With temperatures dipping below freezing across the United States, older furnaces can have trouble keeping homes comfortably warm. To add heat, people use un-ventilated or portable gas heaters, often called space heaters, kerosene heaters or salamander heaters. But are they safe? If used with common sense and following the manufacturer's instructions, the answer is yes.New vs. Old Heaters
Most people worry about carbon monoxide (CO) from unventilated gas heaters. There is a lower risk of CO poisoning in newer indoor gas space heaters because they have a built-in oxygen depletion sensor. If too much CO or CO2 is produced, the oxygen level in a room will lower and shut down the heater automatically.
However, older space heaters or outdoor heaters do not have any sensors. When used in enclosed spaces, CO can reach dangerous levels.
This is why no matter what kind of gas heater you have, you should keep a carbon monoxide alarm nearby. Oxygen sensors can fail, and carbon monoxide can (and does) kill. CO alarms are inexpensive, and readily available in home improvement stores. For added safety, follow the heater manufacturer's instructions carefully, and avoid using unventilated heaters when you are sleeping.
Follow the Manufacturer's Instructions
The other important thing to do is to follow the manufacturer's instructions. In regards to safety, they all make 2 important points:
- Use adequate ventilation in the room (open a window once and a while)
- Don't let the heater run continuously unattended ( especially while sleeping)
The problem with keeping the room sealed up is that heat is generated from a flame, and the flame burns oxygen. Over time, if oxygen levels are depleted, CO levels will rise. CO is the result of combustion without enough oxygen.
CO vs. CO2
In addition to carbon monoxide (CO), all gas space heaters produce large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2). While not normally harmful, too much CO2 in an enclosed space results in sleepiness, and headaches.
High levels of CO2 contribute to what we often call “cabin fever.”
Here's one more reason to ventilate the room: if carbon dioxide accumulates over a long period of time in an unventilated space, the flame of the heater slowly converts carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide!
To monitor indoor CO2 levels, many people use our TIM10 Desktop Meter.
If CO2 levels are high (above 5,000ppm) it is time to open a window or go outside for some fresh air.
Learn about the difference between CO and CO2.
CO Alarms
While a CO2 meter can alert you to high levels of CO2 that can make you feel sick, it isn't a replacement for a carbon monoxide alarm. CO alarms should be installed in every home, and are now required by law in many new buildings and rental units.
How important are CO detectors? Learn about the dangers of CO to your health.
For more information or for technical sales contact CO2Meter online or call us at 877-678-4259.