Cooperative Living September 2016 - 13

EnergyROI | by Tom Tate, Contributing Writer
Use Kerosene Space Heaters Correctly
L
ike it or not, we have to start preparing
for whatever Old Man Winter has
planned. There will be lots to do getting
the home front buttoned up. Caulking,
weather-stripping, installing storm windows
and/or doors, tuning-up the furnace (see tips
on page 10), cleaning chimneys, and so forth.
One activity you might be involved with is
taking that kerosene-fueled space heater out
of mothballs and getting it ready for action.
Kerosene heaters abound and features and
functions will vary by model, manufacturer
and age of the heater. So, with the heater out
of storage, it is time to get it ready for action.
My advice is to get the manual that came
with the heater and follow the maintenance
instructions. If you cannot find your manual,
this handy site offers dozens of manuals, and
conveniently, also offers replacement parts:
www.kerosene-wicks.com/kerosene-heatermanuals.htm.
For
example, the manual for the Kero-sun
Omni 105 recommends attending to the
condition of the wick, wick adjuster, air tube
and igniter. The manual spells out a pretty
specific process for prepping the wick and
for replacing it if needed. It next directs you
to scrape any tar or deposits off the top of the
wick adjuster and air tube. Using a soft cloth,
remove all dust and other debris. And then
check the igniter for proper operation. If it is
not working, remove it to see if the coil is
broken or otherwise damaged.
Now that your heater is polished, tuned,
and ready for duty, refresh yourself and your
family on safe operation. Number one in
safety is this: Never operate any heater that
burns a fuel in a confined space. ALWAYS
provide for proper ventilation. Carbon
monoxide is a killer. Odorless and colorless,
the only indication that you are being
exposed is a headache, if you are lucky. Don't
take a chance; ventilate, ventilate, ventilate.
Placement - Make sure the heater is
placed on a level surface for stability, keeping
it 3 feet away from walls, drapes, furniture
and any combustible material. Avoid
placement in drafty spaces as drafts can
cause uneven burning and other issues. You
might also want to place it so children and
others are not likely to touch or run into it
and burn themselves.
Fuel - Only use water-clear ASTM K-1
kerosene (per the Kero-sun manual ... your
heater may have different requirements).
Never fuel or refill inside the home, and
never when the heater is still hot. Mixing fuel
and a hot device is a recipe for burns and
accidents. Avoid overfilling or filling to the
very top with cold kerosene. As the heater
operates, the kerosene will warm, expand
and potentially overflow.
Never use any fuel other than kerosene.
While the Kero-sun manual was not
specific on the reasons, I suspect they
include the risk of explosions, the heater
burning way too hot, and generally
bad outcomes.
Kerosene heaters provide a nice, toasty
heat and, properly used, are quite safe.
Follow the instructions for your heater and
you'll have a nice, warm winter. A great
return on your energy investment!
Oh, by the way, in case something turns
the heater into a fire, you do have a class B
extinguisher handy, right? If not, visit this
website: www.femalifesafety.org/types-ofextinguishers.html.

www.co-opliving.com
September 2016 | Cooperative Living | 11
http://www.kerosene-wicks.com/kerosene-heater http://www.femalifesafety.org/types-of http://www.co-opliving.com
Cooperative Living September 2016

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