It’s generally better to place a space heater on the floor rather than up high. Since heat rises, positioning the heater on the floor allows for more efficient and even heating of a room. Floors, especially those that are uninsulated or have cold surfaces, can absorb heat and help distribute it more evenly throughout the space.

Additionally, placing a heater on the floor reduces the risk of it being knocked over or causing a fire hazard. However, it’s important to keep the heater away from foot traffic and flammable materials, regardless of its placement.

Ideally, a space heater should not be placed on carpet. The primary concern is that carpets are flammable materials, and a space heater, especially one that gets very hot or is not well-designed, can pose a fire risk if it overheats.

Modern space heaters are typically designed with safety features like automatic shutoff mechanisms to prevent overheating, making them safer to use on carpet. Nonetheless, it’s essential to use a space heater that is stable and won’t tip over easily, and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines.

In addition to carpets or rugs, you should avoid placing a space heater in any of these locations to ensure safety and efficiency:

• Near flammable materials. Keep space heaters away from furniture, curtains, bedding, clothing, rugs, and any other items that can catch fire.
• In wet or damp areas. Unless the heater is specifically designed for bathrooms or outdoor use, avoid placing it in areas where it might come into contact with water to prevent electric shock.
• In high-traffic areas. Avoid putting a space heater in places where people or pets frequently pass to reduce the risk of it being knocked over.
• In confined spaces. Do not place space heaters in small, enclosed spaces where the risk of overheating and fire is higher.
• Near children and pets. Keep space heaters out of reach to avoid accidental burns or the heater being tipped over.
• On top of furniture. Placing heaters on furniture increases the risk of overheating and fire, especially if the furniture is flammable.

Leaving a space heater on all night is generally not recommended due to the increased risk of fire and the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning with some types of heaters. Even with modern safety features, such as automatic shutoff and overheat protection, there is still a risk when a heater is left unattended for extended periods.

If you must use a space heater throughout the night, ensure it’s far from flammable materials, in good working condition, and has advanced safety features. Consider using a thermostat-controlled heater designed for safe overnight use.

It’s generally not recommended to plug a space heater into an extension cord or power strip. This is because space heaters draw a significant amount of electricity, and many extension cords and power strips are not designed to handle the high current required by these heaters.

Instead, it’s safer to plug a space heater directly into a wall outlet that can adequately handle the power load. If you absolutely need to use an extension cord, ensure it’s a heavy-duty type that’s rated for the heater’s power requirements, though directly plugging into a wall outlet remains the safest option.

The extent to which a space heater can warm a room depends on several factors, including the heater’s power (typically measured in watts), the size and insulation quality of the room, and the ambient temperature.

Most residential space heaters range in power from 750 to 1,500 watts and are designed to warm small to medium-sized rooms. A general rule of thumb is that a space heater can increase room temperature by 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit in a well-insulated room, but the actual performance can vary widely.

Additionally, the heater’s efficiency can be affected by factors like the presence of drafts, ceiling height, and the room’s layout.