Are ventless propane heaters safer than kerosene?
Safety is essential when dealing with portable heating systems. Kerosene is a liquid that requires a wick for combustion to occur. Propane, on the other hand, is a gas that will ignite as long as there is oxygen in the air making even well designed ventless propane heaters safer than kerosene if there are no accidents.
Is kerosene safer than propane?
Kerosene is safer because it is easy to see, not odorless, and not as flammable as propane because a spark has to come into contact with liquid instead of gas. On the other hand, kerosene can also be more difficult than propane because it doesn’t have as long of a shelf life, the heaters require more maintenance, and it can be more expensive.
Are propane heaters any good?
Similar to kerosene heaters in a lot of ways, propane heaters are very cost-effective, they are usually very quick to heat up the area around them, and they burn in a clean and efficient manner.
Should you get a backup kerosene or propane heater?
That’s why you should consider getting a backup kerosene or propane heater. With propane or kerosene heaters, you’ll be able to supplement a mobile heat source for special situations such as heating specific rooms that tend to be cooler, or heating garages when working on a vehicle in the winter, etc.
Where should kerosene be stored?
How long does propane last?
How many BTUs are in a gallon of propane?
Do propane heaters need maintenance?
Is propane better than kerosene?
Does kerosene go bad?
Is kerosene easier to transport than propane?
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Propane vs Kerosene Heater: Which Is Better in an Emergency?
I found it helpful when you said that propane is more cost-effective compared to kerosene, and it has an indefinite shelf life. My husband and I are planning to have the right type of gas delivered to our new house next Sunday morning.
Is propane flammable?
Propane’s highly flammable property and its gaseous state demand extra vigilance. A gas leak could be detrimental. Conversely, Kerosene is not as spontaneous since a spark has to be in contact with the actual liquid kerosene (or its concentrated vapor that is hard to create in open space) for a fire to ignite.
Is kerosene bad for you?
There are health concerns on Kerosene, especially after burns accompanied by the strong smell from incomplete combustion and soot. When they make their way to the respiratory tract and eyes, they prove irritable and linked to long term eye and chest complications.
Are propane heaters bad for your health?
The risk of carbon monoxid e poisoning due to incomplete combustion is always rife when using a propane heater. Solving this requires homeowners are counseled to ensure there is proper ventilation or sticking to vented propane heaters. Another hazard is the potential of an explosion, especially when there is a leak.
Can a kerosene heater overheat?
If you have a baby and would like to ensure their space is well-heated, kerosene heaters may prove a challenge. Their reputation of overheating in small areas, soot, and active smell work against them. Given the vulnerability of babies, these features may prove to be a huge health risk. You risk dehydration or respiratory complications when you use kerosene heaters indoors with a baby around.
Is propane heater safer than kerosene?
Kerosene is a liquid that requires a wick for combustion to occur. Propane, on the other hand, is a gas that will ignite as long as there is oxygen in the air making even well designed ventless propane heaters safer than kerosene if there are no accidents.
Are kerosene heaters safe to use indoors?
Safety, in this case, will be divided into the risk of accidental ignition and the impact of the fumes kerosene releases when burning.
How long does a propane heater last?
For example, both kerosene and propane heaters can run for an average of 10 hours per gallon.
What gases are released from a propane heater?
It’s a known fact that the kerosene and propane heater cause air pollution and release carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon dioxide, and sulfur dioxide.
How many BTUs in a gallon of kerosene?
In simple words, the energy potential of one gallon of kerosene isn’t the same as one gallon of propane. It just got interesting since kerosene roughly offers 135,000 BTUs per gallon, while propane offers around 91,330 BTUs per gallon ( source ).
Where to store propane heater?
You can store propane heaters anywhere in your garage or basement , and the same rule applies to storing propane fuel storage. However, you need to store the kerosene heater and fuel in a cool, dry place away from the sunlight.
Why do you need a portable heater?
A portable heater is necessary to keep you warm while camping or working in the garage during cold winter days. We understand you may have an electric heater, but you also need a backup in case of an emergency power outage.
Do you empty the fuel from a kerosene heater?
On the other hand, it’s a bit of a tedious task to maintain kerosene heaters. To ensure safety before storing the heater, you should always empty the fuel from the kerosene heater reservoir.
Is propane easier to find than kerosene?
Also, it’s easier to find propane compared to kerosene at the fuel pump.
What type of heater is used for kerosene?
There are several main types of kerosene heaters: Forced air heaters. These kerosene heaters have a cylinder type body that forces the heated air in a focused direction. They can also be run on diesel or on other fuel types. They are very quick to heat up the air and very effective but can also be quite loud.
What type of heater is safe?
