We all have our favorite spots in and around our home. Whether it’s your man cave, she-shed, workshop, garage or enclosed porch these are the places we spend time working on projects, relaxing with friends, or just enjoying the view. The problem is, as soon as the temperatures dip, it’s too cold to enjoy them. The heat from your HVAC system doesn’t reach so what can you do?
You can enjoy these spaces as the seasons change and the weather cools down by using an indoor propane heater. When compared to indoor electric heaters, indoor propane heaters win. They warm up a space faster than the indoor electric heaters and are more efficient, which saves you money. These heaters are even helpful warming areas of your home that your heating system doesn’t warm to your liking and can come in handy if your main heating system ever needs repair, leaving you without heat.
Indoor propane heaters can be portable, wall-mounted, forced air or radiant. Choose the model that best suits your needs and the space. The main question, of course is: Are indoor propane heaters safe to use inside? Yes, they are. But only when used properly and by following all safety precautions.
Safer by Design
Unlike outdoor propane heaters, which rely on the available flow of air and open space, most indoor propane heaters are designed with specific safety features in place to accommodate indoor use. Do not buy an outdoor propane heater to use indoors or an indoor propane heater that does not have the following safeguards:
- Low Oxygen Sensors
These sensors monitor the air in the room to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. - Automatic Shut-off Switch
The switch is activated by the low oxygen sensors. When levels of oxygen in the space where the heater is being used get too low, the heater turns off. - Tip-over Safety Switch
If your heater ever falls over or isn’t sitting securely on its base, this switch will turn off the heater, preventing a fire. - High-temperature Coated Safety Guard
To prevent accidental injury and overall safe use of the heater. - Overheat Protection
If the internal temperature of the heater exceeds a safe limit, it will automatically turn off. - The Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) label
This certification ensures that the heater has passed an inspection and is safe to use.
Safety Bring Peace of Mind
Follow these safety precautions to properly use your indoor propane heater and you’ll be cozy and warm in no time.
- It may be tempting to skip reading the manufacturer’s instructions, but please do it.
- Make sure the heater you choose is the right size for the space where you’ll be using it.
- Position the heater on a non-combustible surface and away from any flammable materials like furniture, curtains, doors, blankets or towels. A 3-foot distance is recommended.
- Keep children, pets and any household items 3 feet away from the heater.
- Do not use the heater as a side table. Do not place items on the top of the heater.
- Never use the heater to dry clothing.
- Do not spray deodorants, air fresheners, hair spray or any other aerosol product near the heater.
- Propane is odorless but it has an additive that adds a scent so you’ll able to detect a leak. If you smell a strange odor that you can’t identify, play it safe by turning off the heater. If you suspect a propane leak, as soon as the heater has cooled down completely, inspect the hoses and connections looking for cracks or broken seals.
- The flame of your indoor propane heater should always be blue. If it ever appears orange or yellow, turn it off immediately and take it to a propane repair expert.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors in the area where your heater will be used.
- Do not move the heater while it is on. Turn it off and wait for it to cool before moving to another location.
- Do not leave the heater unattended. This includes turning the heater off when you leave the room/space and before going to bed for the night.
- Practice good basic fire safety but keeping exit routes clear in the space where you’re using your heater.
New to using propane? Here are a few more safety tips.
Propane is a versatile energy source that is safe and convenient to use. Moyer offers customers throughout the region – Buck and Montgomery full-service propane solutions. Find out how propane can enhance your life. Learn more online or call us at 215.799.2003.