How to Use a Heater During Winter

(With special guidelines for adults, children, and the elderly)

As winter begins, heaters become essential to keep our homes warm and comfortable. They protect us from cold-related problems and help create a cozy living environment. However, using a heater incorrectly can cause risks such as fire hazards, health issues, or lack of oxygen in closed rooms. Therefore, it is important to use heaters safely and appropriately for people of all age groups.

1. Choosing the Right Heater

For small rooms: Quartz heaters or electric heaters are ideal.

For larger rooms: Blower heaters, fan heaters, or oil-filled radiators (OFR) work best.

For homes with children or elderly people: Choose heaters with auto-cut, thermostat control, and safety grills.

2. Proper Placement of the Heater (Important for everyone)

Keep the heater away from curtains, clothes, paper, or wooden furniture (at least 1–2 meters).

Avoid placing it near doors or windows where air escapes quickly.

Keep it in a safe corner or elevated position if children or pets are around.

3. Special Tips for Adults

Do not run the heater continuously for long hours; turn it off occasionally to maintain a natural room temperature.

Avoid closing the room completely while the heater is on; periodic ventilation is important to prevent oxygen shortage.

Do not use overloaded extension cords or multi-plugs with electric heaters.

4. Safety Guidelines for Children

Children often try to touch or go near heaters out of curiosity. To prevent accidents:

Use heaters with safety grills.

Keep the heater at least 1.5 meters away from children.

Avoid overheating the room, especially where infants or toddlers sleep—excessive heat can cause dry skin, allergies, or dehydration.

Do not expose children directly to the heater’s heat; maintain a reasonable distance.

For households with infants (0–2 years), oil-filled radiators (OFR) are considered the safest option.

5. Special Care for the Elderly

Older adults have sensitive skin and may be more vulnerable to temperature changes. Thus:

Do not let them sit directly in front of the heater for long periods.

Maintain moderate room temperature—excessive heat can cause dehydration, dry skin, or even affect blood pressure.

If the elderly person has breathing issues, using electric heaters is safer than gas heaters.

For overnight heating, use heaters with auto-cut and thermostat controls.

6. Ventilation is Essential

During winter, rooms are often kept closed, but:

Open windows for a few minutes every 2–3 hours to allow fresh airflow.

Gas heaters require even more caution due to higher risks of oxygen reduction and carbon monoxide buildup.

7. Simple but Important Health Tips

Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration caused by dry heat.

Keep a small water bowl or indoor plants in the room to maintain humidity.

Apply moisturizer if your skin becomes too dry.

8. Using a Heater While Sleeping

Use heaters with auto-off or timer features.

Avoid keeping the heater directly aimed at you while sleeping; warm the room moderately and then turn it off if possible.

Extra caution is required in rooms of children and elderly people.

Conclusion

Using heaters correctly during winter helps people of all ages children, adults, and the elderly stay warm and comfortable. While heaters make winter easier, careless use can lead to accidents or health issues. Following safety rules, maintaining proper distance, ensuring ventilation, and taking small health precautions allow you to enjoy a safe and pleasant winter season.