Home

We have a new kerosene heater, is it alright to use the kerosene that one already has?

Jan 31, 2007 by mlynnej | Posted in Maintenance & Repairs

I have been using an upright kerosene heater. Due to the warm weather here in NC, I have not had a chance to crank it up. But I have recently purchased a new flat top kerosene heater. I have some left over kerosene from last winter and was wondering if it would alright to use the kerosene that I have on hand or would it be prudent to go and get some new or have some new mixed in with the old?

I would like some answers ASAP for a winter storm warning is in effect for tomorrow in my area. Thank you all.

---

Please keep in mind -- there is the danger of Carbon Monoxide poisoning with ANY open flame combustion.

Pay attention to the warnings on the packaging and on the unit.

Open flame space heaters, such as a kerosene heater, need to be used in a WELL VENTILATED space. A HEADACHE, or feeling of drowsiness are among the FIRST SYMPTOMS of overexposure to CO. Carbon Monoxide is invisible, and odorless.... Please do not operate this unit without a CO detector in the room. It could save your life.

With the recent power outages across Missouri, many people were using portable generators. One family had a generator in their garage. The wife went out to fill the tank... and was dead before she reached the generator... that is how quickly CO in an enclosed space can kill.

Interestingly -- Most manufactured home builders will VOID your warranty, if you use a Kerosene heater in a mobile or modular home.

As to the kerosene you mention, any flammable liquid can absorb water (most often by condensation inside the container), and this will cause the fuel to burn less efficiently, and to smoke more. My personal solution to this, would be to set the heater OUTSIDE, and burn the old fuel up. Then start with some fresh fuel...again.... burning it for a while OUTSIDE, to make sure the old fuel had been completely consumed. Naturally, you want to do this in a safe location.

I personally prefer to use electric space heaters (ceramic, or oil-contained - radiant) and a generator. The generator can also help power your refrigerator, and/or some lights, depending on it's size. I place the generator OUTSIDE the home, and run a very heavy duty extension cord to inside the home. This keeps my family warm, with lights, and safe from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Be Safe (and good luck with the storm)

Becky's Homestead 11: Kerosene Heater

In this happening of Becky's Homestead, Becky talks about heating your domestic with kerosene. Becky also talks about a really good book by Michael ...

Becky's Farm TV: Kerosene heater

Becky shows you how to trifling and operate a kerosene heater and talks about planting some garlic bulbs. #206 www.BeckysHomestead.com

Kerosene Heater

by Shopping Expert

A kerosene heater is a very old type of heater that is still in much use. Even in homes that have modern electric space heaters, kerosene heaters are used as a supplementary source of heating that comes in use in case there is a power outage. Kerosene heaters operate with kerosene, which is a hydrocarbon fuel. Since kerosene is also known as paraffin in most parts of the world, these heaters are also referred to as paraffin heaters.

The heaters require some amount of setting up. There is a lower compartment in which the kerosene is meant to be introduced. This needs to be done carefully. Once the required amount of kerosene is put (which will mostly depend on how long the person wants the kerosene heater to remain working), a lid is put on the compartment. This lid has a wick passing through it.

The principle of working of the kerosene heater is simple. Once the wick has been dipped into the kerosene, some amount of kerosene will rise into it due to the capillary action. To start the heater, the wick is ignited. As it starts burning, the kerosene present in it will get depleted. As a result, more kerosene will be drawn up through the wick by capillary action. This continuous action of uptake keeps the wick burning. It is the flame produced by the wick that contributes to heating up the room.

There are various mechanical adjustments provided for getting the right amount of heating effect in the room. The amount of heat radiated in the room can be altered by adjusting the size of the flame. This is done by a wick control valve that can pull the wick up or down. This ensures that only the required amount of wick is exposed and the flame size can thus be controlled. When the heater has to be put off, the wick can be completely taken inside so that the flame extinguishes for want of oxygen.

Source: Kerosene Heater

Health Safety Precautions During A Winter Storm - NewsOn6.com ...

UNDATED -- As a significant winter storm approaches the state, the Oklahoma State Department of Health has some safety and health precautions residents need to be aware of.

First off, don't skate, slide, or sled on frozen ponds, creeks, rivers, or lakes. Although the water appears to be frozen, it may not be solid enough to support the weight of a person.

In a news release, OSDH says when temperatures fall and power goes out, the possibility of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning rises as people try to stay warm.  

CO is a highly poisonous gas produced by the burning of fuel such as gasoline, natural gas, kerosene, charcoal or wood.  Unvented or faulty gas and kerosene appliances have the greatest potential to produce dangerous levels of CO in a home.

Smoldering or poorly vented fireplaces, slow-burning fuels such as charcoal and vehicle exhausts also are potential indoor hazards.

Take these precautions:

Look at the color of the flame. A hot blue flame produces less CO and more heat than a flickering yellow flame. If you see yellow flames in your furnace or stove burner, it should be adjusted so that the flame is blue.   Don't use an unvented gas or kerosene heater in closed spaces, especially sleeping areas.   Don't use gas appliances such as an oven, range or clothes dryer to heat your home. Don't burn charcoal inside a house, garage, vehicle or tent for heating or cooking, even in a fireplace. Look for CO exposure symptoms including headache, dizziness, weakness, sleepiness, nausea and vomiting that can progress to disorientation, coma, convulsions and death. If you suspect CO poisoning, open doors and windows, turn off gas appliances, and go outside for fresh air. Call 9-1-1 emergency medical services in severe cases. To prevent residential fires, make sure that heaters, stoves, and fireplaces are at least three feet from anything that burns. Use screens in front...

Read more...