous benefits. Fortunately, Harmony Heating & Air Conditioning carries a variety of garage heaters to meet your specific needs. We also repair and install furnaces, hot water tanks, air handlers and more. Contact us today to learn more or book a service call.