Q – You wrote about space heaters a couple of issues ago, but I just got a new kerosene heater to help warm my shop area.
I should have asked before I made the purchase, but are kerosene heaters good?
Walter in Decatur
- Never use gasoline in your kerosene heater. I know that sounds stupid, but you would be surprised.
A – Kerosene space heaters work fine as long as you keep a few safety tips in mind:
- Only use 1-K kerosene. You should purchase it from a dealer who can certify that it is 1-K grade kerosene. Also, keep your kerosene in a sealed blue container and mark ‘kerosene’ clearly on it.
- Don’t fill the fuel tank beyond the full mark. Kerosene expands as the fuel warms and a too full tank can spill and cause a fire.
- Don’t refuel the heater while it is running or hot. Always refuel heater outside.
One more thing – if a flare-up or uncontrolled flaming occurs, do not attempt to move the heater. If it has a manual shut-off switch, activate the switch and turn off the heater. Do not attempt to extinguish a kerosene-heater fire with water or blankets. If the switch doesn’t extinguish the flame, leave the area and call the fire department.