Types of Kerosene Heaters
Kerosene heaters serve as an economical backup system for the home or as portable heating in a garage or workshop. They can be hazardous if used improperly, and don't fit all situations. In small spaces or where ventilation is poor, one of these units can exceed heating needs and negatively affect air quality. Does this Spark an idea?
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Kerosene
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After kerosene was invented in the 1850s, the fuel soon became a popular source of both heat and light. Early kerosene heaters ran cheaper than coal-burning stoves, but produced smoke and fumes as well as heat. Modern kerosene heaters--properly adjusted and maintained--operate nearly without fumes. On average, 99.9 percent of the kerosene fuel burns, making them safe for use indoors if proper ventilation is provided.
Types
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Kerosene heaters come in two styles: convection and radiant. Convection heaters pass room air through a heated tube. Radiant burners reflect heat from the burner element into the room by bouncing the infrared radiation off a parabolic metal plate. Convection heaters may be too much for small areas since the heat output typically reaches 20,000 BTUs. Radiant heaters could be more appropriate for apartments since the average radiant model produces about 10,000 BTUs.
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Wicks
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Advancements in wick design as well as the inclusion of catalytic converters brought the kerosene heater to the current high level of efficiency. Wicks woven from combinations of fiberglass, carbon and cotton burn longer and cleaner and require less adjustment. Dirt and dust as well as water or other contaminants in the fuel all interfere with the flow of fuel through the wick. Manufacturers provide model-specific directions for break-in and wick replacement.
Fuel
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The best grade of kerosene--K-1 low sulfur fuel--guarantees the least amount of fumes and kerosene odor. Transporting and storage of kerosene requires a dedicated container for that purpose only. Containers used previously for gasoline, thinners or other volatile chemicals may still hold small amounts of those liquids or fumes. Gasoline or other light petroleum contaminants wick to the heater first and could cause explosions. Storing kerosene containers in sunny areas could degrade fuel quality. Beginning each season with fresh fuel reduces problems with wicks and fumes.
Safety
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Some kerosene odor will occur during the first hour of operation and an hour after turning off the heater. Until the heater reaches correct operating temperatures, the heater will produce low levels of fumes. Ventilating during use by opening two windows to at least a 1-inch gap--wider during warmup and cool-down if necessary--provides a safe supply of fresh air. Installing a carbon monoxide detector in the same room as the heater gives warning of any buildup of dangerous gases. Sleeping with the heater burning is not recommended--kerosene stoves need occasional adjustment to keep the flame clean and safe.
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