Convection heaters . This type of heaters will typically have a circular tower design and will project heat in all directions around them. They work on a similar principle to radiant heaters but require only a very little flame for a startup. They are considered very safe but still require a safe distance from other surfaces.
How high can a propane heater be?
They can have some issues when used above 4,500 feet elevation, however, they need very good ventilation, especially when it comes to portable propane heater models. Unlike kerosene heaters, propane heaters – even portable models – can typically be hooked to the existing propane gas supplies in your home, which makes refueling much easier.
What is a radiant heater?
Radiant heaters. These heaters use a circular wick to move the fuel to the burner unit. This way the heater warms the objects closer to it thanks to reflection and infrared heat waves. They can only project heat forward and don’t warm up the air directly.
What are the drawbacks of kerosene heaters?
The major drawback of kerosene heaters is that their heat output is difficult to control, depending on the model. They also need frequent maintenance and refueling. Lastly, using such heaters improperly can lead to fire hazards so you’ll need to be extra careful, especially if you have kids or pets.
Is a propane forced air heater the same as a kerosene heater?
Similar to kerosene heaters, propane forced air heaters are quite powerful and are designed to blow heated air in a specific direction. They too are also often noisier than one might prefer but make up for that with their power and portability. Radiant heaters.
Is a kerosene heater dangerous?
Kerosene portable heaters are designed to offer an efficient burn, to heat up quickly, and to be easy to move around when needed. They can be hazardous when mishandled, however, and require adequate ventilation to prevent the build-up of carbon monoxide.
Why is kerosene less explosive than gasoline?
gasoline ). In general, Kerosene requires a wick for it to ignite. So if you light a match and drop it directly into a bottle of kerosene, it won’t ignite, unlike gasoline which will explode.
What is the best fuel for backup heat?
And the two best fuels to consider for backup heat generation are kerosene or propane. Now, some people will argue the merits of electrical heaters, but those rely on the power grid, so I tend to immediately discount that option. You want to diversify your heating fuel sources for emergency situations, and that’s propane or kerosene.
Why is propane more readily available?
The main reason is due to the popularity of using propane for gas grills. So many home improvement, grocery stores, convenience stores, etc. have propane tank rental programs.
How long can you store kerosene?
But with kerosene as long as you store it in a quality container and it will be useful for years or even decades. The best way to store a large amount of Kerosene is to get a few large 50-gallon drums ( like this one) with good clamp seals.
Is a propane tank cheap?
But that’s the rub; large-scale propane tanks are not cheap. And used tanks may or may not be in good enough shape to trust. Here’s a screenshot of one website with propane tank prices. Another downside of a large propane tank is that it’s not mobile.
Is propane safe to use in the ground?
While propane is a gas and its fumes are very flammable, if it’s stored in a large propane tank then its safe. The tank and valves are designed to store large amounts of propane above ground in your backyard. It’s low risk. And the propane will keep indefinitely as long as the tank and valves are in good shape.
Do you need a propane tank to store propane?
Plus, to get better pricing on propane, you’ll want to buy your propane in bulk. To do that you’ll need a large propane tank to store it ( more details shortly ).
Differences Between Propane and Kerosene Garage Heaters
The heat content in both units differs, with kerosene fuel having a higher BTU ( British Thermal Unit) rating than propane. Particularly, kerosene produces ~135,000 BTUs per gallon, while propane manages a slightly lower ~91,600 BTUs per gallon.
Propane Heaters
Propane garage heaters are available in various capacities, meaning you can find a unit for your garage no matter how big or small. You’ll also find both portable and stationary models online.
Kerosene Heaters
Kerosene heaters are designed to be used indoors and outdoors, making them versatile for garages and workshops. However, the main advantage of these units, in my eyes, is safety. Namely, kerosene is a liquid, and if it spills, you’ll definitely see it and smell it. Then, it’s easy to just wipe the floor clean, and it’s even easier to find leaks.
Which is Safer: Propane or Kerosene?
Both propane and kerosene heaters use combustion to produce heat, reacting with oxygen from the surrounding air. When these fuels burn, they create various toxic gases, including carbon monoxide. Too much carbon monoxide is a serious health hazard, so it’s very important to keep your garage well-ventilated.
Which is More Accessible: Propane or Kerosene?
In general, propane is more widely available. You can purchase propane tanks from convenience stores, supermarkets, and home improvement retailers. Also, several propane suppliers offer propane tank rentals. You can bring your smaller empty tank back and they will replace it with a full one.
Which is Cheaper: Propane or Kerosene?
The price of fuel is not stable and is affected by various factors, including supply and demand, speculation, and world events. While you may compare prices online, keep in mind that they may differ depending on where you live. In general, though, kerosene is slightly more expensive than propane.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Despite their differences, the choice between the two really boils down to your needs and personal preferences. When deciding between garage heaters, consider the space you need to heat up, the availability of propane or kerosene in your area, and the amount of ventilation in your garage.
