New user of Kerosene heaters?... I had an epiphany and fixed a carbon crusted wick

G

gytheran

Joined
Apr 6, 2009
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499
Well, it was an epiphany for me. To give a little back story... This is the first Kerosene heater I have ever used. When I was given it to run, I was told that they couldn't get it to light and that the wick had to be changed. I really didn't question it and changed the wick. Well... little did I know(at the time), wicks should last a long time(into the years). I ran the heater for a few times(only a couple hours each time) and started to have the same problem, which was a hard, black, carbon saturated wick that wouldn't allow the kerosene to properly light. I did a little research and found that by burning the heater out of fuel, it actually cleans the wick. And once I finally got the heater to light again, I let the fuel run out, all the carbon that had built up was now gone and I no longer have any issue lighting it. So now, that is what I do and have created a Youtube video for those who may have similar issues... because when I went to youtube about the issue... I didn't find any info. Now, you may not have to burn it out every time, but because of the problems I've had, I certainly like to.

So if any one is new to Kerosene heaters or looking to get one, I hope this helps prevent you from having the same problems I did. :)

[video=youtube_share;sZ-QaKNDH20]http://youtu.be/sZ-QaKNDH20[/video]
 
It's common knowledge that you should burn a kerosene heater out at least once a week if you use it constantly. People don't use them for much anymore besides emergency heat, due to the extremely high cost of kerosene. (well over 4 bucks a gallon) They also should be used with caution as they are not vented and can deplete the oxygen in the room. In fact they recommend even opening a window a few inches when using one to avoid this. When burning one out of fuel, you should do it outside, or in a vented room for sure due to the fumes.
 
It is true that it's common knowledge, if you're familiar with Kerosene heaters. :)

The homes in the area I live in tend to have heat pumps for heating. While they're good for moderate climates, when the temps start dropping(especially in sub-freezing temps), they start to have problems and end up running nearly 24/7 and really only warming the house after the temp inside drops so low the emergency heat kicks on. So, when the electric bill comes in at $415 and the temps inside your house aren't what you want, you start looking for alternative means of supplemental heating.

Thanks for the info. :)
 
When we used those at a military base years ago we just periodically trimmed the wicks.
Never heard of burning one of those heaters dry.
Denis
 
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