Mercedes Mullins
Kerosene heaters, also known as paraffin heaters, are typically portable, unvented, convectional space heaters. They are fuelled by highly refined 1-K kerosene, which is suitable for all kerosene-burning heaters, lamps and stoves. The heaters operate much like a large kerosene lamp, with a circular wick made from fibreglass and/or cotton that draws kerosene from a tank and heats it until it turns into a gas. This vapour is then burned, producing heat. The amount of fuel required depends on the size of the heater and the desired burn time. For example, a 20-litre tank of kerosene fuel can be purchased for $55.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of fuel | K-1 kerosene |
| Container | New, clean, sealed, and clearly marked for kerosene |
| Storage location | Cool, dark, dry place away from living areas |
| Maximum storage duration | Six months |
| Wick material | Fiberglass and/or cotton |
| Wick maintenance | Routine maintenance required; fiberglass wicks should be burned outdoors until the heater runs out of fuel, while cotton wicks should be cleaned with a paper towel |
| Wick replacement | Before each heating season |
| Odour | May be present due to low-quality fuel, improper wick adjustment, carbon build-up on the wick, or incomplete combustion |
| Ventilation | Manufacturers recommend cracking a window or door open during use to prevent the build-up of carbon monoxide |
| Cost | $55 for 20 litres |
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What You'll Learn
Kerosene heater fuel costs
Kerosene heaters are a primary source of heat in Japan and are used as a supplemental heat source in the US and Australia. They are typically portable, unvented, and fuelled by kerosene. The cost of kerosene fuel varies depending on the supplier and the quantity purchased. For example, Sydney Solvents offers 20 litres of kerosene fuel for $55, while other suppliers may offer different quantities at different price points.
It is important to note that the type of kerosene fuel approved for indoor kerosene heaters is K-1 kerosene. Using lower-quality fuels can cause problems with the heater's performance and maintenance. K-1 kerosene should be stored in a new, clean, sealed container specifically marked for kerosene. Old containers, such as used drums or plastic jugs, can contaminate the kerosene, leading to issues with the wick and heater.
To ensure optimal performance and maintain safety, it is recommended to store K-1 kerosene for no longer than six months. After this period, the fuel can break down, absorb water, or become contaminated with bacteria or mould, causing wick-clogging and other issues. Additionally, the wick of the kerosene heater requires routine maintenance to prevent carbon build-up and ensure efficient combustion.
When filling a kerosene heater, it is advisable to do so in a well-ventilated area, such as a garage or outdoors, as the fuel can vaporize and create an odour. During the initial ignition, it takes a few seconds to a few minutes for the fuel to mix with the air, resulting in a small amount of unburned kerosene and fumes. This can be mitigated by lighting the heater outdoors and bringing it inside once the fumes have dissipated.
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Kerosene heater safety
Kerosene heaters are a great way to keep warm, but it's important to follow some basic safety precautions to ensure their safe use. Here are some essential safety tips for using a kerosene heater:
Use in a well-ventilated area
Kerosene heaters produce toxic fumes, including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulphur dioxide. These fumes can be dangerous, especially in small, unventilated spaces. Always use your heater in a well-ventilated area, and keep doors and windows slightly open to maintain airflow and prevent the buildup of toxic fumes.
Keep the heater clean and maintained
A dirty or poorly maintained heater can increase the risk of toxic fume emissions. Keep your heater clean, including the wick, to prevent the buildup of dust, tar, and other impurities. Regularly inspect and replace the wick before each heating season, or as needed. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper cleaning and maintenance.
Use quality fuel and store it properly
Only use high-quality 1-K kerosene fuel that has been properly stored in a new, clean, sealed container. Avoid using low-quality fuel with high sulphur content, as it can cause odour issues and leave deposits on the wick. Do not store kerosene in used containers or near living areas, and do not refuel the heater while it is in operation or still hot.
Keep a safe distance from flammable objects
Place your kerosene heater at least three feet away from flammable objects such as furniture, drapes, or combustible fuels. Keep children and pets at a safe distance from the heater at all times, and never leave the heater unattended or try to move it while it is in use.
Be cautious of carbon monoxide poisoning
Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas that can be deadly. Install carbon monoxide detectors to alert you to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If the detector goes off or you experience symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, or fatigue, leave the area immediately and seek fresh air.
Follow manufacturer instructions
Always operate your kerosene heater according to the manufacturer's instructions. Each heater may have specific guidelines for safe use, so it's important to refer to the manual for detailed information.
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Kerosene heater maintenance
Kerosene heaters are typically portable, unvented, kerosene-fuelled space heaters. They are a primary source of home heat in Japan and are used as a supplemental heat source in the US and Australia.
Fuel
Only use K-1 kerosene for indoor kerosene heaters. Store the kerosene in a new, clean, sealed container, clearly marked for kerosene. Always store it in a cool, dry place away from living areas. Kerosene should not be stored for longer than six months, as it can become contaminated and cause wick-clogging.
