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Kerosene heaters are known as an effective way to keep warm in cold weather or power outages; however, improper kerosene storage can create safety hazards and decrease fuel efficiency. When you follow proper kerosene storage guidelines, your kerosene will last, and your home can be safe. Here’s what to know about storing kerosene for your heater.
Be Mindful of Storage Lids
Choosing a suitable container is the first step to safely storing kerosene. Use only containers meant for kerosene storage. These are typically colored blue, as opposed to red containers (gasoline) and yellow containers (diesel). Kerosene-approved containers are made from non-reactive, non-leaking materials.
Do not use repurposed containers, as they may not be compatible with kerosene and may degrade. A container that is sealed and well-designed reduces the chance of evaporation, spills, or contamination.
Decide Where to Put It:
It might sound simple, but this is one of the most important steps. How you store your kerosene is at least as important as what you store it in. It should be somewhere cool, dr,y and well-ventilated. Avoid placing the containers anywhere in direct sunlight, as this will heat the kerosene and promote its evaporation and vice versa.
Kerosene should be kept in a shed, garage, or outdoor storage area, away from electrical outlets, heat sources, and open flames. Never store kerosene indoors or in basements or other areas where vapors might be trapped and pose a fire hazard.
Seal and Handle Correctly
Be sure to seal the storage container tightly when you are not using it. Air is kept from mixing with the kerosene with an airtight seal, as the kerosene can devolve faster this way. It also keeps the vapors that can be harmful to breathe in contained.
When transferring kerosene to your heater, use a funnel or fuel-appropriate pump to prevent spills. Be careful with the fuel and clean up any spills right away to avoid leaving odors or safety hazards. Always remember to wash your hands well after touching kerosene.
Monitor Kerosene Shelf Life
Kerosene has a general shelf life of one to two years, depending on the storage conditions. Kerosene can break down over time, causing it to burn not only inefficiently but also do some serious damage to your heater. If you need to preserve kerosene for a long time, keep it in a constant-temperature place with little temperature variation.
You can always add a fuel stabilizer to help keep the kerosene’s quality intact. Fuel stabilizers are recommended, if you’ll store fuel beyond the one-year mark. You can keep track of how long you have stored your kerosene by labeling your containers with the date of purchase.
Prevent Contamination
Things like water, dirt, and other debris can contaminate kerosene and can lead to quality issues with the fuel, as well as damage to your heater. Before filling the storage container with kerosene, make sure it is cleansed and dried. Even small amounts of moisture in the fuel can cause it to separate and become unburnable.
Check your kerosene for the possible presence of water or any other contaminant (cloudiness, sediment in the bottom of the container), regularly. If the fuel looks contaminated, it’s best to dispose of it safely and replace it with fresh kerosene.
How to get rid of kerosene properly
If you have some old or unusable kerosene, dispose of it properly. Do not dump kerosene in drains or the ground because it is bad for the environment. Instead, call your local waste management facility and ask how to best dispose of them. Shelters in many areas have specific places for disposing of fuel and other hazardous materials safely.
Keep Safety in Mind
Kerosene should be stored far away from kids and pets. Label storage containers clearly, and warn everyone in the household never to mess with kerosene. For extra safety, have a fire extinguisher rated for flammable liquids nearby.
And while you’re at it, make sure your kerosene heater is functioning properly regularly, too. Only burn good, clean kerosene in your heater — this will keep the heater working properly and also lower the chance of poisonous fumes or a fire.
Kerosene is a common fuel used for many applications and proper kerosene storage is extremely important both for safety and preserving your fuel quality. If you use the proper containers, select a safe storage location, and monitor the condition of kerosene, you can help protect your home and improve the performance of your heater. Take these precautions and you can help ensure that your kerosene is ready whenever you need it, and you have a little peace of mind.
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