Halogen heaters are a popular option for keeping your home warm and comfortable due to their small size and ability to provide instant heat. But many people ask are halogen heaters safe.
In this article, we’ll look at the safety aspects of using halogen heaters in your home or office environment. We’ll examine potential risks and provide some tips for ensuring maximum safety whenever you turn yours on.
Why are Halogen Heaters Safe?
With an awareness of the safety issues surrounding halogen heaters, they are as safe as any other form of electric heating. In some respects, they are safer than heaters that require the burning of fuels.
Halogen heaters do not emit any gases. Fuel-fired space heaters are notorious for emitting toxic gases if strict guidelines are not followed. These gases include carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. When using fuel heaters, you must ensure that they are properly maintained and only used in a well-ventilated area. We strongly recommend you consider installing a toxic gas detector when using this type of heater.
A design element of halogen heaters is that a safety screen covers the elements. This is designed to prevent anyone, or anything, from coming in contact with the halogen tubes. Halogen tubes become very hot during operation. The safety screen remains cool to the touch, as do the remaining components of the heater.
Many models of halogen heaters have sensors that detect if the heater falls over. If a fall is detected, the heater is turned off to make it safe. Heaters may also incorporate a temperature sensor to ensure they do not become overheated. It is recommended that you check for these features before buying an appliance.
How to Keep Halogen Heaters Safe
Before operating a halogen heater, you must read and fully understand the appliance’s manual. If you have not done so already, then do so now. If you cannot locate the manual, you should be able to download one. An excellent tip for finding your manual online is to enter the heater make and model followed by ‘manual’. Try to locate the manual on the manufacturer’s website rather than from a third-party website.
Notwithstanding the above advice, here are some tips to keep your halogen heater safe:
Tip 1: place the heater at a reasonable distance from other objects. Do not place items of clothing over the heater to dry. This is because the heat is very intense close to the heater. Placing clothing directly over the heater poses a severe fire risk. It also may cause your heater to overheat.
Tip 2: avoid allowing the heater to overheat. Some models do not have a sensor for overheating.
Tip 3: when not in use, turn off the heater and unplug it from the mains
Tip 4: don’t put anything heavy on the heater. This may deform the casing and cause issues.
Tip 4: Check for any damage to cables and electrical plug. If there is any damage, do not use the appliance.
Tip 6: if the halogen bulbs are dim or flickering, replace them. If they are getting dim, the bulbs may be coming blackened. This may lead to them becoming hotter than usual.
Tip 7: do not leave the heater unattended for anything other than a short period.
Tip 8: never leave the heater unattended at ground level if children or pets are in the room. Children can be inquisitive and quick.
Tip 9: only use in a ventilated room
Tip 10: periodically check for any product recalls. Flaws in appliance design can lead to dangerous conditions.
Tip 11: never buy a used halogen heater. It is always a good idea to know the history of the appliance.
Follow these simple tips and always unplug your halogen heater when you leave the room for extended periods. With some care, you can safely enjoy the benefits of halogen heaters in your home.
For general information on halogen heaters we have a halogen heater guide.
You may also be interested in the Advantages and Disadvantages of Halogen heaters.
