A Personal And Wise Investment

In the fall of 2008, I bought one new and one used convection heater after suffering a power outage in the winter of 2007, which as of a consequence caused personal heartache when my home suffered substantial damage due to water pipes freezing and then bursting. However, since learning from my costly lesson my heater investments proved their worth last winter. Living in a remote rural area, my family and I witnessed one of the harshest winters that we had ever seen. After heavy snow and drifting caused power lines to fall, we were left isolated for 9 days and without electricity with temperatures outside failing to rise above freezing during the day. However, we fired up our used kerosene heater, which did an excellent job of keeping us warm and also prevented our plumbing from freezing. The new heater was kept as standby.

Radiant Kerosene Heaters

A radiant kerosene heater emits heat in one direction and can therefore be safely placed against walls. These appliances are ideal for small spaces and apartments and have a fuel tank capacity of approximately 1 gallon that provides fuel for heating that will last between 10 and 15 hours. Unlike a convection indoor kerosene heater, most new radiant heaters do not frequently require to be turned on and off as they are thermostatically controlled and will turn off when the desired temperature is reached. Some radiant indoor kerosene heaters are installed with an electric fan that circulates the warm air around the room to help prevent cold spots and, for safety reasons, have a timer that will shutdown the heater after approximately 3 hours of use. If there is a power outage, a radiant heater will still work without the electric fan.

Convection Kerosene Heaters

A convection heater emits its heat centrally by reflecting heat from the burner component into the heating space by bouncing the infrared radiation off a curved metal plate. A convection kerosene heater requires a space of at least 3 feet from any combustible materials and most new models come with a safety guard to help prevent objects from entering the heater and are ideal for heating large homes, garages, workshops and barns. A new convection indoor kerosene heater will usually have a starter that is energised by batteries, which make them very simple to use. On average this type of heater will emit heat for 8 to 12 hours on one gallon of fuel. One drawback of the convection heater is that the heated space may become too hot and since there is no thermostatic control, the appliance will have to be manually turned off and then restarted when required.

Forced Air Kerosene Heaters

As their name suggests, a forced air kerosene heater forces heated air over large areas such as workshops and commercial applications etc. These machines are energy efficient and are capable of emitting heat from 50,000BTU’s per hour right up to 500,000+BTU’s per hour. A forced air indoor heater are constructed from heavy duty materials and comprise different safety features when compared to a domestic indoor heater. Naturally, a forced air indoor heater will require a constant source of kerosene fuel to provide the required heat emission levels expected from it.

In conclusion, the kerosene heater is a superb secondary source of heating when your primary source is not available. However, the heaters are not without dangers but if used appropriately and as per the manufacturer’s instructions then a kerosene heater should never present a significant problem or danger to the user. It is always better to use fresh kerosene fuel in an indoor heater to prevent lighting and operation problems. You should always consider the pros and cons when comparing a radiant and convector heaters before purchasing one for your needs.

Carbon monoxide can the restrain the blood’s capability of transporting vital oxygen to body tissues including the brain and heart. When CO is breathed in, carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) is produced, as the blood absorbs the toxic gas. However, when CO is combined with hemoglobin, hemoglobin is then unable to carry any further oxygen.

CO is measured in parts per million (PPM). The amount of COHb in the blood depends on the amount of CO inhaled and the amount of time exposed to CO. COHb has a long half-life of approximately 5 hours that increases the exposure of CO. In essence, what this means is that whatever the level of COHb in the blood, it will require around 5 hours to reduce the level of carboxyhemoglobin by fifty percent after exposure to CO has ended.

The table below demonstrates the symptoms associated with different amounts of COHb concentrations.

Carboxyhemoglobin levels are very difficult to evaluate outside of scientific or medical surroundings. However, since the toxicity levels of carbon monoxide within the air are expressed in PPM, together with the duration of exposure to CO, the symptoms associated with different amounts of CO concentrations are shown in the table below.

As demonstrated in the above table, depending on the exposure to CO, symptoms differ and will also be affected by the age and well being of the individual. It must be noted however that, from the table, the most significant recognition of carbon monoxide poisoning is headache, light-headedness and sickness. Unfortunately, people often mistake these symptoms for flu, which often result in an incorrect diagnosis and consequential delay in the correct treatment.