Wicks
Wicks require routine maintenance. If the wick is clogged, it will burn instead of the kerosene, causing the heater to stop functioning. Tar and carbon build-up on the wick can also cause the heater to not shut off. To clean a fiberglass wick, place the heater outdoors and allow it to operate until it runs out of fuel. For cotton wicks, do not run the heater dry; instead, wipe down the top of the wick with a paper towel to remove any residue. Manufacturers recommend checking and replacing the wick before each heating season.
Odour
Bad odour is often caused by low-quality fuel. If there is too much sulfur in the kerosene, it cannot be burned completely, and the unburned hydrocarbons collect on the wick. An improperly adjusted wick can also cause smoke and odour. When filling the heater, do so outdoors or in a garage, as the fuel can vaporize and create an odour. When the heater is first ignited, it takes a few seconds to a few minutes for the fuel to mix with the air, and during this time, there will be a small amount of unburned kerosene, creating an odour.
Safety
Because kerosene heaters are usually unvented, all combustion products are released into the indoor air. An improperly adjusted, fuelled, or poorly maintained kerosene heater will release more pollutants. Use of a kerosene heater in an improperly ventilated home poses an extreme risk to life due to carbon monoxide poisoning. Always leave a window or door slightly open when using a kerosene heater.
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Kerosene heater wick care
Kerosene heaters are typically portable, unvented, convectional heating devices. They are a primary source of home heat in Japan and a supplementary heat source in the US and Australia.
Kerosene heater wicks require regular maintenance. If the wick is not properly maintained, it can stop functioning and may need to be replaced. Here are some tips for caring for your kerosene heater wick:
- Always allow the wick to soak completely for at least 60 minutes before initial ignition. This should be done in a full tank of fuel with the wick in the down position.
- If the wick has burnt dry, it will need to be soaked again for at least an hour.
- Tar and carbon build-up can occur on the wick. This can cause problems with ignition and the movement of the wick up and down.
- To clean the wick, use a brush or comb to remove carbon deposits. Avoid using anything stiff or hard, as this could damage the wick.
- Cotton wicks can be trimmed (1/8 inch) for increased longevity. Do not trim fiberglass wicks, as this will damage them.
- If the wick has black tar deposits, it may need to be replaced.
- Regularly dry-burn the wick to keep it clean and strong, and to prevent odours. This should be done outside as it can produce harmful gases and odours.
- If the wick is very dirty, it may need to be replaced or dry-burned a second time.
- Always use high-quality kerosene to prevent wick damage and odours.
- Store kerosene in a new, clean, sealed container in a cool, dark, dry place away from living areas.
- Do not use the heater if it has been sitting for a long time, as dust can accumulate and cause the wick to clog.
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Kerosene heater storage
Kerosene heaters are a great way to keep warm, but they require careful maintenance and storage. If you plan to store your kerosene heater, there are several important steps to follow to ensure safety and maintain the heater's functionality. Firstly, it is crucial to remove all fuel from the heater. Kerosene is a hazardous substance that should not be kept in living areas. Use a siphon pump to transfer the fuel to an approved container, such as a new, clean, sealed container clearly marked for kerosene. Never use old milk containers, plastic jugs, or gasoline cans, as these can contaminate the fuel.
Before storing the heater, ensure that it is clean and dry. Burn off any remaining fuel outdoors to avoid the release of toxic fumes in enclosed spaces. Clean the outside of the heater with a mixture of ammonia and water, or use non-flammable household cleaners. If the heater is particularly dirty, a combination of oven cleaner and elbow grease will do the trick. For cotton wicks, avoid running the heater dry and instead, wipe down the wick with a paper towel to remove any residue.
It is important to store the heater in a cool, dry place, preferably in its original packaging, to protect it from dust and moisture. Keep the heater away from direct sunlight and heat sources, as kerosene is highly flammable. If you choose to store kerosene fuel, it should be kept in a well-ventilated area, away from living spaces. K-1 kerosene, in particular, should not be stored for more than six months, as it can break down, absorb water, and become contaminated with bacteria or mould.
Additionally, regular maintenance is key to ensuring the longevity of your kerosene heater. The wicks require routine cleaning and may need to be replaced periodically, especially if they are clogged with tar or carbon build-up. Always check the igniter to ensure it is functioning properly and replace it if necessary. By following these steps, you can safely store your kerosene heater and maintain its performance for many years.
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Frequently asked questions
This depends on the heater's size and usage. A 20-litre container of kerosene fuel costs $55, which is enough to keep you warm during the cold weather.
The only fuel approved for indoor kerosene heaters is K-1 kerosene, a highly refined heater fuel with fewer impurities and lower sulfur content.
The maximum recommended storage time for K-1 kerosene is six months. After that, the fuel can degrade and cause problems like wick clogging.
Store kerosene in a new, sealed container marked for kerosene in a cool, dark, dry place away from living areas.
Bad odour is often caused by low-quality fuel with high sulfur content. This results in unburnt hydrocarbons collecting on the wick, causing odour and burn issues.
