Home-heating fires peaked during the oil crisis of the 1970s, when many households installed lower-cost space heaters and
portable heaters.  Since then, the number of such fires has dropped off.  But most home-heating fires still involve portable
heaters and space heaters.  Room gas heaters and kerosene heaters account for the highest number of home-heating fire
fatalities, but all heaters are dangerous if not used properly.

Buy only heaters that bear the label of an independent testing lab, and look for heaters with automatic shut-off safety features.
Have all your heating-equipment installations inspected by local building and fire officials, and have wood and coal stoves
and chimneys inspected and cleaned regularly by a professional.

Heater Types :
Convection Heaters: Air that is around the heater is warmed and then rises and circulates through out the room.
These heaters are good at heating a large area slowly and evenly. Sometimes these are aided by a fan.

Radiant Heaters: These use a shield to direct the heat beam. This beam warms people and objects nearby. Radiant heaters
are best at spot heating a small area quickly.

Combination Heaters: These heaters use both of the above methods.  A shield to focus heat and a fan to help circulate the
warm air.

Electrical Element: May be a cabinet type or baseboard models.  Electrically live elements are protected by a grill or are
completely sealed.  They may distribute heat by convection, radiation or both.

Forced Air: A fan circulates warm air. Some have fan speed settings.

Quartz Heaters: The electric elements are enclosed in quartz tubes.  Most of these heaters are radiant, but a few models may
also have a fan included.

Oil Filled Heaters: These are often shaped like a steam radiator, but they run on electricity and are light enough to be easily
carried. They are filled with a special type of oil that helps to distribute heat evenly throughout the heater and makes it more
efficient.

Even though some models are labeled "energy efficient," all electric heaters rated at the same number of watts produce the
same amount of heat from equal amounts of energy.

Gas space heaters need to be properly ventilated.  Never install unvented heaters in bedrooms or bathrooms. NFPA
standards prohibit the use of LP gas heaters with self-contained fuel supplies in the home.

Statistically, central-heating systems are less likely than portable or space heaters to cause home fires, but neglect can
substantially increase the risk to your home.  Have your furnace, chimneys, and chimney connections inspected and
maintained at least once a year by a qualified professional.  Never store combustible materials near a furnace, and be sure
that automatic shut-off systems conform to local fire-safety codes are in good working order.

Some Safety Precautions for Portable Electric Heaters:

• Never use near water.
• Never place one in a bathroom or in a damp basement.  Never touch if you are wet or have wet hands.
• Unplug your electric heater when not in use.  Also some electrical heaters have electrically live elements even when the switch is in the off position.
• Unplug unit before making any repairs.
• Check the safety features.  Be sure the grill protects the heating elements from being handled.
• Check the tip over switch.  Make sure that you buy one with this option and check that it works on a regular basis.
• Don't overload your electrical wall outlets.  Your heatrer should be the only item plugged into that outlet.  Also check the amperage rating of the heater.  Some units use the full capacity of a normal household circuit.  You may not be able to use other appliances on the same circuit breaker.
• If a fuse or circuit breaker blows, unplug your heater heater before replacing the fuse.  Find out why the fuse blew before turning it back on.
• If you have questions as to the safety involved, call a professional and have them solve any problems thatyou may have.

• Frequently blown fuses
• Dimmed lights
• Hot cords or outlets.

Some Safety Tips for Fuel Burning Heaters:

• Unvented types are designed to be ventless, but they, as well as you require oxygen.  It is highly reccomended to slightly crack  open a window.  This allows oxygen for efficient burning and prevents the buildup of harmful gases.
• Keep all combustible materials away from portable heaters and space heaters.  Place heaters at least 36 inches (1meter) away from walls or anything else that will burn.
• Kerosene heaters pose a special danger because kerosene is extremely volatile.  Add fuel to kerosene heaters only when the heater is completely cool and only in a well-ventilated area away from flames or heat sources.
• Use only the type of kerosene specified by the manufacturer.  Never refuel with gasoline.  Always refuel the heater outside the building.

• Read and follow all of the manufactures recommendations.  Never use your heater as a dryer for wet clothing.
• Choose a location for the heater carefully.  Never place heater in a hallway, doorway or any other walkway where it is likely to be bumped.
• Never place them in a windy or drafty location.
• If you have children, buy a heater with features that will protect them from burns or electric shocks.  Consider one with a cage around it.  And teach them not to touch the heater or play around its location.