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Room Heater Safety Tips: Running a room heater overnight during winter can be very dangerous for health. This leads to a lack of oxygen in the closed room and a significant increase in carbon monoxide levels. Asphyxiation can lead to death in such situations. Every year during winter there are cases of deaths due to use of room heaters. Doctors advise people to use room heaters properly and avoid using them overnight.
Dangers of Room Heater: Many states across the country are currently facing severe cold. To avoid cold, people use heaters indoors. Running a room heater provides heat and reduces the intensity of cold. Many people, in order to get a good night’s sleep, close their rooms, turn on the heater, and then go to sleep. If you do, you need to be careful. Running a heater overnight in a closed room can cause suffocation and even death. Every year, there are cases of suffocation from heaters or fireplaces during the winter season. So, use heaters with caution.
Dr. Director of Preventive Health and Wellness Department at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi. Sonia Rawat told News-Patiala that while there is nothing wrong with using a room heater for heat during winters, it should be used with extreme caution. Avoid sleeping with a room heater on overnight, as prolonged use of the heater gradually reduces oxygen levels and increases carbon monoxide levels. It deprives our body of adequate oxygen. This condition can cause headaches, dizziness, anxiety and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, the blood supply to the brain can be cut off, leading to bleeding in the brain.
Dr. Sonia Rawat explained that gas or kerosene heaters release carbon monoxide. While sleeping, the person does not even realize it, and this gas can slowly enter the body, causing suffocation. That is why many people lose their lives while sleeping. Gas heater use can be even more dangerous for people with pre-existing heart conditions, increasing the risk of suffocation (sleep death). The risk is even greater for children and the elderly, as their immune systems are weakened and their bodies are less able to handle the lack of oxygen. In such circumstances, even the slightest carelessness can lead to serious consequences.
According to doctors, excessive use of room heaters can cause many problems. It dries out the air in the room, which can lead to dry eyes and skin. It can also cause itching, redness and allergies. If you already suffer from dry skin or eyes, you can run a humidifier in addition to a room heater. This will maintain a healthy moisture level and prevent health problems. If you don’t have a humidifier, you can also place a bowl of water in the room. It will act as a natural humidifier.
Health experts recommend that you use the room heater to a minimum and keep the room open when it is running. Ensure proper ventilation in the room where the heater is used. Avoid placing paper, bedding, clothing or other flammable materials near the room heater, as this may cause a fire. Always place the heater on a solid surface. Keep children and pets away from the heater. Never leave the heater unattended. If you leave the room or go to bed, turn it off and unplug it. Electric heaters are considered slightly safer than gas heaters, but it is still not advisable to leave them on all night. Use caution with all types of heaters.
According to doctors, there are many easy and safe ways to avoid cold besides heaters. You can use a thick quilt or blanket to protect yourself from the cold. If you feel particularly cold at night, you can wear warm clothes and socks to sleep. You can also take a warm bath and drink warm milk before going to bed. It will keep your body warm from inside. Eating hot food and drinking soup in winter season can also provide relief from cold.
Dec 30, 2025 10:00 AM IST