How to Use Kerosene Heaters

Kerosene heaters are a cost-effective method of heating or supplementing the heat in your home. These heaters require little effort to operate. When carefully monitored they can be as safe and efficient as electric heaters. Following these step-by-step directions can help you to warm your home.

Things You'll Need

• Kerosene heater Carbon monoxide detector Kerosene Matches

Instructions

1. Move your kerosene heater to an open, well-ventilated room where it will not be near window treatments, furniture or other flammable household materials.

2. Install a carbon monoxide detector near the unit. This will help to ensure that you have proper ventilation by sounding an alarm if there is carbon monoxide present.

3. Add kerosene to the unit's fuel container according to manufacturer's instructions.

4. Light the fiberglass, circular wick. Today's kerosene heaters usually have a battery-operated igniter that operates like a light switch. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for lighting your wick, which usually require you to flick the switch. If the igniter fails or your heater does not have this igniter, you can manually light the wick with a long fireplace match.

5. Adjust the flame to increase or decrease the air temperature. This is done by using the adjustment mechanism included with your heating unit. Follow manufacturer's directions to raise or lower your wick.

6. Put out the flame when finished using your heater. This is done by retracting the lit wick into the storage cavity just below the burner. Follow manufacturer's instructions for retracting your wick.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the 800 number provided in the product instructions should you have any problems operating your heater.

• Surfaces of the heater can be very hot and cause burns or fires. Do not leave the heater unattended. If you observe your wick becoming smaller, it may need to be replaced by following the manufacturer's directions. Keep pets and children away from the open flame.