{"id":82065,"date":"2026-04-01T09:30:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-01T08:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.highspeedtraining.co.uk\/hub\/?p=82065"},"modified":"2026-04-01T18:07:36","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T17:07:36","slug":"portable-heater-safety","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.highspeedtraining.co.uk\/hub\/portable-heater-safety\/","title":{"rendered":"Portable Heater Safety"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In a time of rising energy prices, portable heaters are becoming increasingly popular. Enabling you to heat just one room at a time, they are cost effective, space saving and they can help to keep your energy bills down. However, when used incorrectly portable heaters can pose significant safety risks. In this article, we will explore what portable heaters are, the different types available and how to use them safely in the home.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

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What is a Portable Heater?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Portable heaters, much like it says on the tin, are heaters that are completely portable and can therefore be moved around the house to any location of your choice. Unlike household heaters, portable heaters can be controlled individually, enabling you to heat one room at a time instead of the entire house.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Portable Heater vs. Space Heater<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The terms portable heater and space heater are often used interchangeably and both typically refer to the same thing; a small, mobile heater designed to heat a small space rather than an entire house. Portable heater is the phrase most commonly used in the UK, whilst space heater is more commonly used in the United States. This article will predominantly use the term portable heater.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Different Types of Heaters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are many different types of portable heaters to suit different needs, spaces and budgets. Common types of portable heaters include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n Ceramic Heaters \"drop\n <\/h3>\n
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Ceramic heaters use ceramic heating elements with a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) to conduct heat. The thermal ceramic element works as the source of heat whilst an aluminium alloy sheet as a radiator. Ceramic heaters are energy efficient and considered to be more environmentally friendly as they do not produce gas emissions and consume a low amount of electricity. They also offer quicker heat distribution meaning they can quickly heat a small space.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n Fan Heaters \"drop\n <\/h3>\n
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Fan heaters convert electrical energy into heat. Once the heater is turned on electricity flows through the heating element which generates heat. This heat is then transferred to the room by a fan which blows air across the heating element and projects it into the room. Fan heaters are effective at generating heat quickly however the fan component can make them noisier than other portable heaters.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n Infrared Heaters \"drop\n <\/h3>\n
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Infrared heaters use electromagnetic radiation to heat up objects rather than the air. Infrared heaters create a similar heat to that of the sun, transferring thermal energy to the surrounding environment thereby increasing the temperature of a space.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n Quartz Heaters \"drop\n <\/h3>\n
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A quartz heater is a type of infrared heater, however unlike normal infrared heaters they use quartz material instead of carbon wires. The heating elements of a quartz heater are sealed in quartz glass tubes to produce infrared radiation which is then reflected into a space by reflective backing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n Gas Heaters \"drop\n <\/h3>\n
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Gas heaters burn natural gas, propane or butane to heat a room. They can be portable or fixed and they are known for their quick heating abilities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n Oil-Filled Heaters \"drop\n <\/h3>\n
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Oil-filled heaters, also known as oil-filled radiators, use an electrical heating element to heat\u00a0 thermal oil inside the radiator. Once the oil is heated, the heat is transferred to the metal wall of the radiator and then to the surrounding air. Oil-filled radiators are incredibly energy efficient and are well known for their ability to retain heat as the heated oil cools down slowly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n

\n Convector Heaters \"drop\n <\/h3>\n
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Convector heaters use convection currents to heat the air. Warm air rises on a convection current and is replaced by colder air which is then warmed up by the heater. This heated air is then circulated around a space to heat the environment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n

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Want to Learn More?<\/h3><\/div><\/div>

Portable heaters offer quick and affordable heating, however they are not without their risks. Our wide range of Fire Safety Courses, such as Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Training and Electrical Safety Training, will teach you all about fire risks and electrical hazards, enabling you to use portable heaters and similar appliances confidently and competently.\u00a0<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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How to Use a Portable Heater<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As shown above, there are a wide range of portable heaters available. Each portable heater will have its own instructions and these will vary depending on the type of heater, where you intend on using it and its size. As such, you should always refer to the manufacturer\u2019s instructions for your individual portable heater before use<\/strong> to ensure you are using it correctly.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, regardless of the type of portable heater that you have, to use it safely you should follow these steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Before turning it on, check your portable heater for any signs of wear or, if using an oil-filled heater, signs of leaking.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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    1. Ensure that the heater is on a hard, level and nonflammable surface. Portable heaters should not be placed on beds, sofas or tables.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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      1. Keep the heater at least 3 feet away from flammable material such as curtains, bedding or furniture. It\u2019s also a good idea to prevent children and pets from getting too close to the heater.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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        1. When you have finished with the heater, turn it off and unplug it. Allow the heater to cool fully before attempting to move it.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
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          Portable Heater Safety Tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          Portable heaters can be a quick and affordable way to heat your home and their mobility enables you to heat smaller spaces rather than the entire house. However, as with many electrical appliances they pose certain safety risks. Notable risks to consider when using a portable heater include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n