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Consumer Reports finds budget-friendly, family-safe space heaters

Space heaters sure help those cold pockets, but they are a common source of household fires, so it pays to make sure your setup is safe.

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By
Monica Laliberte
, WRAL executive producer/5 on Your Side reporter

`Tis the time of year to add a little heat to our lives.

Space heaters sure help those cold pockets, but they are a common source of household fires, so it pays to make sure your setup is safe.

In Durham earlier this year, a fire that started when things were left to close to a space heater killed three people.

Space heaters are involved in a third of all home heating fires.

At Consumer Reports, Paul Hope says, “We run a series of safety tests to identify heaters that may pose a burn risk. The safest space heaters shut off automatically if they become too hot or if they’re knocked over."

Some get hot enough to burn fabric, earning them a poor rating from Consumer Reports.

If you need spot heating, Consumer Reports says the Vornado VMH 600, for $160, is excellent and passed safety tests.

For a whole room, the Comfort Zone CZ499R delivers. While it earned an excellent rating in fire safety, it is hotter to the touch compared to other models. It’s a Consumer Reports Best Buy at $50.

If you have children or pets and you’re concerned about hot surfaces, Consumer Reports likes the Lasko AW315Bladeless Tower for $100.

Keep in mind, never use extension cords with a portable space heater, and keep it on the floor, at least three feet away from anything that can burn.

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