How to Use Kerosene Heaters for Heat

Use kerosene heaters to provide supplemental heat. The are handy to have on hand--especially if the power goes out in your neighborhood for a lengthy period of time. Kerosene heaters work by burning kerosene with an open flame to produce heat. Since this flame is open, kerosene heaters do deplete oxygen and produce carbon monoxide in their vicinity. They also pose a fire risk due to the open flame. Proper use of kerosene heaters is essential to prevent any risks.

Instructions

1. Locate your kerosene heater at least 3 feet away from combustible sources such as curtains, walls, shelving and furniture. The heater should be level and not propped up with books or other devices.

2. Plug the power cord (if applicable) into a 120 volt outlet. Only heaters with fans have power cords.

3. Slide the automatic extinguisher lever to the left until it locks into place and center the wire heat chamber handle directly in the center of the opening.

4. Locate the wick adjuster knob and turn it clockwise as far as it will go. Push the ignitor lever down. Release the lever once you notice a flame on the wick.

5. Adjust the wick with the wick adjuster knob. The optimum position is when the heat chamber glows uniformly red.

6. Turn the fan switch on (if applicable) to begin circulating heated air.

7. Extinguish the heater by turning the fan switch off. Then turn the wick adjuster knob a quarter turn counterclockwise. Pull out on the knob and turn it counterclockwise again until the flame is out.

Tips & Warnings

• Use adequate ventilation when operating a kerosene heater. A carbon monoxide detector is a valuable device to have on hand to monitor unsafe carbon monoxide levels.

• Kerosene heaters are not meant to be a permanent means of heat. Use them sparingly and in emergency situations.

References

• Kero-Sun: Operation and Maintenance Instructions
• Aubuchon Hardware: Kerosene Heater Safety