Now that the weather has taken a turn to the dark side and we have to figure out a way to stay warm, let’s run through some home heater safety tips.
We are going to use a kerosene heater in this article as the heater of choice.
Kerosene heaters are a good way to get a lot of heat quickly but, they are not the most cost effective. Kerosene heaters are also known to give off some air pollutants. Kerosene heaters are to be respected as they are a flame burning heating appliance inside your home.
The Columbus Ohio Division of Fire states:
Rising Heating Bills
Rising heating bills continued to be a source of frustration and sometimes, hardship for many Ohioans. In an effort to resolve that problem, more and more consumers are turning to alternative heating methods such as wood burning stoves, electric space heaters, and kerosene heaters. The fatter has especially been the popular choice of urban dwellers. Even though kerosene heaters have been around for many years, the latest models are more economical, portable, and safer to use than ever before. Despite these superior improvements, fires in Ohio blamed on kerosene heaters continue to increase. Most of these blazes were the result of improper use of the heater by the consumer. This guide attempts to instruct kerosene heater owners on the proper way to operate the device, what type of fuel should be used and what features to look for when shopping for a kerosene heater.
When Selecting A Kerosene Heater, Consider:
- Heat output. No heater will heat the whole house. One or two rooms is a good rule of thumb. Read the heater’s labeling carefully for BTU produced.
- Safety listing. Has the heater been tested by one of the major safety laboratories such as UL for construction and safety features?
- New/used heaters. Second hand, used, or repaired heaters may be bad investments and a fire hazard. When buying a used or reconditioned heater, that purchase should be accompanied by the owner’s manual or operating instructions. Other points to consider would be: checking the condition of the tip-over switch, fuel gauge, ignition system, fuel tank, and the condition of the grill surrounding the heating element. Also look for the label from a major safety laboratory (UL).
- Safety features. Does the heater have its own igniter or do you use matches? The heater must be equipped with an automatic shutoff. Ask the dealer to demonstrate its function should the heater be knocked over.
Stay tuned for part 2.
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