kerosene and liquid-fueled heaters

Liquid-fueled heaters – fueled by kerosene, paraffin, tozane and similar fuels– should be used carefully and are non-recommendable for enclosed areas. Since they are unvented, they deplete the air of enclosed rooms, and can be very unclean and also unsafe.

These heaters have a wick that soaks up kerosene, extra-paraffin or other fuel from a refillable tank.

Alternatives

There are several alternatives to liquid-fueled space heaters, depending on your needs and goals.

Electric space heaters are good alternatives for smaller needs. In cold climates they can be a good alternative for zone heating strategies and for well insulated homes.

New-efficient gas stoves and pellet stoves can also be a better alternative, if you want a heating unit with larger capacities than electric heaters.

New direct-vent gas furnaces is another good alternative, in this case for more demanding uses...

Safety

Liquid-fueled heaters deplete the air (they are unvented) of enclosed rooms, releasing unwanted combustion pollutants, particulates, nitrogen oxides, etc., which are prejudicial to human health. Some states have banned these heaters in home’s heating.

Do not ever use gasoline or not approved fuels in these heaters, and do not fill the heater if it is yet hot. Use also approved containers for the particular fuel you are using, without keeping them indoors. Do not overfill these containers.

And never underestimate regular annual professional inspection.

Uses

Liquid-fueled heaters are mainly used to heat larger unconditioned areas such as basements and garages.

See: Space heaters & Safety

Capacity

Kerosene, paraffin and tozane heaters are powerful units (the most powerful are used for commercial and industrial uses). Top heaters have at least 5.000 Watts/15.000 BTU minimum capacity (broadly the double of the most powerful electric heaters).

Prices

Liquid-fueled heaters are more expensive than most other space heaters. The price range (for the home market) is fairly large, but most are in the range of $250 to $500 … Lower prices mean smaller capacities and fewer features.

Advantages

Kerosene and other liquid-fueled heaters are powerful units, able to warm up large areas (they are often too powerful to be used only to heat a room).

Disadvantages

Besides being unsafe and unhealthy in room’s heating, kerosene and liquid-fueled heaters demand a relatively high initial investment, and can be noisy and unclean (though modern units provide a largely odorless and silent operation).

Features

Most modern units are now equipped with safety sensors (systems with auto shut-down), special fans for a silent operation (most kerosene heaters are of radiant type), programmable thermostats, digital temperature control, etc. Though these features make liquid-fueled space heaters more safe, they do not change the overall picture.

Modern units offer warranties of 2-3 years or more.