Can You Use A Propane Heater Indoors? | Paraco Gas (2024)

Propane heaters are popular for a number of reasons. They’re reliable (no worries if there’s an electrical power outage), they’re efficient, and they’re portable.

But some people have questions about their safety. Is it really safe to use a propane heater indoors?

The answer is yes! But it’s important to remember that this applies specifically to indoor propane heater models, and to ALWAYS follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and guidelines for the safe use of all heaters.

Both indoor and outdoor propane heaters create products of incomplete combustion, like carbon monoxide, but they deal with it very differently. This is nothing to be concerned about — anything that creates flame will create smoke, but there are innovations to handle it safely.

Outdoor heaters are made to be used in well-ventilated areas, where the natural air currents waft away any excess carbon monoxide produced by burning propane. (Propane produces so little carbon monoxide that it was approved as an alternative clean-burning fuel in the Clean Air act of 1991!)

Even without discernable wind, outdoor spaces take care of the carbon monoxide issue well enough that outside propane heaters don’t use any failsafe to prevent its buildup. That’s why it’s so important to never use an outdoor heater indoors.

That’s where indoor heaters come in!

There are several varieties for indoor use, like propane wall mount heaters. These are made to be used with the knowledge that carbon monoxide won’t be naturally swept away by open air. These heaters are equipped with automatic shut-off switches to keep you safe.

The switches are attached to oxygen sensors that constantly monitor the oxygen level of the indoor room they’re in. If the oxygen dips too low, the automatic shutoff turns the heater off automatically.

Some models come with carbon monoxide monitors to be used in conjunction with the heater for extra safety. Having these in the room together, but not right next to each other, ensures that your area is safe, warm, and comfortable.

The bottom line is that as long as you make sure to use your model is specifically for indoor use, using propane heaters inside is perfectly safe!

Use the propane safety precautions you would with any other propane product. Only use it when you need it, always store it upright, check for leaks regularly, only keep the container filled 80%, and always follow the manufacturer’s safety guidelines. You’ll be able to enjoy reliable propane heat that there’s for you when you need it, indoors or out.

Can You Use A Propane Heater Indoors? | Paraco Gas (2024)

FAQs

Can You Use A Propane Heater Indoors? | Paraco Gas? ›

There are several varieties for indoor use, like propane wall mount heaters. These are made to be used with the knowledge that carbon monoxide won't be naturally swept away by open air. These heaters are equipped with automatic shut-off switches to keep you safe.

Is a propane gas heater safe indoors? ›

Make sure your propane space heater is kept a safe distance away from anything combustible such as furniture, bedding, doors and curtains. Your propane indoor heater is not a table. Don't set anything on it. Nor is it a dryer, so don't use it to dry your clothes or towels.

Is propane gas safe to burn indoors? ›

Yes, it is safe to use a propane stove indoors. However, there are a few safety precautions to take if you have an indoor propane stove. Like any cooking appliance, the key element in successfully using a propane stove is ventilation. Any stove that relies on an open flame releases exhaust into the indoor air.

How much ventilation do you need for a propane heater? ›

Provide minimum openings of 2 square feet (ft2) near the floor and 2 ft2 near the ceiling. Reddy Heater RCP- 200V 200,000 Provide adequate ventilation. Before using heater, provide at least a 6 ft2 opening of fresh outside air.

Is it okay to run propane heater indoor with out ventilation? ›

Even with this safety feature in place, it is still possible for an indoor propane heater to expose you to severe levels of CO. Keep a window cracked open one to three inches while the heater is running to ensure proper ventilation.

Can I use propane in an indoor gas heater? ›

Keeping a propane heater indoors is a great way to stay warm and cozy indoors. They're also incredibly versatile and can be used to heat up small spaces, such as your shed, as well as larger areas like garages and basem*nts.

Does a propane heater give off carbon monoxide? ›

Several types of appliances and vehicles can release carbon monoxide and cause poisoning: Non-electrical heating appliances such as oil-burning furnaces, wood-burning fireplaces, wood-burning stoves or propane heaters.

Is there a propane heater that can be used indoors? ›

There are several varieties for indoor use, like propane wall mount heaters. These are made to be used with the knowledge that carbon monoxide won't be naturally swept away by open air. These heaters are equipped with automatic shut-off switches to keep you safe.

What happens if you use propane indoors? ›

A propane stove should never be used indoors unless designed for indoor use. Portable propane stoves are not recommended for indoor use because they do not have proper ventilation, and their size makes them difficult to handle. Additionally, using propane stoves indoors increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Do you need ventilation when burning propane? ›

In this type of environment, a propane heater removes vital oxygen from a space and replaces it with potentially dangerous carbon monoxide gas. If you do not have proper ventilation in a space, you may consider opening a window and/or a door to circulate more air.

Can I run a propane heater in the garage? ›

Propane heaters are perfect for many spaces! Whether you're looking to warm up a garage workshop, a basem*nt rec room or even a cozy living area, a propane heater can provide efficient heat as long as it's rated for indoor use with proper ventilation and adequate free space as recommended by the manufacturer.

Which is safer indoors, propane or kerosene heaters? ›

Although kerosene heaters may have a higher heat output, they also produce more toxic fumes and can pose an inhalation risk without proper ventilation. For indoor spaces, propane heaters may be a better choice as they do not emit as many fumes during use.

Are vented propane heaters safe? ›

Propane heaters for the garage are the best option because they're much less expensive to operate than electric garage heaters. Vented propane space heaters are easy to install, incredible efficient and extremely safe. They also burn cleaner, with fewer emissions created compared to electric and fuel oil space heaters.

Can you sleep in a room with a propane heater? ›

Sleeping with a propane space heater on is dangerous and potentially deadly for you and your family. According to the National Fire Protection Safety Association, space heaters are a major cause of home fires related to heating.

Are Mr. Heater propane heaters safe indoors? ›

Mr. Heater has their product certified to help guarantee we're always providing the highest quaility product. Those certifications allow us to mark some of our product as indoor safe, however different standards are held for those used indoor in a residence versus those used at a construction site or in a factory, etc.

Is it safe to use a 20 lb propane tank indoors? ›

Heater's website: Question: Why can't I take my 20-lb propane cylinder indoors? Answer: NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) regulations make it unlawful to take any tank larger than a 1-lb tank inside a residence.

What kind of heaters are safe to use indoors? ›

Sealed combustion heaters are much safer to operate than other types of space heaters, and operate more efficiently because they do not draw in the heated air from the room and exhaust it to the outdoors. They are also less likely to backdraft and adversely affect indoor air quality.

Are propane heaters safe to breathe in? ›

Harmful chemicals in propane heat

Propane produces less particulate matter than biomass fuels, like charcoal and wood. But propane can still produce other chemicals, such as nitric dioxide and carbon monoxide, that can damage your lungs.

Are portable gas heaters safe to use indoors? ›

Portable gas heaters can't be used in your home.

These heaters (also known as calor gas heaters) can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, nitrogen dioxide poisoning and mould. That's why our message is clear: don't have portable gas heaters inside your homes.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Aracelis Kilback

Last Updated:

Views: 6102

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (44 voted)

Reviews: 91% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Aracelis Kilback

Birthday: 1994-11-22

Address: Apt. 895 30151 Green Plain, Lake Mariela, RI 98141

Phone: +5992291857476

Job: Legal Officer

Hobby: LARPing, role-playing games, Slacklining, Reading, Inline skating, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Dance

Introduction: My name is Aracelis Kilback, I am a nice, gentle, agreeable, joyous, attractive, combative, gifted person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.