Kerosene vs propane

[bake321]

Looking at getting one of those contractor series forced air portable heaters to use in the barn. Could use some input on kerosene vs propane. Both look costly to run, but we have the need.

Cary

 

[ray66v]

Both work, both have drawbacks. If you use them in enclosed areas, for long periods of time, they can produce unhealthy air.

They are best used for temporary spot heating, in large area, though they are commonly used for overall heating.

Propane burns much cleaner, and with much less odor. Kerosene tends to produce foul odors and occasionally some smoke. Propane also tends to put large amounts of moisture into the air when used excessively in a confined area.

I prefer propane. But I don't try to heat the whole building with it, or warm the area up excessively. And that works fine.

 

[bp fick]

Neither are cheap, as you say. LP is cleaner to the senses. Not sure the moisture issue a deal breaker, but if there is adequate ventilation and most shops and barns are relatively drafty, you'd likely not notice. You didn't state if you just wanted to heat up an area, or try to heat for long periods of time. LP releases the moisture over time, according to a formula. So many quarts/btu/hour.

I assume you want to purchase a salamander/torpedo?

 

[bake321]

Defiantly open space, tobacco barn and alleyway of horse barn. And yes I am talking a salamander/torpedo type. It looks to me that a kerosene type may be less costly to run.

Cary

 

[bake321]

And just short time use, working on tractor, helping goats deliver babies etc.

Cary

 

[ray66v]

I'm not sure about cost to operate. I would not think there would be a big difference.

Your initial equipment cost is usually higher for the propane units.

Some kerosene units are designed to also run on diesel, you might find that to be beneficial.

 

[EddieWalker]

I bought a kerosen heater a few years ago for my shop. I only used it a few times a year, and it worked great. It put out allot of heat, and was easy enough to use. There is something that you pour into the tank to stop the nasty kerosen smell when it's running, and that worked really well. I never thought it was very affordable to run, but when I needed it, I didn't care. Mostly I used it for family get togethers like Christmas Eve.

It was a round thing like a large bucket.

This year, the wick finally burned out on it. I took out the old wick and failed miseably at replacing the new wick. I spent several hours at it, but could never get the wick so it would adjust once I got it back in there. After spending so much time on it, I got frustrated and threw it away. I really got frustrated!!! LOL

Now I'm looking to go propane. Messing with the wicks, filling the tank with kerosene and making a smelly mess is something that I just don't want to mess with anymore. I'm planning on a ceiling mount heater, or maybe two smaller ceiling mount heaters. I'm going to get a big residential tank and have it delivered once a year. When my water heater dies, I'm going to get a propane one, and I'm also going to get a propane fireplace.

I'm all electric now, and have had the power out for days at a time. Fortunately,it's always happened during huricane season, but if it happens in winter, I'm going to be hurting for heat. Propane give me a backup that I've decided is important to me.

Eddie

 

[actionaj]

I would go with the propane heater. A lot cleaner no smell and no fumes that will give you a headache.

 

[bp fick]

This year, the wick finally burned out on it. I took out the old wick and failed miseably at replacing the new wick. I spent several hours at it, but could never get the wick so it would adjust once I got it back in there. After spending so much time on it, I got frustrated and threw it away. I really got frustrated!!! LOL

Now I'm looking to go propane. Messing with the wicks, filling the tank with kerosene and making a smelly mess is something that I just don't want to mess with anymore.
Eddie

Pretty much mirrors, to some degree, the use of kero heaters for most of us. When Kero was $1.49, these made some sense. I have an old one, bought Y2K, and it ran well, if a little smelly. Done at least 2 wick replacements. I am done as well. I can do them easily enough, but they are now $11. Done. LP is sooooo much easier, less mess and since the price of both are directly tied to the price of oil, it doesn't matter that much. I believe the BTU nod goes to Kero/diesel, but the simplicity and clean award goes to LP.

 

[JB4310]

Defiantly open space, tobacco barn and alleyway of horse barn. And yes I am talking a salamander/torpedo type. It looks to me that a kerosene type may be less costly to run.

Cary

Not sure but I've never seen high btu propane units in that salamander configuration, the kero ones go over 200,000 btu.

I've got a 110,00 unit, they're great for fast portable heat, I think the portable part for me is a slight advantage over the propane. Well actually depends on what you consider portable, in one way the propane is more portable since you don't need AC electric cord, For me I'm using in or near shop so no problem for electric, I just don't want to move propane tank around with heater.

They are good if you have to work outside on a pc of equipment, just park the heater 8-10 feet away, pointing at the work area and you will be so much more comfortable than just being outside with nothing.
The multi fuel ability is a huge plus over the propane as well imo, you always have diesel around.

The down side is they are noisy to the point where you have to shout over them to be heard and they are "flame throwers" so you have to be careful, would not want to use them anywhere around hay.
Seen where a guy was cutting wood near one and the thing was sucking in the saw dust and shooting it out on fire

Also as mentioned, initial cost is higher, expect to pay close to $500 for a decent new one. though I'm sure you could get a used one for a fraction of that.


JB.