DuraHeat 23,000 BTU Kerosene Heater

DuraHeat 23,000 BTU Kerosene Heater

We have propane heat in our house in the country. Living in a very rural area, we would be one of the last areas in the county to have our power restored in the event of an ice storm. I keep six five-gallon cans of kerosene in my pole barn for emergencies. Between the two 23,000 BTU kerosene heaters and our reserve fuel, we could keep the house warm enough to keep ourselves and our pets comfortable for more than a week.

The smell and warmth of a kerosene heater reminds me of the halycon days of my youth. I have very fond memories of working on my car in the garage of my childhood home and reading books in the family room with the ambience of our kerosene heater.

I love my pole barn/shop, but it can get very cold in the winter. Firing up this heater an hour before I head out to work brings the temperature up enough to work in comfort. This is an impressive feat considering that the pole barn is 30′ x 40′, not insulated, and has a high ceiling.

We have experienced a couple polar vortexes since we’ve lived at this property. Our two-story family room is exceptionally large, which makes it a challenge to heat in such extreme temperatures. Running this heater for several hours during the day with the two ceiling fans on makes a significant difference in the amount of propane that we utilize during extended cold periods and heats an impressive portion of the house.

Most kerosene heaters are similar in design and performance. The DuraHeat model is well-built at an attractive price point and has a convenient battery ignition and spill-over protection that will shut it down if it gets knocked over. Replacement wicks are readily available online.

Kerosene heaters have an undeserved reputation for being unsafe. Did you know that most Japanese homes lack central heating and instead rely on portable kerosene heaters? Here’s an interesting article on the subject. Decades of use have demonstrated that they are perfectly safe for supplemental or emergency heat if you use common sense. Don’t use them in unventilated areas such as basements. Set them in places away from flammable objects and where they cannot easily get knocked over.

Before you buy a heater, check to ensure that there are gas stations that sell kerosene where you live. While even the smallest of towns usually have a service station that sells it, how convenient it is for you to fill your cans should factor into your purchase decision when considering supplemental or emergency heating solutions. The good news is that unlike gasoline, kerosene that is properly stored will last for at least several years.