Simple Emergency Heating - Kerosene Heaters

[@kibblenbits]

The one you have(23,800 BTU)heats up to 1k sq ft, and has about a 1.9 gallon tank(you get about 12 hrs of run time). The smaller rectangular one(10000 BTU) heats up to 500 sq ft. and has about a gallon tank(you get about 14 hrs of run time). Kerosene can be stored(if you store correctly, in a sealed container, in a cool, dry, dark place)for up to about 5 years, with no additives. I've used both models for over 40 years, the small one for supplemental heat and the large one for the whole house, when power goes out. I buy my K-1 from TSC and it now comes in 5 gallon grey, sealed and marked cans(you will want to use a fuel filter funnel, cost about $20., when you're pumping the kerosene into the heater tank, to omit any condensation, as that can cause problems with your wick and the burn). I still have my blue cans, but it's hard to find K-1 at gas stations anymore, where I live. Some gas stations sell the dyed off road fuel(called red diesel sometimes and doesn't have the shelf life of K-1)and while it will work and is cheaper, it is harder on your wick, more smoke(when starting and stopping), smells more and will make you change the wick more often. I change my wick's once a year(sometimes every 2 years on the big heater, depending on how often it was used in a particular year), but I do use the small one a lot more during the winter's here in rural, northern Michigan. I keep a minimum of 3 new wick's per heater on hand, as you never know when it's going to be hard to get them. I like the small heater best, because of the removable tank, but I don't turn it off on the front(that's actually an emergency shut off, which I use only on the big heater). If I need to shut off the small one, before the tank runs dry, I pull the tank and let the heater use up what's in the bottom, turning the wick to high, as the flame goes down, so it burns off buildup on the wick(they no longer sell cotton top wicks, so you can't trim them anymore, they're now fiberglass topped, cotton bottom). I also don't shut off the small one(although instructions say you should), if I need to refill and keep it running, as I can pull the tank, refill it and put it back in the heater, as it continues to run. Can't do that with the big one either, since the tank is not removable. If I only used my heater's intermittently 2-3 months a year, I would change the wick every 2-3 years, or when you start getting more smoke when starting, or turning the unit off. Also, I never use the electric starter, that requires batteries in the back of the unit, as the electric start is well known to fail on these units. I just use wood kitchen matches, which is quicker and easier. I always open the nearest window to the unit about 2 inches, while it's running. Always remember to ventilate and to have a CM detector!(I've never had one go off). Hope this is helpful to someone who is new to this type of heater.

[@resoluteoutdoors]

Thank you for all the great information!

[@Johnchico-xz7qk]

Thanks for your information 👍

[@daviddenson3324]

OK, so....why does the smaller tank have longer run time? Because it throws out less BTUs?

[@wemcal]

Great video..they are wonderful heat sources…

[@resoluteoutdoors]

I believe that they are so undervalued.

[@wemcal]

@@resoluteoutdoors They sell out quickly and kerosene sales in the hardware stores… lots of people have them and it seems like they only get attention during emergencies… I was surprised at the use of kerosene heaters in my area during the winter freeze a few weeks ago… we also have natural gas fireplaces that helps during those emergencies

[@kenneth6731]

I live in Texas where it got hit real bad. I had bought a new heater about year before the storm. My wife couldn't figure out why in the world I wanted that thing and tried to get me to get rid of it calling it clutter. Well, after the storm hit and it got bitter cold -9F/-22C and everything went down I let her squirm a little bit then broke out that heater. Man let me tell you, that heater was her new best friend. It didn't just keep us warm, it heated our entire house. It didn't just save us, it made us comfortable and was worth every penny. My wife just bought up a bunch more K-1, I think I have made a beliver out of her.

[@resoluteoutdoors]

I am glad that you were prepared and that everything worked out well! Sadly too many people are not prepared and get hurt or worse when bad weather hits. I am glad you took charge and were able to weather the storm.

[@HomesteadHopeful]

Yup, our go to heater as well. Though we need a replacement wick 🤦‍♀️ thanks for the reminder

[@resoluteoutdoors]

Not a problem!

[@jamesyman007]

Nice info. I was wondering about the Kerosene expiration shelf life. Just bought a DuraHeat 23000 btu unit that looks very similar to yours. Interesting times we live in. Stay safe.

[@resoluteoutdoors]

They are all pretty similar in looks. I am glad you are getting prepared. You stay safe as well!

[@fraudsarentfriends4717]

Just used 10 year old Kerosene in a metal pail. Burned clean with no smell. Kerosene doesn't really go bad if it's sealed well in a good container that doesn't allow moisture to get inside. I think those plastic jugs leach into the fuel over time and causes fuel to go bad. Get a good metal can that seals for storing fuel.

[@resoluteoutdoors]

That’s a good idea. Thanks for the tip!

[@J_Trask]

I bought a 10k BTU radiant heater today! That week in February in Texas was brutal!

[@resoluteoutdoors]

Good I it’s always good to hear more people are getting prepared!

[@ModernRefugee]

Yup everyone should have one.

[@J_Trask]

Yes around 200 people died in Texas last winter that might have survived if they used a kerosene heater.

[@Johnchico-xz7qk]

Just got my Dura Heat 23,800 BTU how often should a whick be changed we only get winter in Texas for about 3months

[@resoluteoutdoors]

I believe the manuals say it’s best to change the wick every year but honestly I don’t do that and I don’t think many people do. The best way to tell if you need a new wick and if when you turn the heater off you get excessive smoke and/or you have a more difficult time lighting it. For limited use in a not sold cold climate it should last you a handful of years easy.

[@frankroper3274]

I think you should place your CO2 detector on the wall and not in your pocket. That is where I have mine but I am not an expert.

[@resoluteoutdoors]

Thank you!!