Paraffin Heaters

When the power goes off it is good to have a paraffin heater. They are portable and can be used for a temporary source of heat. In Australia and the Untied States paraffin heaters are known as kerosene heaters. Alternative heaters are known as a laser heater, which can be powered by kerosene and has many of the safety features often not found in paraffin heaters.

Most paraffin heaters have a round wick that is incorporated into a burner unit. This is usually set above the paraffin tank. Once the wick is lighted, it will produce flames into the unit. Most wicks of paraffin heaters are made of fiberglass and will draw the fuel from the tank. Most burners of paraffin heaters are designed to be used with oxygen and the paraffin (kerosene) to ignite the flames from the wick. This will keep the wick burning.

The higher the flame on paraffin heaters the warmer the room will be. The flame height can be regulated by raising or lowering the exposed wick. To put out the flame, just lower the wick into the burner. The wick of paraffin heaters are usually lighted with a battery operated igniter, such as a candle match. If all else fails you can use regular matches.

There are a few disadvantages on using paraffin heaters; number one is the carbon monoxide poisoning. Others would be the combustible products that will get into the air. This could be soot, carbon dioxide. These are very dangerous and safety should be instilled in anyone using these paraffin heaters.

If not properly maintained or improperly fueled paraffin heaters they will release way too much carbon monoxide, which can be a deadly killer. In older homes that are not ventilated well, this can increase the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. Many have permanently fixed paraffin heaters that are usually in the walls with a flue gas vent. The combustion gases are allowed to go outside not stay inside the home.

Paraffin heaters should never be left alone while it is still lit. They are a fire hazard and could catch on fire and destroy the entire house. They should not be used in garages as there might be flammable vapors that could ignite the paraffin heaters. Always keep children and animals away from the heater. Never refuel the heater while it is on or hot.

Always use a high grade of kerosene to fill paraffin heaters. To fill them with gasoline or stove fuel used for camp stoves will pose a fire hazard as these gases flare up so easily.

Modern day paraffin heaters are so much safer than the old ones. There are many different styles and types of paraffin heaters on the market today. Some are equipped with a twenty four hour programmable timer and thermostatic control to keep the room toasty.

There is a shut off value if the temperature should get too high. If a programmable paraffin heater is set at a certain heat, say about five degrees higher than the room temperature it will shut off automatically. There are child safety locks and an anti freeze setting. If the paraffin heaters should turn over, there is also an automatic switch that will turn off the heater.

Always use paraffin heaters cautiously, follow the instructions to the letter. You will have a safe and warm room if you do so.