Heat vs Asphyxiation

[gunflint]

What are the ventilation requirements for heating a garage with a kerosene / diesel heater? Some call them salamanders some call them torpedoes. I'm talking about heating a work space for a few hours at a time. I've used them several times over the years without thinking about it but I may be using one several times a week in an unheated garage this winter.

[Jim Almquist]

I have a 155,000 btu that I have used quite a bit and if I am going to work in the area I like to crack a 16' door 2-3" while it is running to ensure it gets enough oxygen. I also have a thermostat that I will use and when it shuts down I will close the door. I have never got a headache while working so I guess I am getting more then enough oxygen and not to much CO build up.

[CAMAN]

I recommend getting a CO detector and plug it in while using the heater. I've got a 45k btu kerosene heater in my 3 stall garage and once last year I got a major headache and dizzyness while using it after a few hours. I went inside and grabbed one of the detectors and it went off immediately. Just make sure you unplug it when you're not using the heater if you drive vehicles in and out, the exhaust will set off the alarm on occasion.

[Wildabeast]

+1 on the CO detector as well as leaving the garage door cracked a little bit. I also like to run a fan at slow speed to circulate the air from the ceiling (where it gets quite warm) to the floor

[BobT]

I don't know if I'd rely entirely on trusting how I feel. It seems that victims of CO poisoning are often unaware they are infected until it is too late. Either that or they deny they are affected because one of the common symptoms is confusion. I think I'd install a detector to be sure.

[pikechaser]

co det always a good idea. Id be willing to bet it will go off in no time in the situation...probly not the best heat source for continued use in a confined space..make sure to have adequate fresh air

[delcecchi]

And with no fresh air intake, wouldn't it tend to use up all the oxygen as well? I guess it depends on how tight the garage is.

[Surface Tension]

Lots of variables.

A CO detector and venting for sure.

The variables are.

The condition of the salamander. If the burning surface is dirty with carbon and sort it will not burn the fuel oil as efficiently. That means more CO is put into the room. You can't smell CO either.

Time exposed to CO.

CO poisoning is your blood cells can't absorb oxygen.

Walking outside for a breath of fresh air isn't doing anything for you other then your not breathing CO at that time. Walk back into the room and your body starts absorbing more.

Walk into the room the next day and you start where you left off absorbing CO from the day before minus what your body expelled. Yes you will have CO in your system from the day before. Do this day after day and you can see how dangerous that is.

Combine CO poisoning plus a device that is burning oxygen and its a double killer going on.

If this is an attached garage I wouldn't do it.

Really those type furnaces are intended to heat things up and not work areas.

Ideally a vented propane furnace that draws its combustion air from outside. Garages are associated with fumes from fuel, solvents, and the like. They offer a chance for ignition but those fumes are being burnt as well adding more CO to the room. If you've every painted in the winter with an oil base paint you might notice a different smell other then normal paint fumes. That is the fumes being burnt by your furnace.

[Ed Carlson]

I wish that all heaters were mandated to list the amount CO emitted as a rating. If they do, I have never seen it.

It would appear to me to be a logical and useful rating so the end user can better evaluate the use to application more safely.

[Surface Tension]

Salamander/Torpedo heaters are rated as "Outdoor Use".