Monitor Heaters

[JenJen]

I am hoping there are people here who heat their homes with propane and/or kerosene monitors and that they can set my mind at ease.

I am concerned about the safety of the heat system my new home has (strictly kerosene monitor in one room and propane monitors in the others). These are stationary units that are connected by a line to outside tanks, not portable "space heater" units.

Are these generally considered parrot safe? I have a Quaker parrot and would hate for something to happen to him!

 

[SailBoat]

Sorry that no one has responded sooner!

Unless the 'gas' burning heater has a exhaust pipe to the great outdoors, NO, the potable or wall mounted units release their burn gases into the home and that can and does create a problem for both Humans and Parrots!

If you have a 'newly' built home, you should have a new technology furnace that uses outside air feed to the burning chamber and separate pipe feeding the fumes to the great outdoors.

If you have a potable or wall mounted unit that does not have an external (to the great outdoors) fume removal. You are providing a dangerous level of fumes into your home and the safety of everyone is in question.

FYI: Propane and/or Kerosene Monitors: The term 'monitor' maybe confused with a furnace /burning unit! Monitors are something that is used to test (monitor) the amount of fumes in the air resulting from burning Natural Gas, Propane, and/or Fuel Oil furnaces. I am not aware of any Furnace unit that is burning Kerosene.

 

[JenJen]

Thanks for taking the time to reply!

There are two types of heaters in the home currently: one fed by kerosene (Toyostove) and the other fed by propane (Rinnai). They pull fuel from an outside tank and also vent the exhaust externally. I didn't know and don't know if the elements inside the heater are in any way teflon/ptfe coated or if that is as a concern.

They are permanently installed against the walls and have no open or visible flame that I can see. Everyone locally refers to them as "monitor" heaters, sorry for the confusion!

I think they are safe but am coming from a home that previously used a central heat system.

 

[Flboy]

Just learned something new!
Welcome to Warmth For Less Incorporated: Kerosene Heating Systems
http://huckleberryheating.com/docs/Monitor_M2400_vented_kerosene_heating_system.pdf

Be careful with the Rennai, some models are ventless and are to be used for suplimental heating only and outlawed in some states!!

 

[JenJen]

Thanks for the heads up!

Anyone else have any idea whether the heaters are safe?

 

[SailBoat]

Thanks for the heads up!

Anyone else have any idea whether the heaters are safe?

Confirm that the heater is piped to the great outdoors! That and the separation between the heat chamber (burning chamber) and its outer wall (the heat exchanger) does not have holes and it as safe as a new technology furnace. Get a CO detector and that should bring you some level of comfort.

If this is your Home, i.e. you and the bank owns it, look at upgrading to a whole home new technology furnace. Once installed have your Utility provide a home energy evaluation and follow their recommendations and it will pay for the furnace.