kerosene heaters:
Indoor and outdoor uses

Paraffin or kerosene heaters should be used carefully. Many people assume that they are safe for indoor use as long as well managed and maintained, but the fact that they are unvented and pollutant will always make them unclean and unsafe for home heating.

Possible advantages

Kerosene heaters are capable of producing large amounts of heat in a short time. For situations where electricity or natural gas is unavailable, this type of heater can be a good choice, mostly for hard to heat areas and outdoor uses.

The quality of the kerosene is a factor to pay attention to. To avoid odors and soot, a good K-1 fuel and a good maintenance of the heater are crucial.

Since kerosene heaters operate without electricity, they offer a powerful source of light or emergency heat during power outages.

Possible disadvantages

The use of this type of heaters is not just a matter of turning the button. They have to be lit, the flame has to be adjusted, the tank has to be filled...

Smell (though faint in modern units) is also an issue, mainly at start-up and shutdown. Smoke and fumes can also be a problem, if the heater is ill-maintained or un-tuned.

And most of all, there is the safety issue. Kerosene heaters are unvented and release unwanted combustion pollutants, particulates, nitrogen oxides, etc., which are prejudicial to human health. Some states have banned these heaters in home’s heating.

Safety issues

For indoor uses, the auto shut off feature of most modern kerosene heaters is vital. Prefer a certified unit with a long warranty: 2-3 year minimum.

Do not ever use gasoline or not approved fuels in these heaters. Use an approved container for the particular fuel you are using, and do not keep it indoors. Do not overfill the container.

And never underestimate maintenance and inspection.

Capacity

Most kerosene heaters - for indoor uses - are portable, but their heat output is typically high, often slightly above the 20,000 BTU/hour (they can quickly heat an area up to 1,000 sq feet).

But there are also very powerful kerosene heaters, typically for non-residential use: capacities between 50.000 and 210.000 BTU/hour are possible and common.

The heat output of the new kerosene heaters is adjustable with a dial control…

Prices

Prices between $100 and $200 are common for kerosene heaters for indoor use. More powerful units will cost at least the double.

For customer reviews involving kerosene heaters in Amazon.com, see: Kerosene Heaters.

Alternatives

There are several alternatives to kerosene space heaters, depending on your heating needs, goals and climate.

Electric space heaters (for smaller needs) and new-efficient gas and pellet stoves (for larger uses) are direct and good alternatives to kerosene heaters. New direct-vent gas furnaces are another direct alternative to kerosene space heating.