Don't Plug in Your Space Heater Without Reading This Safety Checklist - CNET

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Space heaters present a serious fire hazard if used improperly Here's what you need to do before turning one on this fall.

Using care and caution with space heaters is important for avoiding potential disaster this winter.

Space heaters can make a big difference during these chilly fall mornings that turn into warm days and don't call for the whole house heat. These mighty warming machines can save you real on energy costs during cooler months. Space heaters, convenient as they are, also pose a bigger fire hazard than vents and radiators and should be used carefully.

If you're planning to use an infrared or electric supplemental warmer this season, we've outlined how to do so without increasing your risk of fire. Below you'll find a complete safety guide for using a space heater (For more winter safety tips, check out everything you should stock up on before a winter storm, and what temperature to keep your thermostat at to lower your monthly bills.)

Space heaters have caused many house fires, injuries and deaths over the years. If you plan to use a space heater during the cold winter months, use it properly to avoid potentially fatal mistakes.

To keep yourself and your home safe while using a space heater:

When it's cold outside, a space heater can be the perfect way to create a warm, comfortable living area. Although space heaters can be a hazard, when used correctly they are a convenient, affordable option when you're looking to quickly and easily supplement your home's central heating system.

Space heaters can be safety hazards in the home -- but they can also be useful if you use them with care.

When purchasing a space heater, consider the following safety features:

Extra safety features are good to keep in mind -- especially if you plan to use the heater in certain contexts. If you have pets or children, tip-over switches and nonmetal faces are important features to consider. Likewise, if you plan to use the heater without constantly monitoring it yourself, you will probably want to consider an automatic shut-off feature or a thermostat that allows you to set a certain target temperature.

No matter which type of space heater you buy, be sure to check that it's a recent model with an Underwriters Laboratories label. Also, check to see what size room the heater is designed for, and generally keep to devices appropriate for the room in which you plan to use them.There are four types of space heaters: