How to Use a Camping Heater
Camping heaters are clever devices that give you portable heat. They’re particularly useful for chill or damp nights to warm up your tent.The power of a camping heater is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units), the standard measurement of heat output. The higher the BTU, the more heat the heater will produce. There are several types of camping heaters: propane, battery, camping fuel, unleaded gas, and electric. Most important is that it has the proper safety features.Here are some helpful steps when choosing and using your camping heater.
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Instructions
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Choosing and Using Your Camping Heater
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Decide how and where you’re going to use your camping heater. Is it for a tent, a camper, or a cabin? Are you going to carry it in your car only, or do you plan to backpack with it?
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Determine how much you want to carry. Like everything you take on a hike, heaters are added weight. If you expect to hike with your camping heater, include its weight in your decision making.
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Use only a unit that has key safety features. Make sure your unit has an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS). If oxygen levels start to fall, this sensing technology automatically shuts down the heater before it can produce serious levels of carbon monoxide (CO) [see Additional Resources below]. Make sure your unit comes with a safety tip over switch, which turns the heater off if it’s knocked over-this is a must. Another good feature is an overheat protection device-if it gets too hot, it shuts off.
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Make sure that your shelter or camper is adequately ventilated at all times. Don’t leave the heater burning overnight or unattended. This minimizes the risk of CO build up.
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Keep heater at least 2 feet away from anything that could be affected by heat. You don't want to start a fire. This includes plastic, paper, materials, or the side of your tent. Always think safety when you place it.
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When possible, place your heater up on a cooler, bench or object that gets it above your sleeping bag and away from your feet so you can't kick it over. It helps to select a heater with a good stable base that reduces the chances of its rocking or being easily knocked over.
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Tips & Warnings
Evaluate other features depending on how you’re going to use your camping heater. An electronic temperature control and an ambient temperature sensor enable you to better control how much heat you need. Other features include a regulator valve for efficient fuel flow in cold weather and at higher altitudes, and a multi-screen design which helps make the heater windproof.
There have been heater-related deaths due to carbon monoxide poisoning, particularly with older units that don’t have an ODS. Read through the Additional Sources link below on ODS.
Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning: headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, and confusion. If you experience any of these symptoms, turn off the heater, and move to an area with fresh air.
