Space Heaters
Photo Credit: Wonderful Engineering
Santa Cruz is often synonymous with beaches, Summer, and warmth. However, this leaves out about half of the year where the temperatures stay in the 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit range. As a result, many students come to UC Santa Cruz expecting warmer weather and being underprepared for the colder months.
A common remedy is the use of space heaters, which are divided into a few types:
| Heater Type | Description | UCSC Housing Status |
| Fan-forced | A fan blows warm air over heated metal coils. | Permitted |
| Oil or water-filled | Heated oil or water travels through the heater. | Not Permitted |
| Ceramic | Air is warmed over a ceramic heating element. | Not Permitted |
| Infrared | Heat is created by infrared bulbs. | Not Permitted |
We recommend that you strictly follow guidance from the National Fire Protection Association regarding what kind of heaters to use and how to use them. This guidance includes this checklist:
- When purchasing a heater, make sure it has the seal of a qualified testing laboratory.
- Keep the heater at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn, people too!
- Choose a heater with an adjustable thermostat and overheat protection.
- Place the heater on a solid, flat surface.
- Make sure your heater has an auto shut-off to turn the heater off if it tips over.
- Keep space heaters away from foot traffic and exits.
- Keep the heater away from children and pets.
- Plug the heater directly into a wall outlet, never plug it into an extension cord.
- Turn off heaters and unplug them when you leave the room or go to bed.
More Information
NFPA Portable Electric Space Heaters (PDF)
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