©JOHNTTAKAI/SHUTTERSTOCK
Plug into safety
Electrical fires can also be avoided
with the right precautions. “Never plug
heaters into extension cords or power
strips, as this puts too much resistance on
the power draw, raising the temperature
at the plug,” Soden says. “And understand
the electrical capacity of your residence;
old wiring or electrical work that’s not up
to modern standards can be a driver in
heater malfunctions.”
To prevent shocks or electrocution,
never try to open the housing on the device
and repair it yourself, and keep it indoors
and away from water. “If it gets wet, unplug
it immediately,” says Drengenberg.
Use with caution and con;dence
Aaron Liscomb, an electrician and
president of Mr. Electric in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, says it’s important to
remember a space heater’s limitations.
“They should never be used as a primary
or permanent source of heat,” he notes.
Nevertheless, when operated properly
(see sidebar on page ;;), a plug-in portable
heater can be a prized appliance in a pinch.
“They’re great as a supplementary
heating source,” Liscomb says, “as long as
the heater is rated and listed for the use
you intend and it’s being used in a safe and
responsible manner.” C
Costco member Erik J. Martin is a Chicago
area–based freelance writer; read his blog
at martinspiration.blogspot.com.
TURN UP THE HEAT
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 57
THECOSTCOCONNECTION
Costco members will find a variety of
space heaters in the warehouses and
on Costco.com. All of the heaters carried
at Costco are independently tested and
certified by a nationally recognized testing
laboratory and feature a full complement
of safety features, including:
Tip-over safety protection. A safety
tip-over switch turns the heater off if it
tips over or is positioned in an improper
way that could jeopardize safety.
Overheat protection. A safety device
switches the heater off if it accidentally
overheats (e.g., if air intake and outlet
grilles are obstructed or a filter is clogged).
Cool-touch housing. Safe to touch
even on high heat setting.
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