How to Monitor a Propane Gas Heater

Propane heaters use refillable propane tanks to heat a home.

Propane heaters represent a relatively safe and efficient way to heat a home or building space. Propane heaters generally come in wall-mounted units or monitor-style heaters that sit on the floor and are connected to a propane line or tank. Knowing how to monitor the exhaust of your propane heater will help you avoid safety issues while enjoying a continuous, maximum heat output. According to the University of Alaska, space heaters are associated with nearly 25,000 fires annually in residential settings.

Things You'll Need

• Carbon monoxide detector
• Extra batteries
• Power drill
• Thermometer

Instructions

1. Install a carbon monoxide detector on a wall or ceiling near your propane heater unit. Carbon monoxide, along with nitrogen dioxide, are both byproducts of propane and natural gas heating systems. Carbon monoxide is especially dangerous because of its odorless characteristic. Signs of carbon-monoxide poisoning include chest pain, drowsiness, headaches, nausea, disorientation and fatigue. High levels of carbon monoxide are also combustible. At extreme levels, carbon monoxide can lead to the loss of consciousness and death. Nitrogen dioxide can cause skin irritations and the inflammation of mucous membranes. If you are experiencing any of these signs, or shortness of breath while using a space heater, install a nitrogen dioxide detector.

2. Mark the wall using a pencil so that you can drill into the stud, mounting the carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide sensors. Some sensors are able to detect high levels of multiple gasses. Drill a hole into the wall using a power drill. Mount the gas detectors on the wall.

3. Shake the propane tank gently in order to assess how much fuel is left. Some propane dealers charge by the weight of fuel they deliver while other dealers sell propane based on the canister that is used. Therefore, if you refill a propane canister that still has fuel in it, you may be charged the same amount as when the canister is empty. Being familiar with how much a full propane tank weighs can also help to determine how much propane is left in the canister.

4. Test your system for leaks. Sometimes the leaks can be felt by your hand along the propane line, while other leaks require professional assessment. Depending on the type of system that you have installed, a mandatory leak test is sometimes required by professional propane delivery services. The loss of gas pressure from empty tanks can cause leaks to form in the propane gas lines. Testing your system for leaks will help to prevent the loss of propane gas as well as other safety hazards such as combustion or explosions.

Tips & Warnings

• Some propane heater units come with carbon monoxide detection capabilities, shutting off the heater when emissions are at a certain level of concentration in the room.

References

• University of Alaska Fairbanks: Space Heater Safety
• Propane Wall Heaters: Propane Heaters
• Propane 101: Propane Bottle and LP Gas Cylinder Filling
• Propane 101: Why Do I Have To Have a Leak Test?

Resources

• The Propane Heaters