Kerosene heaters aren't the fire hazards they once were. In fact, safety laws have made them very safe for most household heating situations. These safety laws also have made them more complex and more difficult to fix. You can keep the home fires burning safely by doing basic maintenance and repairs yourself.

Caution!

Check local laws concerning kerosene heaters. They have been banned in some areas and use is restricted in other areas. Be sure that your heater is legal in your area.

How Does It Work?

Components of a typical radiant kerosene heater.

A kerosene heater is a portable heating unit fueled by kerosene. Kerosene in the fuel tank or sump is absorbed by the wick skirt. At the wick's top, the kerosene is ignited for primary combustion by a battery-powered ignition plug. The kerosene continues to vaporize and burn in primary combustion. The burner controls the rate and volume of fresh air drawn through the base of the heater. It also reburns vapors in the burner's baffled chambers or chimneys, which is secondary combustion. Modern kerosene heaters are radiant (with reflector) or convection (air flow-through) types.

What Can Go Wrong?

The wick may need replacing or reconditioning. The heater may not light. The flame may flicker or die. The flame may smoke or smell. The wick may burn too quickly. The wick adjuster may stick.