Kerosene heaters are a convenient way to heat certain indoor and outdoor spaces when other heating methods simply won’t work.
But when not running properly or improperly maintained, they can emit some foul odors.
If your kerosene heater is starting to give off some unpleasant smells, we have some tips for you that will help get the problem under control and return your heater to tip-top condition.
10 Tips To Prevent Kerosene Heater Smells
1. Only use kerosene that is rated 1-K
Kerosene comes in two varieties, which are designated as 1-K and 2-K. 1-K is the more pure of the two and that’s because it contains less sulfur.
Only use 1-K grade kerosene in your heater to avoid any sulfur burn-off and related odors.
2. Don’t use old or leftover kerosene
Kerosene does go bad over time and becomes filled with impurities. These impurities give off odors when burned.
So don’t use leftover kerosene from the previous season. Also, don’t use kerosene that has been left in the heater for an extended period of time.
3. Replace the wick
An old wick or a poor quality wick can cause hydrocarbons to be released, causing an unpleasant odor. If your wick is old or of low quality, replace with a quality, name brand replacement.
4. Let dust and dirt burn off before bringing indoors
If your kerosene heater has been in storage for a season or if you use it in a dirty environment such as a workshop, it may just be dusty.
When you first start the heater that dust will burn and smell pretty awful. If this is the case, make sure to run the heater outdoors for 15 minutes first, this should burn off all the dust that has accumulated around the burner.
5. Stabilize the burner
The burner in a kerosene heater needs to be positioned perfectly flat. If not, the burning will be inefficient and will produce foul smelling smoke.
Consult the manual for your heater to learn how the burner needs to be stabilized.
6. Flush the tank
If the heater has been stored with kerosene left in the tank, that kerosene is no longer pure and will smell foul when burned.
Siphon out the old kerosene that has been sitting and flush the tank with new 1-K kerosene. Then remove that kerosene as well and dispose of it.
The tank should now be completely clean.
7. Adjust the wick
If the wick is not adjusted properly, you will get incomplete burning of the kerosene and some unpleasant odors.
Consult the manual for your specific heater to check the wick height to make sure it is set properly.
8. Check the vent cap
If the vent cap on your heater is missing or not working properly, gasses can be released before being fully burned, causing an odor.
Damage to the vent cap will need to be fixed or the cap will need to be replaced to reduce any odors being caused by this.
9. Use a store bought additive
Most home improvement retailers sell additives to reduce odors when using a kerosene heater.
If you go this route, make sure the additive you choose is compatible with your model of heater.
10. Replace the heater or parts
It’s possible if the heater has seen a lot of use over the years, it may have parts that simply no longer work efficiently anymore and you are not getting complete burning of the kerosene.
If this is the case and the heater cannot be repaired, it may be time for a new unit.
Kerosene Heater Smell FAQ
Why does my kerosene heater smell?
All kerosene heaters will emit an odor when they are first started. They need to come to full temperature to achieve efficient burning of the fuel.
When first started, gasses and other substances are released instead of burned, which is what you smell. If your heater still smells after reaching full temperature, it can indicate a problem
Are odors from a kerosene heater harmful?
Certain gasses and substances released by an improperly configured kerosene heater can be harmful.
Make sure to follow all manufacturer’s guidelines for safe use and ventilation requirements. If you notice any strange odors or smells coming from a kerosene heater, turn off the unit and inspect it to find out what the problem is.
When should I replace the wick on my kerosene heater?
The wick on a kerosene heater is a consumable item and needs regular replacement.
When the wick has deposits or black tarry substances that are not easily removed, it is time for a replacement.
Light deposits can be cleaned with a soft damp cloth, but be careful not to damage the wick.
Can a kerosene heater explode?
When used properly and following the recommended guidelines, a kerosene heater is very safe to operate.
However, using incorrect fuels, damaged parts, or moving the unit while running can all lead to a fire or even an explosion in rare cases.
This is why it is important to fully read the manual that came with your kerosene heater and to follow all the safety guidelines to ensure safe operation.
Can I use a kerosene heater indoors?
Kerosene heaters do emit potentially harmful levels of carbon monoxide and other gasses if operated in an enclosed area. Kerosene heaters require a certain amount of ventilation in order to be safe.
Do not use a kerosene heater in an enclosed space and consult with the user manual to determine how much outside airflow is needed for safe operation of your specific unit.
Final Words On How To Stop Kerosene Heater Smelling
Kerosene heaters have been around for a long time, and when used properly in the correct environment they can provide safe and cost effective heating for years and years, even decades.
But they do require regular maintenance to maximize the safety and effectiveness.
So if you notice any strange smells coming from your Kerosene heater, make sure to discontinue use and determine what the issue is before using the unit again.