Want a portable heater that you can use during power outages or to heat a workspace?
Your two main options are kerosene heaters and propane heaters.
Here’s what you need to know about kerosene vs. propane heaters so you can choose which one is better for your needs.
Quick answer:
For occasional or emergency use, propane heaters are the better option. Compared with kerosene heaters, propane heaters are easier to maintain, and you don’t have to worry about the fuel going bad.
For regular use, kerosene heaters are more convenient and cheaper if you have access to bulk kerosene. However, it’s always smart to have multiple fuel types, so you have a backup.
See our favorite portable emergency heaters for indoor use:
Cost of Kerosene vs. Propane Heaters
There isn’t too much difference between the price of kerosene and propane heaters. However, there may be a big price difference for fuel.
If you stockpile large amounts of fuel or use your heater regularly, the fuel costs can add up. You’ll want to choose the heater which has cheaper fuel. Kerosene heaters are usually cheaper to run than propane heaters.
Kerosene vs. Propane Prices Per Gallon
When compared on a gallon-by-gallon basis, propane is almost always cheaper than kerosene.
Below are some 2021 retail prices for a gallon of propane or kerosene. Note that kerosene prices are much lower at a pump. 1-K kerosene can cost more than $10 per gallon if you buy it at a hardware store. Likewise, large propane cylinders are much cheaper per gallon than small canisters.
Vermont:
- Kerosene: $3.43
- Propane: $3.01
New York:
- Kerosene: $3.57
- Propane: $2.95
Colorado:
- Propane: $2.44
- Kerosene: $2.05
Cost per BTU of Energy
While heating with propane may seem cheaper than kerosene, you need to look at the cost per energy potential.
A gallon of kerosene has roughly 135,000 BTUs of potential energy, whereas a gallon of propane has roughly 91,333 BTUs of potential energy.
When you calculate the cost per BTU, heating with kerosene is much cheaper than propane.
To calculate cost per BTU:
- Find the price per gallon of the fuel
- Divide the price by the number of BTUs in the fuel
- Multiply by 1000
- This is the price per BTU
Other Fuel-Related Costs
Many other factors can affect the price of heating on kerosene vs. propane. For example:
- Fuel going bad: Kerosene will eventually go bad and burn poorly. By contrast, propane never goes bad. When you factor in the cost of kerosene you may need to throw away propane can end up cheaper.
- Additives: For long-term storage, you may want to put additives in your kerosene. These are an additional cost. Propane doesn’t need any additives.
- Storage tanks: Propane cylinders and underground tanks are expensive. Canisters and drums for kerosene are usually cheaper.
- Accessibility: Kerosene is only cheap if you can buy it at a pump. If you have to travel far to get it, then the costs will add up. By contrast, propane is usually easier to find, and even delivery service costs aren’t that high in many areas.
Kerosene vs. Propane Storage
When it comes to storing fuel, propane heaters are better than kerosene. Propane tanks can safely be stored outdoors, even in the rain or snow.
While it isn’t generally recommended, you can even store a propane cylinder in a garage or shed. You may need to paint the tanks to prevent rust occasionally, but they can theoretically last for decades.
By contrast, kerosene needs to be stored in cool, dry places away from sunlight. It should not be stored outdoors. The ideal place for storing kerosene is a shed, which not everyone has.
Also Read: How to store kerosene
Shelf Life
Propane has an indefinite shelf life, so you don’t have to worry about it going bad. By contrast, kerosene typically does go bad within 2 to 5 years. There are kerosene additives that will extend the shelf life, but these are an additional cost. You can also clean old kerosene fuel, but it might damage your heater.
Read: Does kerosene go bad?
Maintenance of Kerosene vs. Propane Heater
Propane heaters require almost no maintenance at all. They just need to be kept clean and checked for leaks regularly.
By contrast, kerosene heaters require much more maintenance. You’ll need to empty the fuel before putting the heater away each season and completely clean it. The wick also needs to be trimmed, cleaned, or replaced regularly.
Read:
Burn Cleanliness
Of the two types, propane heaters burn cleaner than kerosene heaters. However, both can cause air pollution. The main pollutants include:
- Carbon monoxide
- Carbon dioxide
- Nitrogen dioxide
- Sulfur dioxide
For this reason, you must always have ventilation when using a kerosene or propane heater indoors. You also must have a carbon monoxide detector.
Read:
Portability
Kerosene heaters are generally much easier to transport than propane heaters. With propane heaters, you have to transport the heavy, bulky propane tanks. By contrast, it is fairly easy to transport kerosene.
You can even store it in large drums and use siphons to transfer it to smaller, more portable containers, such as if you need to take it in your vehicle.
Moisture
One difference between kerosene and propane heaters that often gets overlooked is moisture. Both kerosene and propane put off moisture, but kerosene puts off much more.