Although manufacturers of kerosene or similar heaters do their utmost to produce a heating appliance that is efficient and clean burning in operation, you must never forget the potential dangers associated with carbon monoxide poisoning. It makes sense to read and adhere to the safety rules contained within the manufacturer’s instructions or user manual and for additional safety, purchase and use a carbon monoxide detector whenever using a kerosene heater indoors.

Unpacking The Heater From The Shipping Box

If your appliance is packaged then gently take the heater out of its shipping box and carefully remove all packaging materials such as foam, cardboard, paper and plastic etc., and store them in the box as you will may need these again to repack the appliance ready for storage. Some manufacturers provide a repackaging diagram. Next correctly install the heater’s protective grill according to your user instructions or manual. Under no circumstances should you ever operate an appliance without the protective grill. Insert new batteries in the battery compartment. Always remove batteries if the appliance is not in use or before storing.

Always Fuel Or Refuel Kerosene Heaters Outdoors

Before fuelling or refuelling a kerosene heater, take it outdoors on your drive or path before doing so, as this will prevent potential and dangerous fume accumulations and damage to décor through fuel spillage. Ideally you should only use fresh K1 kerosene. Do not use fuel that might be contaminated with water or other fuels etc, as this may cause ignition problems, fires or explosions. Carefully transfer the fuel from the kerosene storage container to the fuel tank on your appliance using the siphon pump that came with your heater. Once the fuel tank gauge registers full stop filling and replace the fuel tank cap securely.

Allow The Wick To Soak

If the appliance is new then after fuelling make the first light of your heater outside of your home. This will allow any protective oils to burn off without making a smell inside. Using the wick adjustment control knob, lower the wick to its lowest setting by turning the control anticlockwise. Allow up to 60 minutes for the wick to become soaked in kerosene. During this time, both you and your family should understand the safe use of the appliance by thoroughly reading the user instructions or manual.

Igniting The Heater

After allowing the wick to soak, move the wick to its maximum height by gently turning the wick adjustment control knob clockwise. To enable the glowing igniter to make contact with the wick, depress the ignition lever. After confirming the wick has lit by looking through the access window, carefully release the ignition lever, which will then lower the burn chamber over the wick. To ensure the burner is correctly located over the wick adjuster, move the burner control lever, found inside the access door, from side to side several times. Smoke and soot might be produced if the burner is not correctly located. The flame within the heater should gradually build for 15 to 20 minutes.

The Correct Flame Size

If the flame becomes too tall consult your user instructions or manual to adjust the wick, and therefore the flame, to the correct height. Again, consult your user instructions or manual to obtain the correct flame size and appearance for proper and effective operation. Unfortunately, with convection kerosene heaters, the amount of heat produced by these appliances cannot be controlled by simply reducing the height of the wick. A heater operating for long periods with a wick that is too low may affect its overall performance, produce dangerous carbon monoxide and eventually ruin the wick.

Always Periodically Check Your Heater

Once running, convection kerosene heaters should be checked periodically (consult your user instructions or manual for further information) for correct burner operation. Under no circumstances should an appliance be left operating whilst unattended. Ensure that your appliance is always turned off before going to work or to sleep.

Turning Off The Appliance

Since convection kerosene heaters heat output cannot be controlled, once the space heated has become warm enough then the flame can be extinguished by pushing down the manual shut-off knob whilst holding the wick adjustment control knob (see your user instructions or manual for further details). After several minutes and before leaving the heater unattended visually inspect and confirm the flame is completely extinguished by making observations through the access door.

An old but well maintained heater will provide heat for many years. A common problem faced with wicks is fuel contamination. Poor fuel quality including the presence of water will detrimentally affect the performance of a wick and consequently the operation and efficiency of a kerosene heater, which may include bad odors, poor flame shape, soot deposits and dangerous carbon monoxide. Below, are a few tips in the maintenance of kerosene heater wicks.

Replace Wicks With Genuine Or CUI Branded Wicks

We strongly recommend that any defective wick is replaced using a genuine or CUI branded quality wick of the correct type and size recommended by the maker of the indoor kerosene heater. Wick replacement part numbers can be usually found in the users instructions or manual. Using a non-specific replacement wick may cause problems, for example, poor ignition and ineffective operation.

Poor Quality Wicks Will Often Lead To Problems

Cheap wicks are often constructed of poor and thin materials that permit vaporized fuel to pass through without burning, which will eventually start to overwork the heater’s catalytic converter and begin to emit very strong odors into the area been heated. Unfortunately, many people often mistake the performance of a cheap kerosene heater wick and the consequential odors with that of contaminated fuel.

