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How to Use a Propane Heater Indoors

Updated on November 11, 2021 by Joseph D. Nielson

Table of Contents

Four different indoor heating options.
Credit: macrovector via Freepik

There’s nothing worse than coming inside from the cold only to have to keep your jacket and mitts on just to stay warm. With the coldest months of the year just around the corner, many people will be looking for solutions to keep their houses warm and comfortable.

Layering up inside or burying yourself under a pile of blankets is no fun when you have things to do in your home. Alternatively, cranking up the heat in your house can really rack up your electricity bill and sometimes will still not be enough to keep you safe from winter’s harsh chill.

That’s just one of the many reasons why using a propane heater indoors is a great option. Let’s take a deeper dive into their benefits and how you can use a propane heater indoors safely.

Benefits of a Propane Heater

Environmental Impact

One of the most significant benefits of using a propane heater is its impact on the environment. Propane is considered a clean fuel as it burns cleaner than other fossil fuels and has a lower carbon content than gasoline. Because of this, it produces fewer emissions than other gasses allowing you to feel good about your choice to use a propane heater.

It’s an Affordable Option

Propane heaters are much cheaper to run than electric ones meaning you’ll never have to sacrifice warmth in order to save money. Additionally, propane heaters generally have a longer lifespan than electric ones and therefore won’t need to be replaced as frequently. This will also help save you money in the long run.

Propane is Versatile

Another great thing about using a propane heater is that the propane itself is extremely versatile. Propane can fuel many different devices, from barbeques to portable generators to power your entire home. By having several devices in your home that run on propane, you’ll be able to cut a large chunk out of your electricity bill and greatly reduce your carbon footprint.

Helpful When Electricity is Out

Propane devices don’t require any additional electricity; therefore, your propane heaters will still work even if your electricity is out. If you don’t want to use a propane heater regularly, they’re still a great device to have in case of an emergency— just make sure you always have extra propane on hand.

You may also want to consider looking into the best home portable generators to have for emergencies. With a portable generator, you’ll be able to power other devices in your home until your electricity is turned back on.

You Cannot Use Just Any Propane Heater Indoors

As we hope you’re starting to gather, propane heaters are a great option for heating your space. That being said, it can be really unsafe to use a propane heater indoors if you are not using the right one.

While it may be tempting to bring your outdoor heaters inside, doing so can pose the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Some heaters that are intended to be used outside may also have exposed flames or produce more heat, both of which can increase the risk of a fire if used indoors.  

Close-up of an outdoor propane heater in someone’s backyard.
Credit: Brett Sayles Via: Pexel

Propane Heaters That Are Specifically Built to Be Used Indoors

Luckily, there are propane heaters that are made specifically for indoor use. These heaters are designed to eliminate carbon monoxide production and, therefore, won’t be harmful to use in an enclosed space. They are also generally smaller and more aesthetically pleasing which will help them to look better in your home. 

Space heaters for larger rooms will vary based on size, design, and price. Using ventless propane heaters indoors is a great option if you are looking for something small and efficient. 

Propane Heater Safety Tips

Always Read the Instructions Prior to Using the Device

It’s important to know how your propane heater works before using the device. Because propane is highly flammable, it’s essential to understand how your device works in order to operate it safely.

Heaters will all come with various features that you should also be aware of before you use your device. For example, some heaters will shut off automatically to prevent overheating whereas others will not.  

Never Leave the Room if Your Heater is On

To ensure your heater doesn’t cause a fire, you should never leave the room when it is turned on. Some heaters come equipped with a feature that will automatically shut off the device if it is knocked over; however, this doesn’t mean that a fire cannot still occur. Propane is a very flammable substance and can easily cause a fire if not handled with care.

Children and pets should also never be within reach of a space heater so they don’t touch the heater or accidentally knock it over. If you are using a propane heater as a heating option for livestock barns, make sure the animals cannot reach the device and that it is far away from anything that may pose a fire hazard.

Check Your Heater Regularly for Leaks

Propane leaks can also easily cause fires which is why your device should be checked regularly to ensure there are no leaks. Propane is odourless; therefore, chemicals like mercaptan or ethyl are often added so that people can detect leaks. If you ever smell something unusual, shut your device off immediately and take it in to get checked.

Make Sure Your Carbon Monoxide Detector is Properly Functioning

If a propane heater is not properly ventilated, it will start to turn the oxygen in your room into carbon monoxide to continue burning the propane. Because carbon monoxide is an odourless gas, one may not notice the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning without a properly functioning detector. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning often include headaches, nausea or vomiting, confusion, and dizziness.

Carbon monoxide detectors will emit a beeping noise when the battery needs to be changed and should be replaced every five to seven years.

Joseph and Family
About Joseph D. Nielson

Former journalist and editor for various press groups, I now dedicate my time to reviewing products for the home and family life. When I get time to myself, I enjoy rock climbing, taking my dirt bike for a rip, and most importantly providing my family with the best home possible!