- Kerosene: 1.1 gallons of moisture per gallon of kerosene burned
- Propane: 0.98 gallons of moisture per gallon of propane burned
This might seem like a small difference, but it can matter in some situations. For example, propane heaters are generally better in tents because less condensation will drip on you than with a kerosene tent heater.
What type of heater do you prefer? Let us know why in the comments section below.
Related
See our guide to indoor heaters that don’t require electricity.
FAQs
Here's how you figure out their heating efficiency: Since kerosene produces 135,000 BTUs per gallon, that means it will emit 675,000 BTUs total (for five gallons). Propane, on the other hand, produces only 91,600 BTUs and will emit 458,000 BTUs total.
Is kerosene cheaper to heat with than propane? ›
Kerosene was first used to power oil lamps, but can now be used to heat homes and even power jets. It is naturally in liquid form and not as dangerous as propane. It is not as environmentally-friendly, but does heat better. Kerosene is cheaper than propane, which makes it a better option for some.
Are kerosene heaters safe for indoor use? ›
Asphyxiation. Kerosene heaters consume oxygen as they burn. If they are operated in a small room or in an inadequately ventilated area, oxygen in the air could be reduced to a dangerous level.
What are the cons of kerosene heater? ›
Disadvantages: Inconvenience of fuel storage and refueling (outside the building where it is used); risk of burns from hot surfaces; danger of drapes and other combustibles catching on fire if the heater is placed too close to them; change in indoor air quality may adversely affect some people; cannot be used in areas, ...
What is the best fuel to heat your house? ›
Most of the time, natural gas is the most efficient means of heating the home, which is why most American households use it.
How long will 5 gallons of kerosene last in a kerosene heater? ›
It will run for approximately 9 hours on one tank. Using that to calculate from, I should get about 22 hours of heat from 5 gallons.
What is the cheapest fuel to heat a house? ›
Natural gas tends to be the most affordable of these options, with the federal Energy Information Administration (EIA) reporting that the average seasonal cost of natural gas heating is currently about 70 percent less per household than for households with oil heat.
How long will 10 gallons of kerosene last in a furnace? ›
How long will 10 gallons of heating oil last? Following our previous calculations, 10 gallons of heating oil at a consumption rate of 1.7 gallons per hour should last 5.8 hours. (10-gallon tank / 1.7 gallons per hour = 5.8 hours).
Do kerosene heaters need to be vented? ›
Provide adequate ventilation
Adequate ventilation is necessary for safe operation of the kerosene heater. Burning kerosene consumes oxygen and produces carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and other gases.
Is kerosene or propane safer indoors? ›
Of the two types, propane heaters burn cleaner than kerosene heaters. However, both can cause air pollution. The main pollutants include: Carbon monoxide.
A space heater that is not installed right or not working properly can release carbon monoxide and other toxic fumes into the room and use up much of the oxygen in the room. Most space heaters use kerosene or natural gas for fuel.
Is it safe to use propane heaters indoors? ›
Used properly, indoor propane heaters are safe. Here are some key tips to make sure you are using your propane indoor heater safely: Choose a propane heater that's the right size for your room or space, and carries the Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) label.
Why did we stop using kerosene? ›
Kerosene has been an important household fuel since the mid-19th century. In developed countries its use has greatly declined because of electrification. However, in developing countries, kerosene use for cooking and lighting remains widespread.
Is kerosene cleaner than propane? ›
Do you prefer a kerosene or propane model? Kerosene is combustible, burns strongly and offers a strong amount of heat. By contrast, propane burns cleaner and tanks can easily be found at most gas stations and grocery stores.
How many square feet will a kerosene heater heat? ›
Q. How many square feet will a kerosene heater heat? The amount of space a kerosene heater heats depends on BTU output. Low-output heaters, in the 25,000-BTU range, may heat 1,000 square foot spaces, while 135,000-BTU units can heat over 3,000 square feet.
What is the least expensive way to heat a home? ›
As a general rule, heating your home with a natural gas furnace is the cheapest way to keep warm through the winter months.
How do most Americans heat their homes? ›
According to the most recent census, 48 percent of the country relies on gas for home heating. Coming in second were homes that relied on electricity, which was at 38.9 percent. And only 0.2 percent of homes in the United States rely on solar energy.
Can you leave a kerosene heater unattended? ›
Never leave a burning heater unattended. Extinguish your heater if you're leaving the room or area for more than a few minutes. Never use a space heater while you're sleeping or bedridden. Be sure the location you choose can be ventilated according to manufacturer's instructions.
What is the difference between red kerosene and clear kerosene? ›
Red kerosene comes from the Federal government requiring kerosene not intended for road use (and, subsequently untaxed) to be dyed red. 1-K kerosene intended for road use is the same clear kerosene intended for kerosene heaters and our recommendation for purchase.