Burning Dry A Glass Fiber Wick

We suggest that after each use of the kerosene heater, glass fiber wicks are visually inspected to discover whether or not ‘tar balls’ are present. If they are then the wick can be ‘burned dry’ to remove the deposits and improve efficiency. A further indication requiring the wick to be burned dry is when it becomes difficult to raise and lower. Please note, burning dry of cotton wicks must not be carried out as they will simply be destroyed.

To burn dry a glass fiber wick, first move the appliance outdoors and empty any kerosene from the heater’s fuel tank into an approved storage container. Then light the heater normally and allow it to burn all of the fuel held within the wick until the flame extinguishes. Once completed, the wick will be ready for further action. Unfortunately, there maybe occasions when deposits on the wick are too large for removal by burning dry the wick and will require a new kerosene heater wick replacement.

How Long Will It Take To Burning Dry A Wick?

Depending on the size of a convection kerosene heaters, it may take up to one hour to burn dry the wick. However, after removing a fuel tank from a radiant heater there will be fuel left in the sump and depending upon the size of the appliance, it could take up to three hours to burn dry the wick.

How Frequently Should A Wick Be Burn Dry?

There are numerous issues that determine when a heater wick should be burn dry. A heater using K-1 clear kerosene with a new or almost new wick should be allowed to consume a minimum of 30 gallons of fuel before requiring to be burn dry. Unfortunately, fuel containing a red dye can hide a lot of problems. Therefore, it would be wise to use 15 gallons of fuel before burning dry the wick. Wicks used with inferior quality dyed fuel may require burning dry after every 5 to 10 gallons of fuel consumed.

Always consult your user instructions or manual before dry burning any heater wick.

Skin Injury

Superficial or serious first and second degree burns can be caused by accidentally exposing the skin and hair in direct contact with or in very close proximity to the appliance when running or through personal clothing, that is combustible, which ignites and burns after coming in contact with the heater. Family pets like dogs and cats must be also kept a safe distance away from the appliance along with any young children.

Combustible Materials

Combustible household materials like curtains, blinds, coverings and furniture may catch fire if the heater is located too close to them. Care must also be taken not tilt or knock over a heater when running as fuel may spill and ignite. Keep all pressurized cylinders and tins away from a heater as these may expand and explode when heated. Never place an appliance in an area, like an automobile workshop, where combustible fumes might be present. To prevent a build up of potential combustible fumes inside the heated area that may ignite and cause an explosion, never refuel a kerosene heater indoors. Never refuel a hot appliance – always allow sufficient time for it to cool. Explosions can also occur if the wrong type of fuel oil is used with a kerosene heater, for example, if gasoline is used as an alternative.

Carbon Monoxide

Kerosene is a fossil fuel and requires sufficient oxygen to burn correctly. If a kerosene heater is operated in a small area or where there is insufficient ventilation, then oxygen levels will become dangerously low. This in turn will then lead to incomplete burning of the fuel resulting in the emission of carbon monoxide. Being a colorless, tasteless and odourless gas, carbon monoxide cannot be physically detected by any human sensory organs. This toxic gas inhibits the blood’s capability to carry oxygen to body tissues including critical organs such as the heart and brain. When carbon monoxide is inhaled, it combines with the oxygen transporting hemoglobin of the blood to create carboxyhemoglobin. Once united with the hemoglobin, that hemoglobin is no longer available for carrying oxygen resulting in serious health complications or even death.

Further Products Of Combustion

Along with carbon monoxide, further products of combustion are also emitted into the heated area, which consist of sulphur dioxide, carbon dioxide and nitrogen dioxide gases. Consequently, people such as children, the elderly, asthmatics, pregnant women and persons with heart problems might be vulnerable to the effects of these additional products of combustion.

You should never underestimate the potential dangers of an indoor kerosene heater. Always be conscious of the risks associated with these heating appliances and under no circumstances should you ever become complacent in their use.

How Should I Store The Fuel For My Heater?

Kerosene should be stored in containers that are constructed for the purposes of holding this particular fuel and be marked appropriately. You must never use old engine oil tins, plastic containers, and gas cans as cross contamination will occur which may possibly cause heater problems including fires and explosions.

