How to Store Your Space Heater Safely Over Summer?
When the weather finally warms up, most people shove the heater in a cupboard and forget it exists. Fair enough.
But a little care now can stop musty smells, dusty vents, and nasty surprises when winter returns. These space heater storage tips are quick and worth doing if you want your heater to last.
Clean It First, Then Store It
Before you think about how to store heaters safely, do a basic clean. Dust is the main culprit behind that burnt smell on the first cold night.
Cleaning Heaters Before Storing Uk Homes
Unplug the heater and let it cool fully. Wipe the outer casing with a slightly damp cloth, then dry it. Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to clear vents and grills.
If it has a removable filter, check the manual and clean or replace it. This kind of heater safety maintenance takes minutes.
Check the Cable and Plug Properly
This is the boring step most people skip, then regret.
Heater Safety Maintenance That Prevents Faults
Look for fraying, loose connections, or bent pins. If the cable is damaged, do not tape it up and hope. Replace the part or retire the heater.
Choose the Right Storage Spot
Heat, damp, and crushing weight are the enemies.
Summer Heater Storage That Avoids Damp
Pick a dry place, away from humidity and temperature swings. Lofts can get very hot, and garages can be damp, so only store there if the heater is boxed and protected.
The internet Heater Store noted that for summer storage of heating equipment, a wardrobe shelf or under-bed box often works better.
Seasonal Equipment Storage Without Damage
Keep it upright if the manual suggests it, especially for oil-filled models. Avoid stacking heavy items on top.
Pack It So It is Ready for Winter
Safe summer storage for space heaters:
If you still have the original box, use it. If not, wrap the heater in a breathable cloth, not a sealed plastic bag that traps moisture. Add the manual and any parts in a labelled pouch so they do not disappear.
Let it air dry for an hour before boxing it. If your heater has a remote or batteries, remove them so they do not leak quietly during storage.
A Simple Off-Season Routine
Heater Maintenance During Off Season
Once or twice over the summer, check the storage area has stayed dry and pest-free. This is basic off-season heater care, and it helps prevent corrosion and wiring damage.
Your Winter Heater Storage Checklist
You will forget what you did by the time the cold returns, so write it down.
Winter Heater Storage Checklist
Clean and inspect the cable, choose a dry spot, protect the casing, and store the manual. These heater longevity tips make the first winter switch-on calmer.
Follow these space heater storage tips, and you will start winter with a heater that feels safe, clean, and reliable.
Case Study: Temperatures Inside UK Homes Regularly Fall Below Healthy Standards
To determine whether bedrooms and living rooms inside homes are actually warm enough when the weather is cold, researchers undertook one of the largest ever measured studies of indoor winter temperatures across 124 social homes located in central England.
Half-hourly indoor temperatures were recorded in living rooms and bedrooms throughout the heating season/winter months, which were later compared against recommended temperature standards for healthy indoor living environments.
Findings showed that:
Throughout the winter months, indoor temperatures recorded an average temperature of 18.2°C for bedrooms and 18.6°C for living rooms.
These temperatures fall below comfort and health standards recommended by many organisations as adequate warmth for indoor environments.
Across winter, bedrooms were recorded as being below 18°C for 46% of occupied hours. 18 °C has been set by Public Health England and the WHO as a sensible lower limit for healthy indoor living environments.
Buildings constructed pre-1982 were much more likely to be colder, showing that the construction and insulation of a property can play a large role in indoor temperatures.
As you can see from the above study, indoor rooms, particularly bedrooms, can be cooler than many would perceive.
Taking the time to prep your heater for winter (and store it correctly during summer) helps ensure your heater is ready to perform when you need it most.
Read the full case study: Wintertime indoor temperatures in social housing dwellings in England and the impact of dwelling characteristics – https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2021.110837
Maximising Heater Life: Printable Off-season Heater Care Checklist
Do I Need to Clean My Heater Before Storing It?
Yes! Dust and other debris can accumulate inside vents or on heating elements, causing them to smell burnt the next time you use your heater.
Spending a couple of minutes vacuuming your heater and wiping away dust over winter will help keep it smelling fresh and operating safely.
Can I Store My Heater in the Garage?
If it will be protected from heat and moisture. Many garages will become very humid or hot during summer, which isn’t ideal for electrical devices. A closet shelf or under-the-bed storage box are easy place to keep your heater out of the way during winter.
If you have no choice but to store your heater in your garage, make sure it’s in the original box or wrap it in a light cotton cloth to protect it from moisture.
Why Shouldn’t I Put My Heater in a Sealed Plastic Bag?
Moisture becomes trapped inside sealed plastic storage bags, which can cause rust and other damage to metal parts.
Electrical components are also more prone to shorts if stored in plastic. Use a light cloth to cover your heater, which allows airflow while preventing dust accumulation.
Are There Any Final Checks I Should Perform Before Storing My Heater?
Check the power cable and plug. Give it a good look over to ensure there’s no fraying, sharp bends, or loose internals on the plug itself. Damage to this part of your heater may not seem like a big deal in summer, but it can cause safety issues down the track.
If possible, try to get any damaged replacements before storing. You should also take the batteries out of your remote control(s) to prevent leakage.
Does It Matter Which Way I Store My Heater?
It does. Oil-filled radiators and column heaters often come with specific storage instructions. If the manual specifies your heater should be kept upright, then make sure you do! Tilting it onto its side can cause damage due to oil displacement.
How Many Times During Summer Should I Check on My Heater?
Two times should be enough. Just make sure that where you’re storing your heater doesn’t become damp or home to insects. You don’t want to find nasty surprises such as bugs trapped in heater vents or chewing through cables.
Is There a Simple Checklist I Can Follow Before Storing My Heater?
Sure! Here’s a simple heater care checklist you can use to prepare your heater for summer:
- Clean exterior cabinet and vent areas
- Check the power cable and plug
- Remove batteries from the remote
- Cover with breathable fabric or store in the original box
- Store in a dry, safe location
- Label the box with the attached manufacturer’s instructions and spare parts
