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Posted on Fri, Dec 10, 2010 : 10 a.m.

Safety tips for fireplaces, space heaters and kerosene

By Keith A. Paul

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Photo by Mr. T in DC

I am thinking about using a alternative heat source in the living room where my family gathers to add a little heat so we can keep the thermostat turned down in the evening, but is it safe?
-Stewart T., Ann Arbor

One Christmas morning when I was a child, we were opening presents and tossing the wrapping paper into our wood burning stove. All of a sudden we heard a loud pounding on our front door. It was our neighbor informing us that five-foot high flames were roaring from the chimney! Luckily, we were able to immediately put out the fire, but it could have easily been a tragic ending.

With more people looking for alternative ways to help heat their homes, I want to share the number one concern when using these sources — safety. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are nearly 25,000 fires and 140 deaths on average each year from portable heaters, fireplaces and chimneys. 

One of the most common supplemental heating units is a wood-burning fireplace. Use with caution, and never burn trash or use gases to start the fire.

Ensure that your chimney is clean. A substance called creosote will build up on the interior chimney walls as a result from burning wood and coal. Too much build up can cause a chimney fire. Inspect and clean it before each wood burning season.

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Photo by long jacket

Check the efficiency of your fireplace. While it can be a romantic touch to any room, many fireplaces are not efficient at lowering your heating bills.

Portable heaters are another option, but never leave them unattended. If you choose an electric heater, keep in mind that the U.S. Safety Commission estimates that half the deaths and one-third of the injuries resulting from electric heater fires occur at night when family members are asleep or the heater was left unattended. Along with wood-burning stoves and the other supplemental heating devices, you must safeguard your home by clearing a three foot perimeter of all flammable objects.

Do not use heaters to dry any combustible materials. These heaters can also be a hazard if you are using them to dry your boots and mittens after a day of sledding.

Lastly, let’s discuss unvented portable kerosene heaters. When my wife was a child, her family used them during cold and chilling winters to help heat their home. She distinctly remembers the smell of burning kerosene. According to Michigan State University, burning this fuel “produces carbon monoxide (a poisonous gas), nitrogen dioxide (which may cause throat and lung irritation), and sulfur dioxide (which can impair breathing)”. They must be used in well ventilated areas. Always use only kerosene in these heaters and do not substitute gasoline. The kerosene should be of K-1 grade because of the low sulfur content; otherwise you may increase the sulfur dioxide emissions into the air.

When refilling the kerosene heater, make sure you turn it off and take it outside. This will prevent any flammable indoor spillage. Never try to fill or move the heater while it is on. The kerosene can spill and ignite, causing you personal injury.

I have seen many contradicting reports as to whether supplemental heaters can save energy or money. However, I do believe that there are instances when they are useful. As with any flammable item, you must consider product safety before bringing one into your family’s home.

For more information on heater safety, visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/556.html.

Keith Paul is a State of Michigan Licensed Builder. Paul serves as President and founding member of Nationally franchised HandyPro Handyman Service, servicing Washtenaw, Wayne and Oakland Counties: www.handypro.com. Listen to Paul every Saturday at 11 a.m. on “It’s Your Home, Let’s Talk About It” WAAM Talk 1600AM. Email questions or comments to kpaul@handypro.com.

Comments

Keith A. Paul

Sat, Dec 11, 2010 : 9:02 a.m.

Thanks dextermom - my pleasure. Have a Merry Christmas!

dextermom

Sat, Dec 11, 2010 : 8:04 a.m.

Thanks for your always useful information. Sometimes it's a reminder, sometimes information to keep in mind for the future.