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[Jordan2]

I use small portable ceramic heaters in different rooms in my home. My house is usually on the cool side and the heater works to warm the room up. My question is , is it safe to have the heater on during the night while you're sleeping? My mother has made me paranoid saying it's not safe (she thinks it could start a fire) so I always unplug it at the end of the day.

[KLevineFan]

I think it would be safe. I have 2 heaters, one older, & I have left it on & fallen asleep & it has run for 5 hr or so & nothing unsafe happened. It has been under 30 degr here this past couple of weeks, way too cold, so I need the heater. The newer one has a timer, so it runs for an hour or 2 (depending on how you set it) & by then you're asleep & it turns off. If you're really worried about it, run it for an hour or so before bed, then turn it off when you turn off the light.

[NickNack]

I would be afraid to leave it on all night.

[Shelbelle]

I have to agree that I dont think these kinds of heaters are meant to be on for hours and hours at a time. After mine has been on for about 3 hours the plug really gets very hot, and I think it is time to give it a rest. Why not call CS of the company that mfg the heater and ask them.

[Judaline]

You must be thinking of the old kerosene heaters.Very unsafe. These electric heaters are safe unless you use an extension cord (never a good idea) and if you keep it away from furniture, drapes, anything. It should be standing alone.

[Desi]

If the directions don't tell you, maybe call the manufacturer? I'd really suggest getting an electric blanket or bed-pad, which are designed to be on all night. However, the heaters that shut-down when the room reaches a certain temp. (that you choose) and only start again when temps drop, might be the safest bet in heaters.

[Shelbelle]

I was told by CS from Duraflame that using an extension cord is fine, but it must be of a heavy guage, think it must be with a number 14 for safety.

[kivah]

When using a heater, be sure it's not close to curtains, drapes, etc. Nothing should be close to it - that's when fires happen.

[Black Cat Back]

I had one years ago that would automatically shut off when it got to a certain temperature. It was awhile ago, but they probably still sell some like that.

I would be afraid to leave it on overnight and definitely never leave it on if you leave the house.

[Kachina624]

This is from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission:

Don’t: Never leave a space heater on when you go to sleep.Don’t place a space heater close to any sleeping person. Never use gasoline in a kerosene space heater, as even small amounts of gasoline mixed with kerosene can increase the risk of fire. Don’t use portable propane space heaters indoors or in any confined space unless they are specifically designed for indoor use.