Can You Sleep With a Space Heater On?

A Programmable Timer

One feature of a space heater which will allow you to keep it running while you sleep, or at least for a couple hours after you go to bed, is a programmable timer. If you are going to attempt to keep your space heater running while you sleep, you need it to have a programmable timer.

You can set the space heater to turn off a couple hours, or anywhere up to 4 or 5 hours at most, after going to sleep. It still might not be the smartest move, but a programmable timer will make things a bit safer.

Overheat Protection

If you feel like you must sleep with your space heater on, you need it to have good safety features. Perhaps the most important feature to keep in mind is overheat protection.

If you want to sleep with the heat running, you need the space heater to come with this overheat protection feature.

This feature ensures that the space heater will turn off in the event that it gets too hot. It’s an important feature that can stop fires from occurring, prevent damage to your home, and keep you from being injured due to a fire. You do not want to leave a space heater running during the night without this feature active and working.

Set It to Low

Another tip to follow if you want to sleep with your space heater running is to set it to a low setting and a relatively low temperature.

Put it this way, it might not be 100% safe to sleep with a space heater on, but if you feel as though you must, it is safer to have it running on a lower setting than a higher one.

When it comes down to it, it is recommended that you do not set the heater to over 16 Celsius or roughly 61° Fahrenheit. The lower you have the temperature set to, the safer it is going to be.

Also, you don’t need a space heater running full blast if you are comfortable in bed under your blankets.

The Right Placement and Plug

Another tip to follow if you plan on sleeping with your space heater on, is to make sure that you place it in the right spot. Space heaters can be dangerous when they are near flammable objects, mainly fabrics like clothing, curtains, sofas, and other such things.

Therefore, if you plan on sleeping with the space heater on, try to set it up in the middle of a room away from curtains and other such flammable objects.

In some cases, even dry paint can be flammable, so you should probably  also keep it away from walls. A large open space is the best place for a space heater in.

On a side note, always plug it into a 3-pronged plug directly into the wall. Power bars with multiple outlets are notoriously dangerous and tend to overheat, so if you want to sleep with the space heater on, don’t plug it into a power bar.

The Right Kind of Space Heater

When sleeping with a space heater running, you should also make sure that it is the right kind of space heater. Read reviews on the model you have or are planning to buy.

Make sure that it has all of the safety features we mentioned above, and make sure that it has no complaints relating to overheating, short circuiting, or fires.

Moreover, a good brand name is needed here. You don’t want to sleep with a low-grade space heater by your side.

Moreover, something like an infrared heater, or even one that uses hot water to provide heat is best. You don’t want to sleep with a space heater that uses heating coils and a fan, because these are notorious for developing issues.

While it is really not recommended that you leave your space heater on while you sleep, there are some steps you can take to ensure a minimum degree of safety.

Get a good space heater with a timer and overheat protection, and place it in the right spot.