Are Ceramic Heaters Safe?

We all love a warm space. Sometimes a heater is required when the temperatures are too cold.

The space heaters may be ignored at other times of the year but not on December and especially January!

But often, people ask, are ceramic heaters safe? The answer is yes. Read on and you will understand why.

To heat a space one may use ceramic heater, gas or oil or forced air. 

On the other hand central heating systems which transfer heat from boilers are also popular but offer less flexibility.

Are Ceramic Heaters Safe

Ceramic heaters have become popular because they offer an alternative efficient and comparatively cheaper option to warm your room.

As the adoption of ceramic heaters gains momentum,  there are questions about their safety the people keep raising.

The ceramic heater uses a ceramic coil unlike other types of coils. Apart from being  economical,  it is also popular because it is lightweight which makes it portable. In addition it heats up quickly and dissipates heat easily.

 So, are there health concerns that you probably need to think about? 

Ceramic heaters are considered safe because they do not emit carbon monoxide and other fumes – a common possibility on gas heaters and boilers.

They are very popular in small spaces. If you need to heat up a large space you may require a ceramic heater that has a powerful fan to force hot air across the room.

FAQ

Is it safe to leave a ceramic heater on all night?

It is not advisable to leave a ceramic heater on all night. The simple basic reason is because heat can dry your skin. Furthermore anything could happen while you are sleeping. 

The fact that you’re not aware of what is happening while you sleep is the reason why you should not leave your ceramic heater unattended all night. 

A heater that is left on for an extended time can overheat combustible materials and in turn result in a fire.

The National Fire Protection Authority does not recommend the use of any space heater overnight.

Why are ceramic heaters bad for your health?

Ceramic heaters are known to offer you clean air. Compared to other heaters that use gas or oil potential could produce harmful odor. You don’t have to worry about the air you breathe.  

And this is a good thing because contaminated air is one of the leading causes of bad health.

Are ceramic heaters safer than other heaters?

Set side-by-side,  a ceramic heater is less prone to starting a fire than other heaters. This is because the highest temperatures in the heating elements are much lower than conventional heaters. 

Ceramic material can withstand a lot of heat without melting. On the other hand aluminum heaters can easily melt when subjected to similar temperatures. This is a problem because it can be a cause of Fire. 

Hence the likelihood of ceramic heaters burning you is less than other heaters. 

How to Keep Your Ceramic Heater Safe

Ceramic Heaters Safety Tips
Heater Checklist – Source: NFPA
  • Keep the area around the heater (3 ft radius or 1 meter) free from combustible materials
  • Do not leave the heater unattended eg while going to bed or shopping
  • Buy certified ceramic heaters with appropriate safety features such as overheating sensor, auto shut off in case it tipped over, timer controls
  • Plug your heater to the wall outlet power sockets, if you have to use extension codes, they must be appropriately sized.
  • Regularly inspect and maintain your ceramic heaters.
  • Install a smoke detector in the space you are using the ceramic heater
  • Do not use it to dry your clothes – they may dry quickly and become a combustible material that will potentially set your house on fire
  • Place the ceramic heater in a location with less interference from children and kids

Conclusion

Ceramic material is preferred by space heater manufacturers because it offers great thermal conductivity. Hence for a given amount of electric current that passes through the material we have a significantly higher output of heat compared to other materials. This is because ceramic has high resistance to electric current passing through it. 

When you are the only one at home and need the space around you warm enough, then a ceramic heater is very ideal.

First, it is very portable and you can move it from room to room –  just where you are present. Unlike the central heating system that will heat every space in your house, the ceramic heater is therefore very economical.