Are kerosene heaters unhealthy? ›
Although kerosene heaters are very efficient while burning fuel to produce heat, low levels of certain pollutants, such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide, are produced. Exposure to low levels of these pollutants may be harmful, especially to individuals with chronic respiratory or circulatory health problems.
In the end, we find that electric heating is expensive, more than gas or wood, but a little cheaper than oil. As heating gets more expensive you might find it helpful to take a look at our article on supplemental heat sources.
Is it cheaper to heat with kerosene? ›
By using a more affordable fuel source, you can effectively reduce your energy costs over time. Kerosene offers an affordable alternative to other heating fuels.
Do kerosene heaters use a lot of electricity? ›
Heating efficiency
That makes it one of the most efficient fuels for home use. Propane provides 91,330 Btu per gallon. Electricity only offers 3,412 Btu per kilowatt hour. With kerosene, you get 90% efficiency, compared with a paltry 31% for electricity.
How much kerosene does it take to heat a house? ›
From our experience with over 33 years in the business, the average household has a tank size which requires 900 – 1100 litres of home heating oil.
Why is propane not safe indoors? ›
Like natural gas, burning propane results in carbon monoxide. Because carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, it can be difficult to detect carbon monoxide poisoning until it's too late. That's why it's essential to have working carbon monoxide detectors in any house, especially one that's heated using propane.
Do indoor propane heaters give off carbon monoxide? ›
The relationship between propane heaters and carbon monoxide is simple: The heating process of a propane heater produces carbon monoxide gas. You have two options when buying propane heaters, which are to buy one for indoor use and buy one for outdoor use.
What is proper ventilation for a kerosene heater? ›
Because kerosene consumes oxygen during combustion, you need to ensure proper ventilation of the area, especially in small spaces like work sheds and garages. Keep a window cracked or use mechanical ventilation to bring in fresh air and remove airborne pollutants.
What causes black smoke from a kerosene heater? ›
Sooty black smoke is a sign that the fuel/air mix may be off. Make sure the chimney is seated correctly, or you may notice a very high flame on one side. If the high orange flame is all the way around, the wick may just be too high. Try rolling the wick adjuster knob down within the adjustment range.
Is it safe to have a 20 lb propane tank indoors? ›
DON'T store propane tanks indoors or in a garage, basem*nt, carport, shed, sunporch, or carport. DO keep propane tanks away from flames and spark-producing tools.
What is kerosene called in USA? ›
kerosene, also spelled kerosine, also called paraffin or paraffin oil, flammable hydrocarbon liquid commonly used as a fuel.
They are popular options because they are cheaper than some other options and they heat up the room seemingly instantaneously, much faster than electric.
What is the problem with kerosene? ›
Combustion products generated by many kerosene-burning devices include considerable amounts of fine particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitric oxides, sulfur dioxide, formaldehyde, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) - compounds that can cause a range of adverse health effects including respiratory ailments, ...
How long does a full kerosene heater last? ›
It will go through a full tank of kerosene in about 10 hours. So, a 5 gallon kerosene can will only last you about 25 hours.
Do indoor kerosene heaters smell? ›
It is normal for kerosene heaters to produce some smell when you shut them off.
How big of a heater do I need for 1500 square feet? ›
Let's take an example of a typical 1500 square feet home. Generally, you will require 25-30 BTU per square foot in warmer regions like California. So, a 1500 sq feet with 25 BTU energy requirements needs a 37,500 BTU furnace.
Does kerosene heater save money? ›
Using kerosene in your home's heating system can offer a number benefits that will help maximize the efficiency of the heating process and reduce total heating costs in the future.
Is it cheaper to heat with propane or fuel oil? ›
As a general rule of thumb, propane is cheaper per BTU than heating oil. However, seasonal factors and location also play a role.
Where should I put my kerosene heater in my house? ›
Always operate your kerosene heater in a well ventilated room. Airflow with a cracked window or door will protect your from the buildup of toxic fumes. Also, an old/dirty wick and low quality fuel are the main causes of toxic fumes.
Do indoor kerosene heaters need ventilation? ›
Provide adequate ventilation
Adequate ventilation is necessary for safe operation of the kerosene heater. Burning kerosene consumes oxygen and produces carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and other gases.
Can you leave a kerosene heater on all night? ›
Proper Use of a Kerosene Heater
Heaters should never be left burning overnight or while sleeping. There is a potential for adverse health effects caused by pollutants produced by unvented space heaters.
Of the two types, propane heaters burn cleaner than kerosene heaters. However, both can cause air pollution. The main pollutants include: Carbon monoxide.
Is propane cheaper than oil 2022? ›
Generally, propane costs a little less than heating oil per gallon.
