Heaters are a staple in any home in cold winter climates. As winter approaches, many are preparing to keep their homes warm and cozy through the season. There are different types of heaters, but propane heaters are some of the most popular. One common question often asked about them is “are propane heaters safe indoors?”
Indoor propane heaters are safe to use indoors. There are different types of propane heaters, so be sure yours is rated for indoor use.
In this post, I will explain the different types of propane heaters, which ones are safe to use indoors, and explain some additional tips to keep you and your family safe in winter.
What are Propane Heaters?
Propane heaters are much like your regular electric or natural gas heaters. Propane provides effective warmth and heat during the cold (and sometimes harsh) winter months. But instead of using electricity or natural gas to power itself up, it uses propane gas instead.
Propane heaters don’t require electricity to power up. It’s become such a popular choice to heat up spaces without electricity and power, like patios, balconies, and sheds.
Using a propane heater also means you won’t have to worry about power outages during winter seasons.
Propane Heaters: Outdoor vs. Indoor
Before you go buy a new propane heater, it’s imperative you know there’s two types of heaters: outdoor and indoor. Knowing the difference is important to safely use a propane heater around your family.
Both an outdoor and indoor propane heater produce smoke and fumes when they’re up and running. The difference lies in how they deal with said byproducts for safe use.
Outdoor propane heater
When propane heaters are up and running, it produces byproducts like carbon monoxide (CO). Without a doubt, we know the dangers of too much CO buildup and CO poisoning (more on this later).
When used outside and in outdoor settings, carbon monoxide produced by outdoor propane heaters are naturally swept away by outdoor air. This means you and your family are not at a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Because outdoor propane heaters are rated for outdoor use only, it doesn’t have any mechanism to prevent CO buildup, simply because it doesn’t need it when it’s used in an open air area. Outdoor propane heaters are not safe to use indoors.
Indoor propane heater
As we’ve established, carbon monoxide is present in the smoke and fumes produced as a byproduct of propane gas. Propane indoor heaters heat homes while also producing this.
The difference between a propane indoor heater vs. a propane outdoor heater is the former has an automatic shut-off switch. This special feature is not present in outdoor-rated propane heaters simply because there’s no need for it.
Propane indoor heaters don’t have the benefit of an open air space like in outdoor settings. This means there is no air naturally sweeping off the carbon monoxide present in the fumes and it has nowhere else to go than in the spaces in your home.
This switch is connected to an oxygen sensor, which consistently monitors the oxygen level in the area it’s heating up. Once it senses the oxygen level is too low, it will automatically shut off the heater to prevent CO from reaching dangerous levels.
There are also many types of indoor heaters to choose from: forced air heaters, portable indoor propane heaters, radiant heaters, and heaters for mounting on the wall, among others.
Are Propane Heaters Safe to Use?
Both outdoor and indoor propane heaters are safe to use – as long as you follow safety precautions and follow the operating guidelines.
Are Propane Heaters Safe Indoors?
Propane heaters are safe to use indoors as long as they’re indoor-rated units! Never use an outdoor-rated propane heater indoors.
Outdoor propane heaters are designed for use in well-ventilated and open air areas. Indoor settings don’t meet this criteria.
Indoor propane heaters have an auto shut-off and oxygen sensor features for safe indoor use. An outdoor propane heater doesn’t have these features because an outdoor setting doesn’t require it.
Things to Be Aware of: Risks of Using Indoor Propane Heaters
Though indoor propane heaters are very safe to use indoors, there are a few risks you should know before installing one in your home:
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
One of the main risks of using a propane heater indoors is carbon monoxide poisoning. Burning gasoline, propane, charcoal, wood, and other fuel produces a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas called carbon monoxide (CO).
When there is too much CO in the air, your body replaces oxygen in your blood with carbon monoxide instead. This can lead to serious health risks and sometimes even death.
Common symptoms of CO poisoning include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and confusion.
Fire
Propane heaters and other space heaters pose a fire hazard, especially if not placed and used properly. Propane is extremely flammable. If you’re not careful of its placement and there is flame or even static electricity around it, it can ignite and start a fire in your home.
Safety Tips: Using Propane Indoor Heater Safely
We have below some safety tips you might want to keep in mind and consider to ensure you and your family are safe while staying warm and cozy through winter with an indoor propane space heater:
Indoor use = indoor-rated
Remember, only use an indoor-rated propane heater indoors as they are often equipped with safety features. An outdoor-only propane heater cannot work safely indoors and pose more risks.
Safety features
Speaking of safety features, consider getting a propane heater packed with safety features. These features include auto shut-off, oxygen sensor, protection from overheating, and tipover shut-off features among others.
To take safety up a notch, install carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
Ventilate
Leave a window cracked open just to allow the carbon monoxide out and let oxygen in. This would help ensure there’s no CO buildup or oxygen depletion.
Check the flames
Blue flames are good but if you see orange or yellow flames instead, stop use and turn off the unit immediately. Call in professionals to inspect it and don’t use the heater until then.
Never leave it unattended
If you’re leaving the house or going to sleep, turn off the propane heater. Under no circumstances should you ever leave your indoor propane heater unattended.
No spraying in the area
Never spray perfume, air freshener, hair spray, and other aerosol sprays around or near a propane indoor space heater. Doing so poses a major fire hazard.
Weird smell = turn it off
If you notice any weird and unfamiliar smell when you turn it on or have it up and running, immediately turn off the propane heater. Get on your phone and get in touch with a professional to come and inspect your unit.
Nothing on top or around
Place and keep your propane heater somewhere away from any furniture, items, and fabrics in your home to prevent further fire hazards. Also, never place anything on top of the heater.
Clean and maintain it regularly
Lastly, to ensure your propane heater works safely, make sure to clean and maintain it regularly. Do so according to the manufacturer’s instructions and guide. Also, make sure you read the guide before operating the unit altogether.
Conclusion
A great way to give your family a warm and cozy winter right in your home is with indoor heaters. Luckily, there are many options to choose from. One of which are propane indoor heaters.
Propane heaters use, you guessed it, propane gas to warm up your home. Unlike many space heaters, propane heaters don’t require electricity and power to function. This means even with a power outage or somewhere without electricity, a propane heater can provide heat and warmth without issue.
Many ask and worry if propane heaters are safe to use indoors. They are – so long as you make sure to use only indoor-rated propane heaters inside your home. Never use outdoor-rated propane heaters indoors as they’re not designed for that specific use.
Though generally safe, you need to be aware of some risks in using one. There are two major risks: carbon monoxide poisoning and fire.
But with safety tips and operating precautions in mind, you can avoid and prevent these dangers altogether. Also make sure you follow the manufacturer’s guide and instructions in setting and operating the heater.
And that has been our deep dive on propane heaters for indoor use!