As with may fuel oils, the constituent materials of kerosene will began to breakdown and condensate will also occur within the storage container if stored for long periods. Since fuel oil is derived from fossil fuels, molds and bacteria can live in and also feed on the fuel. This will eventually, especially in warmer weather, start turning to sludge inside the storage container, which will affect the viscosity and makeup of the fuel. Using fuel in this state may lead to poor burning that may consequently cause bad odors, soot, carbon monoxide and kerosene heater component failure. We recommend storing oil fuel no longer than 4 to 12 weeks. In essence, always try to buy fresh fuel and discard any aged fuel responsibly.

Is There Any Way Of Telling If My Fuel Is Contaminated?

Checking the viability of your fuel is simple. Since water is heavier than kerosene, any water present in the fuel will settle to the bottom of the storage container. Using a small siphon, take a sample of the fuel from the bottom of storage container and place in a small clear glass jar. After about one hour, check the contents of the jar. If there appears to be air bubbles at the bottom of the fuel sample than this indicates that they are not air bubbles but water particles. Floating solid matter also point towards contamination. Any yellowish appearance or other discoloration of the kerosene sample also indicates contamination. Unfortunately, if you use fuel that contains a red dye then this may hamper your inspection. If in doubt, always buy fresh fuel.

Conclusion

Fuel for kerosene heaters must be fresh as possible, stored correctly in new, approved containers, appropriately labelled and kept in a cool place and away from strong sunlight. The fuel itself must be clear, apart from dyed fuel, and have no visible water particles, dissolved or solid matter within it. You should never use fuel in a heating appliance that has become contaminated, has been stored in direct light or subjected to heat or stored for a very long time. Always read your heating appliance’s user instructions or manual for further information on the storage and use of kerosene. Your safety and the safety of your family are paramount.

Sengoku CV-2230 KeroHeat Convection Portable Kerosene Heater

Whilst temperatures plunge and energy costs continue to mushroom, the Sengoku CV-2230 KeroHeat Convection Portable Kerosene Heater provides an economical and alternative way of warming your home and other interior areas.

This kerosene heater from Sengoku of Japan is a dependable and easy to use convection indoor kerosene heater that emits 23,000Btu (6.86Kw) of heat, warming rooms of up to 110 square yards (1000 square feet). This unit can hold 1.9 gallons (7.19 liters) of 1K kerosene fuel, which can be observed using the integral fuel gauge, and will provide heat for approximately 10 to 12 hours between refills.

Sengoku CV-2230 Kerosene Heater Safety Features

There is no need for matches to light the heater, which is thanks to the unit’s automatic ignition system. A unique feature of the Sengoku CV-2230 KeroHeat Convection Portable Kerosene Heater is the automatic safety shut-off that prevents the spread of the heater flame should the unit be accidentally tipped over when in use. To further protect users, a protective guard surrounds the body of these kerosene heaters.

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Sengoku CV-2230 KeroHeat Is A Practical Heating Alternative

These indoor kerosene heaters measure approximately 18¾in (47.6cm) wide x 18¾in (47.6cm) deep x 27in (68.6cm) high and weighs around 28lbs (12.7Kg) with an empty fuel tank. This indoor kerosene heater is a superb secondary source of heat in the event of power outages during storms or can be used to simply provide warmth on cool days in large rooms, rooms with vaulted ceilings and other areas that are poorly insulated such as garages, workshops and cabins etc.

This cost-effective and UL listed kerosene heater comes complete with batteries, a fuel siphon pump, bi-lingual (English & Spanish) packaging and instructions and a limited two year warranty from the manufacturer.

Specifications & Features At A Glance

• Manufacturer: Sengoku
• Model Number: CV-2230
• Heater Type: Portable convection
• Fuel Type: Kerosene
• Heat Output: 23,000Btu (6.86Kw)
• Heated Area: Up to 1000 sq ft (92 sq m)
• Heating Hours: Up to 12 hours per fuelling
• Ignition: Push button
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 1.9 gallons (7.19 liters)
• Auto Safety Shut Off: Yes
• Size: 18¾ins (47.6cm) wide x 18¾ins (47.6cm) deep x 27ins (68.6cm) high
• Net Weight: 28lbs (12.7Kg)

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Kero World KW-11F Radiant Portable Kerosene Heater

On a freezing winters night, the addition of a Kero World KW-11F Radiant Portable Kerosene Heater can provide a cost-effective and localized way of heating your living area or other parts of your home.

