In our experience here at Bumgarner Oil, many people assume kerosene heaters are a relic of the past. However, kerosene oil heaters are still used today, although the modern version has noticeable differences from its predecessors.
Our team offers kerosene to fuel these heaters, and we know how to operate these devices safely. If you are new to using kerosene oil heaters, keep reading to learn how to operate them safely.
- Stay a safe distance away. When setting up kerosene oil heaters, make sure to place each one in an area free of all furniture, draperies, or other items. If you place anything too close to the heater, you create a risk of the items catching fire. Similarly, be careful when approaching the heater, and make sure to keep children and pets far away from it.
- Only use in well-ventilated areas. Kerosene oil heaters consume oxygen as the kerosene burns, which means they are only safe to use in well ventilated areas. If there’s not enough oxygen flowing into the space to replace the oxygen being consumed, things can get dangerous. In this scenario, there’s a risk of incomplete fuel combustion, which produces dangerous gases such as carbon monoxide.
- Use an air purifier. Kerosene oil heaters can sometimes produce carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. The latter gases can lead to adverse health outcomes in vulnerable people, such as those dealing with conditions such as asthma, cardiovascular diseases, or pregnancy. Children and elders are also more at risk of developing symptoms if exposed to these gases. Operating your kerosene oil heaters according to the manufacturer’s instructions will help reduce these risks, but if you want to be extra safe, it’s wise to run an air purifier at the same time.