If you have space in your home that your current heater doesn’t reach, you may want to consider purchasing a propane heater. Propane is a clean and reliable source of energy that has been in use in many cold climates for years. You can use it in many ways, may it be inside your home or outdoors. For outdoor use, a propane heater provides warmth to hunters, campers, and the like as the surrounding air becomes colder and the temperature continues to drop.
An warms up space more effectively and faster, though. It consumes more energy as compared to an electric heater. It comes in different options, namely, portable, radiant, forced-air, and wall-mounted indoor propane heaters.
An indoor propane heater has its advantages, especially during the colder season. However, it’s necessary to know its correct usage first. An indoor propane heater is safe as long as you use it correctly.
Here are some safety tips you need to remember when using an indoor propane heater.
1. Open a Window in the Room You Installed the Heater In
Before switching on your indoor propane heater, check if you have sufficient ventilation by opening a window in your home. It may be ironic that you’re opening your window if the goal is to warm your indoor space. But this step is crucial because you want to ensure that your home is not filled with toxic gas.
Carbon monoxide can be deadly, especially if there are high levels of it indoors. Be wary of the first indications of carbon monoxide poisoning, which are headache and nausea. If you or your family members are experiencing these symptoms but you’re not entirely sure if your heater functions well, immediately open your window to get fresh air. You can also bring everyone in the house outdoors while you’re still trying to detect if there is a leak.
2. Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector
You may need to use a carbon monoxide detector in your home, ideally in the area where you’re using an indoor propane heater.
Opening your window gives adequate fresh air without releasing high levels of heat from the inside. The challenge is that the poisonous gas called carbon monoxide can be odorless. That’s where the importance of a carbon monoxide detector comes in.
Please take note you should replace the batteries and test the detector regularly to keep it in proper working condition.
3. Check if There’s a Gas Leak
Whenever you connect your indoor propane heater to the gas source, always check the connected hoses for possible gas leaks or any damage.
If you can detect or smell gas, apply water with soap to connections among the cylinder, the hoses, and the unit. Check if there’s any bubbling formed and listen attentively if there’s a noise of gas coming out. Also, inspect the cylinder if it’s cold.
After these checks, if you feel a gas leak in the connections or the cylinder, replace your indoor propane heater immediately.
4. Choose an Indoor Propane Heater with a Safety Switch
Choose an indoor heater that is specifically designed to be used inside your home. The heaters that are designed for indoors usually have safety features. An example is that it may have an automatic shut-off feature (if the heater gets accidentally toppled over), a low-oxygen detector feature, and a high-temperature safety guard.
Keep the indoor propane heater away from high traffic areas, such as spaces where your kids or pets like to play. Do not store fuel cylinders close to the indoor heater, especially while the heater is switched on. Always store the propane cylinders outside your home as an additional safety precaution.
Do not install the heater near inflammable items. Be sure to keep your heater a safe distance away from combustible materials like curtains and furniture.
Lastly, do not install it close to the carbon monoxide detector. This way, the detector can provide an accurate reading.
5. Only Use Your Indoor Propane Heater as Needed
Turn your indoor heater off whenever you leave the house. If possible, also consider looking for other heating options to use while sleeping. This way, you have mitigated the risk while saving money and gas. You might also invest in portable propane heaters which are a good option if you don’t want the indoor kind of propane heater or tend to be outdoors a lot.
6. Use Alternative Methods to Keep Your Indoors Warm
An indoor propane heater is not your only remaining choice for a heat source. One alternative option to be used during sleep is an electric blanket. You can put on extra layers of pajamas or more blankets such as quilts if the electric blanket isn’t sufficient to keep you warm through the night. If your feet get cold, put on some socks to keep your feet warm while you sleep.
Conclusion
An indoor propane heater is a reliable source of heat. But there are risks you should remember before you even buy an indoor propane heater for your home. With proper precautions and correct usage, your indoor heater will provide heat in your home safely. Follow the mentioned safety tips. After all, it’s always better to be safe than sorry, especially if you are heating your home in the colder months in your location.
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