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Portable Propane Heaters - How They Work and How to Use Them Safely

When the winter months come around, the cold can seep into your living spaces. Portable propane heaters can add a blast of warmth and save you money on your energy bill. But as nice as it is to be warm and cozy, propane heaters need to be used safely, so here are a few tips.

How portable propane heaters work

Propane heaters have a very simple working principle. A propane bottle is located in the base of the heater. This is connected to a burner that has operator controls for gas flow, flame size and heat output. The heat supplied is what is called radiant heat, which means the flame supplies the heat and it simply radiates out from the heater.

Safe use of portable gas heaters

All gas heaters emit a small amount of carbon monoxide as well as fumes. Propane has a substance (ethyl mercapton) added to it that gives it an odor so users can detect leaks. For this reason, it is suggested that portable propane heaters are used either outdoors or with adequate ventilation.

It is suggested that if you use portable propane heaters indoors, to keep a carbon monoxide detector nearby. Change the battery often and this could easily save your life and the lives of your family. Detectors give you enough warning to dangerous levels of CO2 that you can ventilate the area quickly.

Placement is a factor that needs extra attention. Portable propane heaters need space (maybe this is why they are called space heaters?) to operate in. Keep them well away from walls and any flammable items. Special attention should be given to curtains, drapes and hanging items that could catch fire easily.

Portable propane heaters are notorious for falling over or being knocked over. Be certain that the base of the propane heater is solid and there is no way this could happen. One way to combat this is to place the heater somewhere that is not a high traffic area. Keep away from children's play areas and pet beds.

Last, but absolutely not least, is the cleanliness of portable propane heaters. Because they are made of metal and the heating flame contacts the metal, propane heaters tend to produce soot or silt. Over time this can build up and affect the performance of the heater adversely. It can also become flammable and dangerous. So keep your portable propane heaters clean.

Check the propane connections regularly to avoid undetected leaks. A little exposure over a long period of time can be dangerous.

Learn the features of your individual propane heater and keep it safe when the cold winds blow and utility prices spike, you could be nice and cozy while safely using portable propane heaters in several rooms of your home.

About the Author

At WorkADayProducts, you will discover an amazing selection of low priced and excellent quality portable propane heaters.

How to lacate a dealer of a certain brand stove and wall oven?

This cook top is a Thermador it seems to burn to high and soots up all my pans, if you turn the burner down the flame goes out,The tag says extralow and xlo burner I wondering if this is the way it's ment to be or maybe it's set up for natural gas and I'm burning propane. Also have the wall oven but cannot figure haw to set the time or the self cleaning mode, it's electric.The model#is SGCS304RW and the serial# 99080129 both of these are the cooktop.I am located in Dahlonega Ga. so would like something close but would be grateful for any help.

http://www.thermador.com/home.cfm

The link is for Thermador appliances. I didn't find your model number but it's a place to start.

These are dealers listed on the web within 30 miles of your home town:

CITY PLUMBING & ELECTRIC
730 EE Butler Pkwy.
Gainesville, GA , 30501
770-532-4123

PACK'S FURNITURE & TRADING CO.
146 Depot Street
515
Blue Ridge, GA, 30513
706-632-2283

GEORGIA KITCHENS, INC.
5089 Bristol Ind. Way, Suite K
Buford, GA , 30518
678-482-5150

JASPER TV & APPLIANCE
1110 E. Church Street
Jasper, GA , 30143
706-692-5611

I can tell you absolutely that if your stove is set up for natural gas and you're using propane, you will have problems like the one you described. You need to get the appliance changed over.

P.S.: I claim no responsibility for the dealer location information accuracy.

Hitler hears his Monitor GF200 propane wall furnace is not working on a Sunday