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Winter storms battered most of the U.S. in the final weeks of December, causing blackouts and blackouts. Many struggle to stay warm in harsh winter weather, but you also have to be concerned about your safety as many of the devices and products that promise instant warmth can be dangerous if not used properly.
More than 400 people die from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning in the US each year, so you should never use a grill, camp stove, or fuel-powered generator indoors, even with the windows open. However, there are some ways to safely heat at least a small part of your home when the power goes out, such as: B. a fireplace or even a homemade candle warmer, provided you keep an eye on the flames.
Propane heaters, rated for indoor use, are another safe option to use when the power goes out. The Heat Hog Portable Propane Gas Heater is an example that is safe for indoor or outdoor use and requires no electricity. The Heat Hog is available in the following three models.
The 4,000-Btu Heat Hog Piglet propane heater is perfect for warming up your personal space. It runs on a one pound propane bottle. This indoor propane heater features a stationary 45 degree angled heating head to direct heat where you need it. The curved design offers a 33 degree wider heating area than traditional portable propane heaters. It also comes with a mountable base.
“This is such a great little heater that gave me peace of mind when winter came,” wrote one reviewer, who gave it five stars on Amazon. “This heater is exactly as advertised. It’s very strong and sheds a good amount of heat! I love having a backup plan in case we lose our energy.”
The Heat Hog Piglet normally retails for $119 and is discounted to $99 at the time of this writing.
This larger option from Heat Hog features a tilting design that allows you to adjust the angle of the heat. It promises to heat up to 225 square feet with up to 9,000 Btu of radiant heat output. You can run it on a 1 lb propane bottle or 20 lb propane tank with an accessory hose (sold separately).
Heavy-duty safety guards, a safety toggle switch, and a low oxygen sensor help you stay warm safely. The sensor can detect lack of oxygen or accidental falls and will automatically turn off the heater when this occurs. This 9,000 Btu portable heater from Heat Hog sells on Amazon for $120 and features a quiet ignition, four-position temperature control, and a fold-down handle with lightweight construction.
“I used it in my shop for four hours while running my laser cutter to keep me and my dog nice and warm,” wrote one reviewer, who shared a photo. “It does the job really well.”
The largest of the Heat Hog portable heaters, this 1,800 Btu model heats up to 450 square feet. It runs on a 1 lb propane bottle or 20 lb propane tank with an accessory hose (sold separately) and a single AAA battery.
“The tilt feature is fantastic,” wrote one reviewer. “The convex heating plates also help enormously. The heat control is infinitely adjustable if you don’t mind the noise that comes with it not being fully set to one position. The other advantages are that both heating elements can be operated by one [1-pound] Canister. Also great is the off the floor storage and the magnets that keep them a little more secure.”
Like the 9,000 Btu model, this $155 portable heater features a tilting design to adjust the heating angle and the same safety features, including safety guards, a toggle switch, and an oxygen deficiency sensor. It also features electric ignition, three heat settings, a foldable handle and a swing-out tank connector.
Tips for using propane gas heaters indoors
If you plan to use a portable propane heater as a backup for power outages or in small areas without heat, be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions for proper use and safety features.
Never leave a propane heater unattended or operating while you sleep, even if it is rated as safe for indoor use. And never use an outdoor-only heater, indoors, or in enclosed spaces like a garage, tent, or RV.
