when a room is not being used then it is a good idea to close the vents, this is actually the exact opposite of what you should do. Closing the air vents will not send more heat into other rooms, instead, it will just create air flow resistance problems and cause an imbalance in your HVAC system.
While heating sources are convenient and quite necessary to stay warm during the winter season, many people fail to acknowledge the proper safety guidelines they should be following when these items are in use. There is one additional potential safety hazards that space heaters create aside from fires and that is electrical shocks. These two hazards can occur when a heater is placed close to something that is combustible or is plugged into an electrical socket incorrectly. The Electrical Safety Foundation International shares a few quick tips when using heating sources to be sure you are keeping your home safe and warm during the winter season:
1.Inspect heaters for cracks, broken plugs or loose connections before use. If frayed, worn or damaged, do not use.
2.Never leave a heater unattended. Turn it off when you’re leaving a room or going to sleep.
3.Proper placement of space heaters is critical. The heater must be kept at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including papers, clothing, and rugs.
4.Locate space heaters out of high traffic areas and doorways where they may pose a tripping hazard.
5.Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet. Do not use an extension cord or power strip, which could overheat and result in a fire. Do not plug any other electrical devices into the same outlet as the heater.
6.Place space heaters on level, flat surfaces. Never place heaters on cabinets, tables, furniture, or carpet, which can overheat and start a fire.
Shelby Pauling is an Economics major, Mathematics minor student at Spelman College from Chicago, Illinois. When Shelby is not studying, she ignites her creative side by researching upcoming health and beauty trends. Shelby’s understanding for the importance of health literacy in the black community led her to join Spelman College’s NAACP Chapter and the Health Careers Club, where she indulges in conversations and community service activities focused on stimulating dialogue amongst her peers and local Atlanta residents.