answered question
0
Votes
Votes
3
Answers
Answers
M$2.00
Is it safe to use a vent-less propane heater indoors as a primary heat source?
We have been without power in our home for a couple days due to an ice storm. We bought a ventless propane heater to use in our main living space until our power is restored. Is this safe? Are there specific safety precautions we should be taking?
answers (3)
At the very least, get a battery operated carbon monoxide alarm to alert you if carbon monoxide levels reach a dangerous point.
| Asker's rating: |
thanks for your help!
Propane is a form of gasoline, and burning gasoline releases carbon monoxide. Since carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless you will never know if your "vent-less" heater is leaking this toxic fume into your living space or not. I would not take the risk, and if you absolutely have to you should place the death device near an open window so that some amount of fresh air exchange can occur.
It should be ok temporarily if that is all you have in an emergency situation like this, as long as you do not use it for an extended period of time. Ventless heaters were never meant to be a primary source of heat. For the most part they are decorative appliances and secondary sources of heat. It's recommend that you do not keep this heater running all the time. Turn it on for a few hours (or even less), then make sure you shut it off. Turn it on and off, but do not leave it on for several hours, as that can be problematic. Besides, the best air is fresh air, so get outside if you can and bundle up with a warm blanket, opposed to this heater if you can
Ventless heaters that run off propane produce a lot of moisture, which natural gas heaters do not produce. These heaters also produce carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, and a few other trace gases that you shouldn't be breathing in, so it's important that you find other forms of heat, such as a nice worm blanket, or a natural fireplace if you have access to one.
For your health's sake, you should take the proper precautions and try not to stay too close to these heaters for an extended period of time. In fact, some of these heaters are illegal in Canada and some states in the U.S. yet in times of emergency, they may be the only answer.
I'm not a doctor, but I would recommend trying not to breathe in this heat whenever possible, as it may be hazardous. I would also recommend placing this heater near a window so that you can get fresh air, and get fresh air periodically.
You should also make sure you have battery operated CO detector to make certain that you aren't breathing in too much of the carbon monoxide. Check out the source
Ventless heaters that run off propane produce a lot of moisture, which natural gas heaters do not produce. These heaters also produce carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, and a few other trace gases that you shouldn't be breathing in, so it's important that you find other forms of heat, such as a nice worm blanket, or a natural fireplace if you have access to one.
For your health's sake, you should take the proper precautions and try not to stay too close to these heaters for an extended period of time. In fact, some of these heaters are illegal in Canada and some states in the U.S. yet in times of emergency, they may be the only answer.
I'm not a doctor, but I would recommend trying not to breathe in this heat whenever possible, as it may be hazardous. I would also recommend placing this heater near a window so that you can get fresh air, and get fresh air periodically.
You should also make sure you have battery operated CO detector to make certain that you aren't breathing in too much of the carbon monoxide. Check out the source
Related questions
140 characters left
ask any question
If you live in an area that is prone to ice storms and power outages, it might be a good idea to buy (in the summer when they're cheaper) a small generator to run an electric heater and an emergency phone through the night without worry.
I know some folks in the outback of Canada that have installed solar & wind generators that tap right into their fuse panel. When the power goes out, the batteries kick in. The rest of the time, they sell they're unused power back to Ontario Hydro. They're never without power and their overly expensive energy bills are reduced the rest of the year. It takes them about 3 years for the investment in this equipment to pay for itself.
All the best to you and your family Demanda. Best wishes and good luck weathering the storm.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000TGDGLU
The propane heater will keep you warm, but prolonged use will leave a yucky residue on nearby surfaces.
I hope your power is restored soon!