What is a kerosene heater?
This type of kerosene heater makes use of a cylinder body type where heated air is forced out into the space that needs heating. It is similar to radiant heat (in the next section) in that it is directional, but the difference is that it warms the air instead of surfaces.
What is the difference between propane and kerosene?
The difference is that propane heaters tend to be either fixed into place or completely portable.
How does a radiant heater work?
Radiant heaters work through the use of reflected infrared heat waves. That means they warm instantly. The only problem is that they project forward, whereas forced-air projects heat in all directions.
What is a radiant heater?
Radiant heaters have a circular wick that transports fuel into the burner unit, which is also known as a catalytic converter . Unlike the forced air heater, which heats the air, this heater heats up surfaces and objects that are nearby. The further away objects are, the longer they take to heat.
What to remember when using a garage heater?
When using either of these garage heaters, the most important thing to remember is that all safety considerations should be met. Make sure they are kept in a position that ensures there will be no fires and inherent danger while in use.
Do kerosene heaters need kerosene?
Kerosene heaters need a certain quality of kerosene to run if you want a clean burn. Keep in mind that the better the grade, the cleaner and more efficient the burn. That saves you money over time and provides better overall heat coverage.
Can you use propane heater in garage?
When used properly, kerosene and propane heaters can keep your garage space nice and warm in even the most frigid of temperatures. For those who enjoy working in their garage throughout the year, it can mean the difference between getting a project done and having to put it on the shelf for the winter.
How much BTU does a kerosene heater have?
The heat from kerosene heater—measured in British thermal units (BTU’s)—starting about 75,000 BTU’s per gallon. Mi-T-M Propane heaters offer BTU’s starting at 18,000 BTU’s per gallon. Therefore, kerosene will keep you warmer under the stars.
How long does a propane heater last?
How long will you need to run the heater? A propane model running off a 20-pound propane cylinder set at low will last for 65 hours and set at high will last for 24 hours. However, if you just need some warmth while you’re tooling around in your garage, you might prefer a kerosene forced air model.
What heaters do I need for a garage?
If you spend a lot of time outdoors or enjoy tinkering in your garage, propane and kerosene heaters from Mi-T-M will help keep you warm. Our heaters come in all different shapes and sizes and we offer dozens of portable heating options. Remember though, all units do require ventilation while in use.
Can you use a heater at a job location?
If you’ll be using a heater at a job location, be sure it will be accessible. Heaters can be used in a variety of situations and locations: for emergency power outages, to heat outdoor events, to keep warm while shoveling snow, in ventilated garages and work areas, on construction sites, and the list goes on and on.
Is a portable heater a good investment?
A portable heater may not be top of your mind, but perhaps it should be. Unless you have a wood-burning fireplace or stove, a heater is always a good investment. To prepare ahead for a loss of power, you should also consider one of our portable generators.
Is propane cheaper than kerosene?
By contrast, propane is cleaner burning and can easily be found at most gas stations and grocery stores. It’s also much cheaper than kerosene.
Is propane or kerosene better for heating?
Kerosene is combustible, burns strongly and offers a strong amount of heat. Yet propane is by far the cleaner-burning of the two fuels and it’s usually much easier to find and buy. Next you’ll want to consider how long each type of heater will keep you warm.
Where should kerosene be stored?
By contrast, kerosene needs to be stored in cool, dry places away from sunlight. It should not be stored outdoors. The ideal place for storing kerosene is a shed, which not everyone has.
How long does propane last?
Propane has an indefinite shelf life, so you don’t have to worry about it going bad. By contrast, kerosene typically does go bad within 2 to 5 years. There are kerosene additives that will extend the shelf life, but these are an additional cost. You can also clean old kerosene fuel, but it might damage your heater.
How many BTUs are in a gallon of propane?
A gallon of kerosene has roughly 135,000 BTUs of potential energy, whereas a gallon of propane has roughly 91,333 BTUs of potential energy.
Do propane heaters need maintenance?
Propane heaters require almost no maintenance at all. They just need to be kept clean and checked for leaks regularly.
Is propane better than kerosene?
When it comes to storing fuel, propane heaters are better than kerosene. Propane tanks can safely be stored outdoors, even in the rain or snow.
Does kerosene go bad?
Fuel going bad: Kerosene will eventually go bad and burn poorly. By contrast, propane never goes bad. When you factor in the cost of kerosene you may need to throw away propane can end up cheaper.
Is kerosene easier to transport than propane?
Kerosene heaters are generally much easier to transport than propane heaters. With propane heaters, you have to transport the heavy, bulky propane tanks. By contrast, it is fairly easy to transport kerosene.
