Using a kerosene heater indoors can be done safely as long as you know the risks associated with kerosene heaters.  A kerosene heater can be perfectly safe to use indoors.  Always make sure to follow kerosene heater ratings and safety guidelines.

  • Kerosene heaters produce carbon monoxide but gas ovens, burning candles, fireplaces, and lamps do too.  Depending on their efficiency and output, some kerosene heaters produce more carbon monoxide than others.  As long as you keep your kerosene heater clean and regularly serviced, you can be certain that carbon monoxide levels will be safe. The room the kerosene heater is being used in should be adequately vented so that fresh air can be let into the room and carbon monoxide can escape.  Keep doors open if you can, and don’t use a kerosene heater in a completely closed room with the windows closed.  You can also use a filter to further lower the carbon monoxide that is emitted.
  • A kerosene heater can be a potential risk for fire in certain situations.  With a little common sense you can avoid fires when using the heater.  Keep a kerosene heater well away from any furniture that could catch fire.  Curtains, sofas, beds, and linen can all catch fire so  make sure that the heater is kept away from them.  Be careful not to place anything on top of the heater either as this can cause the items to catch fire, especially if left unattended. Ensure that the kerosene itself is stored somewhere that is unlikely to create enough heat to ignite the fuel.  If the kerosene heater has been on but stops because it has run out of fuel, allow it to cool sufficiently before tending to it.
  • Remember that the kerosene fuel is safe to use on it’s own, but you should never mix different fuel types.  Be careful that the tank or container that you use for the kerosene has not been used for any other fuel.  Even the hint of another fuel mixed with kerosene could damage your heater.
  • Ensure that children are not allowed to play near a kerosene heater.  Kerosene heaters can still be knocked over even with the best safety mechanisms in place.  You should always supervise children around a kerosene heater and make sure that they know the dangers of the heater.


Kerosene Heater Advantages

So what is the point in owning the best kerosene heater anyway? Well there are actually a few great advantages of owning a kerosene heater.

  1. Firstly, they don’t need to use any electricity. This independence makes them the perfect backup heater to own in case of power outages in your home. Some areas often have power outages during the winter months due to adverse weather, and kerosene heaters can be very useful for these situations.
  2. You can store the kerosene fuel for a long amount of time too. So you don’t need to worry about stocking up and then not needing to use the heater for a while. If you’ve got plenty of kerosene in stock, you’ll always be prepared for any emergencies that may arise. Just one gallon of kerosene will take around the same amount of time to use up as 1 entire wheelbarrow of wood in a log burner so you can store the quantities that you need in less space.
  3. Unlike wood and coal burning heaters, no smoke is produced. This can be preferable for some who would rather not pollute the environment with plumes of smoke. If your neighbours often complain about smoke, you may find that a kerosene heater would be a better option than a smoke-producing heater.
  4. As long as you follow the safety guidelines, a kerosene heater can be perfectly safe to use, even indoors. Of course, they can produce carbon monoxide, just as many other appliances can, but as long as you keep your rooms sufficiently ventilated, this shouldn’t be a problem.
  5. Kerosene heaters are robust and can last you many years as long as you keep up with servicing and cleaning. This will keep the motor and all the moving parts working properly as well as ensuring that the heater always burns fuel efficiently.

Here is some more great info on the pros in video form:

 

We also recommend watching this short video on kerosene heater safety as well. It has some great points to think about: