Q&A: Are propane space heaters safe?
I'm considering getting a propane or kerosene space heater to try to save on heating costs this winter. Any concerns about these heaters?
Propane and kerosene heaters produce a lot of heat, but there are safety issues associated with these units, as we found during our lab tests of two propane and two kerosene last year. For more details, read this story on the safety risks.
If you're in the market for a space heater, read our latest report and refer to our ratings (available to subscribers).
Essential information: Discover easy ways to save energy in the October 2008 issue of Consumer Reports, which also features an in-depth look at the Energy Star program and a review of tankless water heaters.
Posted by: Bricescreek | Sep 19, 2008 8:48:50 AM
Back in the 70's I awoke one cold October night thinking I was having a heart attack, even though I was around 25 years old at the time. I had chest pains, trouble catching my breath. I woke my wife, we got dressed quickly and proceeded to have her drive me to the nearest hospital. The cool air quickly refreshed me and I began feeling better on the long drive. My wife started having similar symptoms, shortness of breath, etc. We changed seats, I drove on for awhile until she said she felt better. We turned around and went back home. That's when it hit me: We had just moved into a 1895 log cabin and I had started a propane heater in our bedroom to take the chill off the bedroom, leaving it turned on low while we slept, thinking there was enough air leaking through the ancient single pane windows to provide plenty of fresh air. The heater was off when I was awakened, out of fuel, but it had gobbled up most of the oxygen in the bedroom as we slept. We had had carbon monoxide poisoning. That heater was the culprit!
After that incident, I remember reading most winters about small groups of hunters being found dead in their campers from using a flame-based heater like ours.
Take heed: DO NOT use these heaters without at least cracking a window open before going to sleep! We were lucky to be alive.