![\"Thermablaster](\"http:\/\/hvacforhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Thermablaster-32000-BTU-Infrared-Cabinet-Heater-One-Size-Brushed-Stainless-Steel.jpg\")
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Having an electric space heater<\/a> is fairly common in regions that experience all four seasons. If you mention kerosene and propane heaters, most people think, \u201cWhy would I get one of those when I have a perfectly good electric space heater?\u201d<\/p>\n Well, what if the power goes out? Your electric space heater will be worthless. While they work great to supplement your normal heat, they are not going to be effective during a blackout. That\u2019s where kerosene and propane heaters come into play.<\/p>\n With that thought in mind, we have looked at both options and broken it down into effectiveness, storage, dangers, and other categories that will help you choose which one is best for you. Don\u2019t get left in cold again<\/a>. Read on to hear the verdict.<\/p>\n Propane Heater, Credits: Mr Heater MH18B, Amazon<\/p><\/div>\n Propane heaters<\/a> are easy to use and don\u2019t require much effort except for a push of a button. A propane heater is adequate, but it is not as good as a kerosene heater. When it comes to heating, you want to look at BTUs. This is going to tell you how much heat you are getting per dollar<\/a>.<\/p>\n Propane has a better BTU rating than oil or electricity, but not quite as high as kerosene. This equates to higher costs of operation. On the other hand, it will heat a large size room with little effort. The only drawback is that it can take time for the heat to circulate the room.<\/p>\n When it comes to energy-efficiency<\/a>, propane is a clean gas that leaves little to no carbon footprint. You also will not have a lot of maintenance or cleaning with a propane heater since it burns cleanly.<\/p>\n Propane Heater, Credits: Mr Heater MH18B, Amazon<\/p><\/div>\n Propane is pretty easy to come by. As many people use it for grills and other things, you can find it at home good stores, or even have it delivered to your home in bulk. With that being said, you will need a safe place to store your propane. The more you purchase at one time, the less money it will cost.<\/p>\n If you are using the small grill containers to store propane, you will be safe, but they will not last long if you are trying to heat your home when the power is out. If you want to store larger quantities, you will have to have a propane tank. These large and cumbersome metal tanks can be quite expensive even for used ones.<\/p>\n Another point to keep in mind is that propane does need to be circulated and treated if it is going to be kept in a container for long periods. Also, smaller tanks can take up a lot of space while larger tanks can be unsightly.<\/p>\n As mentioned, propane does need to be safely stored in a tank that will keep it from exploding. Propane is a flammable gas that can ignite under the right circumstances. A second-hand large yard tank can cost upwards of $800 dollars, and you can\u2019t always be sure it\u2019s in good condition.<\/p>\n The maintenance of propane heaters is limited. They should be dusted every so often, but in general, there is not a lot to clean. You want to watch out for the effectiveness of the heat. If it starts to not work properly, you need to have it looked at by a professional\u2014or swap it out for a new one entirely.<\/p>\n Kerosene Heater, Image credit: Dyna-Glo WK11C8, Amazon<\/p><\/div>\n Kerosene<\/a> is also a very efficient way to heat your home during a power outage. Kerosene generally heats the space quicker<\/a> than a propane heater, but once it\u2019s off, the space will cool down just as fast.<\/p>\n Temperature control is possible with a propane heater, but not so with kerosene. While kerosene is just as effective at heating large spaces, there is no way to control the temp except to turn the unit off.<\/p>\n Also, kerosene heaters do require a flint to be lit for the heater to work. Due to that, there can be quite a bit of ash that needs to be cleaned up regularly. The ashes can float through the air and make the home a bit sootier than it would be if you were using a propane heater.<\/p>\n Kerosene Heater, Credits: Toshyuki IMAI, Flickr<\/p><\/div>\n Depending on your location, kerosene can be more difficult to come by. Not every home improvement store is going to carry it, nor will you be likely to have it delivered. The best bet is to check around for gas stations that carry kerosene so you can keep yourself stocked up in case of an emergency.<\/p>\n Kerosene is easier to store than propane. It can generally be kept in large oil drums or smaller metal containers. Kerosene also lasts a lot longer without needing any kind of maintenance performed. Though you may have a harder time finding it, you will be able to store it more cost-effectively and with less effort on your part.<\/p>\n Because kerosene isn\u2019t flammable, it\u2019s a lot safer to store than propane. For the kerosene to ignite, you need to have a wick. If you were to toss in a lit match, nothing would happen (though we do not recommend trying that out).<\/p>\nPropane Heaters<\/h2>\n
![\"Propane](\"http:\/\/hvacforhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Mr-Heater-MH18B.jpg\")
General Use And Effectiveness<\/h3>\n
![\"propane](\"http:\/\/hvacforhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/usage.jpg\")
<\/div>\nFuel And Storage<\/h3>\n
Dangers and Maintenance<\/h3>\n
Pros<\/div>\n\n
Cons<\/div>\n\n
\nKerosene Heaters<\/h2>\n
![\"Dyna-Glo](\"http:\/\/hvacforhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Dyna-Glo-WK11C8.jpg\")
General Use And Effectiveness<\/h3>\n
![\"Kerosene](\"http:\/\/hvacforhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/25405966792_7da9afff1f_c.jpg\")
Fuel And Storage<\/h3>\n
Dangers and Maintenance<\/h3>\n