A kerosene heater is a convenient portable heating device fueled by kerosene. It is very useful for people living in colder climates, especially during power outages. Using a kerosene heater is cost-effective since it keeps your electricity bill down. That’s why it’s important to find the best kerosene heater for indoor use.
However, there are safety considerations that must be remembered when using it. When using a kerosene heater, you may find the its downside affecting the quality of air supply of the room it’s in. No worries, in this article, you will find a handy guide on how to light a kerosene heater safely and correctly.
Filling up with fuel
If you’re using a kerosene heater, you will need to choose the right fuel. 1-K Kerosene is a fuel grade that burns safely and odorless. Some heaters will require a specific type of fuel that you will need to comply with. Once you have a fuel, find and remove the fuel cap that is usually at the heater’s base. Fill up the container and make sure not to overfill it. It is advisable to do this outdoors for safety. If you spill any fuel, wash the area carefully.
Once there’s enough fuel in the device, put back the cap on and turn off the heater for an hour. This will allow the wick to be thoroughly soaked by the fuel. Remember to check your device’s manual if there’s specific time to let it sit. After an hour, turn on the heater.
Lighting the heater using automatic ignition button
An automatic ignition button is located at the bottom of most heaters. It is a tiny horizontal lever that will spark the wick when pushed down. Push down the button to activate the igniter that will light the wick. Then, adjust the flames by rotating the wick knob until the flames reach a height of 0.5 inches. Too much flame height will produce too much smoke and residue. Too low can cause accidental burning and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Lighting the heater using a match
To use a match, you need to open the body of the heater. Then, lift the burn chamber to expose the wick. Light the match and place it near the wick. Be cautious not to burn yourself when doing this step. Do not get too close inside the heater, just enough to light the wick. After lighting the wick, adjust the flame height of 0.5 inches. It can be adjusted like the automatic ignition system. Close the heater door and you have the heater running.
Kerosene heaters have advantages and disadvantages in its uses. Overall, it is a good back up source for heating but must be used with extreme caution to avoid accidents. Remember to check on the flame’s height every now and then to make sure that everything’s in order. It’s better to refill it outdoors for safety, and much more ideal to check your heater’s manual for a more in-depth guide on how to use it.
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