You may be tempted to run a heater to ensure it’s nice and toasty, but should you leave a heater on all night? The answer depends on the type of heater you’re using. Some home heating sources are designed to run continuously throughout the night, while others should only be operated for short periods and never left unattended.
Below, we’ve explained whether you should leave your heater on all night.
Should You Leave Your Heater on All Night?
You shouldn’t leave a portable heater on all night. While there’s always a low-level fire risk associated with space heaters, that risk is multiplied overnight, as you’re sleeping and unaware of your surroundings, Robert Hamerly, the principal and CEO at GreenSavers, says.
Portable heaters can overheat if they run too long and are always at risk of falling over, so it’s best only to run them while you’re watching and aware.
Use Your HVAC System Instead
Many people try to save money on utilities by turning their thermostat down (or even off) at night, and then using space heaters in whichever room they are sleeping in, but this doesn’t usually work out how they expect.
Instead, you should leave your HVAC system on all night to maintain a consistent temperature in your house. In fact, turning your heat off at night can even overwork your system and lead to a higher utility bill.
What to Do Instead to Stay Warm at Night
If you’re finding that turning off your heater at night is making your bedroom too cold, here are some alternative ways to stay warm at night.
Run the portable heater right before bedtime. Instead of running the heater all night while you’re asleep and unaware, simply use it before you get into bed to heat the room.
Use lots of layers. Piling on lots of cozy layers on your bed will help to prevent your body heat from escaping, keeping you warmer through the night.
Open the door. If your space lacks a vent or is particularly drafty, it can be helpful to open the door, which allows the heat from your furnace to circulate throughout the space.
Improve your HVAC system. If you’re using a portable heater to supplement your HVAC system, it may be time to upgrade your system. Whether that means upgrading your entire unit or simply adding ductwork to reach your bedroom, HVAC units are designed to run as long as it takes to keep your space comfortable.
