Radiant ceiling heat is generally a safe and effective method for heating interior spaces and buildings. The popularity of these heaters comes from their fast response time, silent functioning, and their ability to make the room naturally warm and cozy.
However, when it comes to heating, one aspect that should never be overlooked is safety.
Radiant ceiling heat isn’t often associated with being a fire hazard as this heating system is usually quite safe as long as the installation process is done properly by a professional. So the chances of a fire breaking out are extremely low, but if installation is not done correctly, all it takes is a spark from a short circuit that can become a fire risk.
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What kind of heaters can cause fires?
A news release published in 2018 by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) revealed that heating systems happen to be the second-leading cause of home fires in the US. They are also the third-leading cause of home fire casualties.
Small space heaters are commonly used in many households, especially to heat one room rather than running a central system for the whole house. These heaters are portable and effective and are useful as a supplement for a main heating system.
However, space heaters are also one of the leading fire hazards. In fact, one-third of all household fires in winter, as well as 80 percent of winter fire deaths are caused by space heaters, according to the NFPA.
Electric heaters also come with risks and are a shock hazard. If any of the electric components like the plug, cord, or wire housing get damaged, this can turn into a dangerous electric current. As a result, a fire can ignite or a short circuit can happen.
As electric heaters (including those that use forced air) use a large amount of energy, there is the possibility of overloading the circuits and causing a fire or dangerous power failure.
Gas heaters that rely on natural gas, kerosene, or propane are also dangerous. There is a risk of fuel leaking and igniting, causing a fire. Carbon-monoxide emissions from the gas can also be fatal and cause asphyxiation. So, it is important to make sure the emissions are properly vented.
There are pros and cons to all types of heating, you just need to make sure you purchase the most suitable for whatever situation you are going to be using yours in.
Can radiant heaters be a fire hazard?
The fact is, any type of heater can be a fire hazard if you don’t use it with caution or act carelessly. If installed correctly and used safely, most heaters are equally safe and one is not a greater fire hazard than the other.
When it comes to radiant heating, the danger of a fire breaking out is still there, but the chances are very low. These heaters are quite efficient as they emit heat directly into the surroundings. They typically work effectively in single rooms.
As radiant heaters use infrared waves to heat objects, any flammable materials nearby may pose a fire hazard. According to the NFPA, the reason for more than half of heater-related home fire deaths resulted due to the wrong placement of the heater.
How safe are radiant heaters?
Radiant ceiling heaters are generally considered very safe. These heaters are quite energy efficient and can provide comfortable heat even at low temperatures. This means the heaters usually have a low surface temperature which makes them quite safe.
However, safety is never guaranteed with radiant ceiling heaters. Accidents can always happen if there’s a problem and something malfunctions or goes wrong. So, basic safety precautions should be followed at all times and correct installation by a professional is a must.
To maximize the safety of your radiant ceiling heating, you should keep the following guidelines in mind:
- Make sure that the heater is installed by professionals who know how to install the system properly. This is essential to prevent the chances of leakage, malfunctioning, or short circuits.
- Get your radiant ceiling heating system checked annually for maintenance.
- Any combustible materials like fabrics, paper or wood should be away from the surface heat. The radiant heating panels should be installed in a place where all such materials are at a safe distance (which isn’t too difficult given the heating is in the ceiling!).
- Always handle the various parts of the heater with safety and caution when maintaining or repairing it.
- Try to keep the temperature at safe temperatures and use infrared radiation heaters while following the safety guidelines provided specifically for your model.
Are radiant heaters safe to leave on overnight?
Yes, radiant ceiling heaters are completely safe to leave on overnight. If you still want to be extra safe, you can turn off the heaters after a certain amount of time.
Fire safety specialists usually recommend turning off the heaters after about 10 hours of use. For complete safety, it is also advised to heat up the room for two to three hours before your bedtime, and then turn it off before you sleep.