This superb heater from Kero World is a reliable and easy to operate radiant indoor kerosene heater which produces 10,000Btu (2.93Kw) of heat that is capable of heating areas of up to 46 square yards (420 square feet). The cartridge fuel tank on this particular unit can hold 1 gallon (3.78 liters) of kerosene fuel and provide, on average, 12 hours of heat before refilling.

Kero World KW-11F Kerosene Heater Safety Features

The automatic ignition system on the Kero World KW-11F Radiant Portable Kerosene Heater provides a simple method of lighting the unit without the risk and inconvenience of using of matches. The cartridge fuel tank can be removed and taken outside for safe and easy refuelling. A protective steel cage at the front of the heater provides an extra element of safety.

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Kero World KW-11F Radiant Heater Is A Great Emergency Heat Source

Measurements of these indoor kerosene heaters are approximately 22.3in (56.6cm) wide x 11.9in (30.2cm) deep x 19.3in (49cm) high and they weigh around 25lbs (11.3Kg) with no fuel in the tank. This indoor kerosene heater is a great source of localized heat in the event of an emergency due to a primary heat source breakdown or electricity failure or it can be used to simply provide heat on cooler days within rooms in your home and other areas that are inadequately insulated like small garages, workshops and cabins etc.

This UL listed and economical kerosene heater is complete with 2 x D batteries, a fuel pump, instructions and a limited two-year warranty from the manufacturer.

Specifications & Features At A Glance

• Manufacturer: Kero World
• Model Number: KW-11F
• Heater Type: Portable radiant
• Fuel Type: Kerosene
• Heat Output – 10,000Btu (2.93Kw)
• Heated Area – up to 420 sq ft (39 sq m)
• Heating Hours – up to 14 hours per fuelling
• Ignition – push button
• Fuel Tank Capacity – 1 gallon (3.78 liters)
• Auto Safety Shut Off – yes
• Size – 22.3ins (56.6cm) wide x 11.9ins (30.2cm) deep x 27ins (49cm) high
• Net Weight – 25lbs (11.3Kg)

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Sengoku Heat Mate Portable Convection Kerosene Heater

Even during the harshest of winter weather during the day or night, the Sengoku Heat Mate Portable Convection Kerosene Heater (Model number HMHC-2230) produces enough heat to warm your living area or other parts of your home that is both cost-effective and dependable.

This kerosene heater from Sengoku of Japan is a dependable and easy to use convection heater that delivers 22,300Btu (6.53Kw) of heat, heating internal areas of up to 100 square yards (900 square feet). This portable heater has a fuel tank capacity of 1.9 gallons (7.19 liters) and runs on 1-K kerosene, which will allow it to operate for period of 8 to 12 hours before a refill is required.

Sengoku Heat Mate Kerosene Heater Safety Features

This kerosene heater is equipped with an automatic ignition system (requires 2 x D Cell batteries) and therefore does not require a naked flame from matches etc., to ignite it. A further feature of the Sengoku Heat Mate Portable Convection Kerosene Heater is the automatic safety shut-off that helps avoid the potentially dangerous increase of the heater flame should the portable heater be inadvertently tipped over when in operation. To further protect users, a guard surrounds the body of these kerosene heaters to help prevent accidental burns and reduces the risk of any nearby combustible materials from catching fire.

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Sengoku Heat Mate Is A Useful Heating Option

This indoor kerosene heater measure approximately 18¾in (47.6cm) wide x 18¾in (47.6cm) deep x 26in (66cm) high and weighs approximately 28lbs (12.7Kg) with a fully drained fuel tank. This convection heater is an excellent secondary source of heat in the event that electricity is cut by stormy weather or it can be used to offer warmth on cold days and nights in large areas such as rooms with high roofs and other areas that are inadequately insulated like workshops, garages and cabins etc.

These UL listed and economical kerosene heaters come complete with batteries, user instructions and a limited two-year warranty from Sengoku.

Specifications & Features At A Glance

• Manufacturer: Sengoku
• Model Number – HMHC-2230
• Heater Type: Portable convection
• Fuel Type: Kerosene
• Heat Output – 22,300Btu (6.53Kw)
• Heated Area – up to 900 sq ft (92 sq m)
• Heating Hours – up to 12 hours per fuelling
• Ignition – push button
• Fuel Tank Capacity – 1.9 gallons (7.19 liters)
• Auto Safety Shut Off – yes
• Size – 18¾ins (47.6cm) wide x 18¾ins (47.6cm) deep x 26ins (66cm) high
• Net Weight – 28lbs (12.7Kg)

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