davew_haverford_edu
davew_haverford_edu t1_j9oozkj wrote
Reply to comment by davew_haverford_edu in Safest oil radiator ? A fire could've almost started in my house ! by hala3mi
And, I'm glad that you noticed the problem as fast as you did!
davew_haverford_edu t1_j9oodd0 wrote
I've got a couple brands that I've used, but don't know how to assess the safety well; I'll let others speak to that, or perhaps to which rating organizations they'd trust.
[Edit: I strongly agree with your point about how you use the heater.] safety is not just about the device, but also how it's used. I try not to leave a high-current appliance unattended: if I must leave an oil-filled heater on and unattended, I set it to low or maybe medium power, greatly reducing the current; I reduce the amperage on my level-2 car charger, unless I want to charge promptly during a short stop at home. And, don't overlook all those safety warnings that we don't read in the instruction booklet... Occasionally check the cord for wear, and make sure it doesn't get damaged. After your post, I may start feeling the cord after the first 5-10 minutes of use, to see if it's heating excessively or unevenly.
And, beware the phrase "all other things being equal", even when it is unspoken. The oil-filled heaters are said to be safer, but that's if you use them in the same way ... they take time to warm up, so it's much more tempting to turn them on well before you're going to occupy the room. Would it be safer to start an old-style electric room heater only when you're actually in the room? I don't know, but that's a different question, any may have a different answer. [Edit: So, maybe something with a remote control, so you can shut it easily, each time you step out?]
Also, I try not to put the heater between myself and the door. Just in case something gets out of hand quickly.
davew_haverford_edu t1_j3a9t10 wrote
Reply to Could aquifers be actively recharged? by smontanaro
You might want to listen to the "Bengal Water Machine" segment of this podcast (or find the associated article):
Podcast/Article: Testing planetary defenses against asteroids, and building a giant ‘water machine’
Description: <p>On this week’s show: NASA’s unprecedented asteroid-deflection mission, and making storage space for fresh water underground in Bangladesh</p>
davew_haverford_edu t1_j2p0qgm wrote
Reply to BIFL kettle recommendations by Batking28
I don't know brands, have been living with various hand-me-down kettles for decades, but ...
With so many cities turning toward "no new fossil gas hookups", and "green methane" and "hydrogen stove" being, at best, a maybe, I'd stick with an electric kettle or something with a flat metal bottom so that it can go on an induction cook top.
davew_haverford_edu t1_jbtdew0 wrote
Reply to comment by kvsmothra in Keep or retire our trusty old furnace by kvsmothra
You may want that for your EV and induction stove, as well.