Left heater on today...ok?

[nlisac]

Hi, I just feel a bit concerned as a co-worker told me it could be dangerous that I left a small floor heater on, on my kitchen counter because my apartment was really cold and I wanted my little baby to be warm while I'm at work. It's the kind that turns itself off when it reaches a set temperature. Also, I've left it on before and it's never been a problem but like I said my co-worker said anything elecrtrical could be dangerous if left on. I know this is a little silly but do you think it's ok? Guess I'm once again trying to calm some nerves- I'll worry about it all day even though I'm sure it's fine. Thanks.

[Evey]

People crack me up! I had a co-worker who freaked out every time someone mentioned a crock pot.

Your fridge is left on, your hot water heater is left on, if your stove or microwave has a digital clock it is also drawing power.

I think that as long as your counter top does not get hot you will be o.k.

[rstowe]

As long as your pets can't knock over the heater it may be fine.

I definitely don't recommend leaving any space heaters on when you are not home. Growing up the son of a firefighter, too many fires are started by space heaters left unattended (even the kind that shut off).

[nlisac]

That's what it is- a small space heater. So I have one person saying it'll be fine and the other saying it might not. Hmm. I really don't want to go home to turn it off. Any more opinions? It's on a clear counter that will not get hot. And she can not knock it over.

[Evey]

My dad is a third generation firefighter. I heard all of those lectures growing up too. Space heaters have come a long way since those days.

[nlisac]

Thank you very much, I think you're right. I think it'll be just fine. Ahhh. I hate worrying so much! But when my little baby is home...I love her so much :)

[rstowe]

Like I said earlier: as long as they can't knock it over it should be fine.

I know space heaters have changed but there is always a chance of something happening if it gets knocked over but it sounds like you have taken precautions regarding that.

[_Lisa_]

We aren't allowed space heaters at my work because they're a potential fire hazard. I don't know if they think we'll just throw them around or put them face down on the floor or what! :p As long as its out of reach of your pet & there is no risk for it to be knocked over, the only thing that might suffer is your electrical bill.

[Arlo's Dad]

It depends on what kind of heater it is. If it has exposed heating coils I'm not sure I would use it even if it was attended. But there are others that are reasonably safe like oil filled.

Personally when I go off to work I turn the heat down to the low 60's but Arlo is a big, tough, macho kinda guy. He prefers it a bit chilly. ;)

[krazy4birds]

We try not to leave any heaters on when we go to bed. They all have happy huts and we have a suggly bed so we feel unless we are having below 0 out we leave them off during nights. During the day when we are leaving we cover the back of the cages to stop any possible draft. You just have to use common sense. How old is the heater, Do not use extension cords with them, place them in the center part of the room away from anything highly flammable. We use them, in fact I have one on now. But, I am going to bed so off it will go!

[nlisac]

Thanks for the replies everyone, everything ended up being fine yesterday. I got home and it was just a comfortable temperature. But I do now that from now on I won't be leaving it on just in case. And if it's cold, I'll leave her a couple extra blankets on her bed for some extra warmth. Thanks!