Propane Heater Safety

Propane heaters use pressurized gas to heat an indoor or outdoor area. You should consider some safety and equipment factors when deciding whether or not to use a propane heater to heat your home.

Propane Properties

Propane gas is colorless, odorless, and non-toxic. However, a mercaptan is added to propane to give it a noxious smell. This helps detect propane leaks in propane heaters.

Types

Propane heaters typically come in two types: portable heaters and wall-mounted heaters. Portable heaters are small heaters and do not need electricity. Wall-mounted heaters are larger and need electricity to function.

Considerations

Propane heaters require proper ventilation. If you are considering purchasing a wall-mounted heater, make sure there is an electrical outlet nearby and also a vent to the outside to remove exhaust. If you are considering a portable propane heater, make sure the heater has a stable surface to stand on.

Equipment

Make sure all the parts of the propane heater system, hoses, nozzles, and other connection devices are compatible with each other. If parts are not compatible with each other, dangerous fumes could leak into the room.

Prevention/Solution

Check propane heaters regularly for leaks or any equipment problems. Install carbon monoxide detectors in case of increased levels of carbon monoxide. Ventilate all areas with propane heaters properly.

References

• Propane Heater Guide
• Propane Heater Safety
• Propane Home Basics