Heaters are necessary for the winter, but they can be expensive and risky. Most electric heaters cost much and run on electricity, and they’re not exactly cost-effective. This is mainly for people who live in areas where power outages often happen.
If you don’t want to spend money on something that will only run when plugged in, consider using an indoor heater that doesn’t require electricity. There are many different types of these heaters available; some are safer than others, depending on the fuel used to make them work.
This article will discuss how each one works, what makes them unsafe or dangerous to use, and which ones are safest for your home if you have children or pets living with you.
Are there Indoor Heaters that Don’t Require electricity?
Yes, a few different indoor heaters don’t require electricity. These types of heaters use other forms of fuel to create heat. These forms include kerosene, propane, and natural gas.
Benefits of Non-Electric Heaters
There are many benefits to using non-electric heaters, as shown below;
- Supplements home heating system; If you have a home heating system that is electric, supplementing it with a non-electric heater can help keep your home warm. This is especially beneficial if you experience power outages often.
- Initial cost: Most non-electric heaters are cheaper than electric heaters.
- The running cost; most non-electric heaters use a fuel source that is either free or very cheap, such as kerosene or propane. This makes them more economical in the long run.
- Portability: Many non-electric heaters are portable, so they can be moved from room to room as needed.
- Safety: Many non-electric heaters are safer to use indoors than electric ones. This is because there are no electrocution risks associated with them. Additionally, most non-electric heaters have safety features that shut them off if they tip over or malfunction.
- Easy to use; most non-electric heaters are very easy and don’t require much effort or knowledge.
- No installation is required; many non-electric heaters don’t require any installation, making them an excellent choice for renters.
Types of Heaters that Don’t Require electricity
The most popular and common types are kerosene, propane, and natural gas heater.
Kerosene Heaters
Kerosene is a fuel made from petroleum, and it can be used in a small or large space. The downside to using a kerosene heater is that it gives off fumes, which can cause carbon monoxide poisoning if used indoors.
There should be no problem using this type of heater as long as you have it ventilated enough or in a room where your doors and windows are kept open to let the fumes out.
Propane Heaters
Another non-electric heater is a propane heater. It works the same way as a kerosene heater, with propane gas as the fuel source. The benefit of using a propane heater is that it doesn’t give off any fumes and is safer to use indoors.
Natural Gas Heater
The last type of indoor non-electric heater is a natural gas heater. Most natural gas heaters are similar to kerosene or propane heaters, just that they don’t need any other fuel than the natural gas itself.
This type is costly and dangerous if not installed correctly by a professional. In addition, natural gas is flammable; if the heater malfunctions, it may cause a fire.
What to Look for When Choosing Non-Electric Heaters
When choosing a non-electric heater, there are a few things you need to look for;
Size of the heater
Make sure to choose a heater that is the right size for the space you want to heat. A small heater will only work in a small area, and vice versa.
Type of fuel it uses
Some heaters use a fuel that is not safe to use indoors, such as kerosene. Ensure the heater you choose uses a safe fuel source to avoid accidents.
Type of heater
There are many different types of non-electric heaters available on the market. Choose one that is best suited for your needs and lifestyle.
Heating Capacity
Most heaters have a specific heating capacity, which is the amount of space they can heat. Make sure the heater you choose has enough power to heat the area you want to use it in.
The price
As with anything, some non-electric heaters are more expensive than others. Choose one that fits your budget and needs.
Warranty
Some heaters come with a warranty from the manufacturer, which will cover any defects or malfunctions. The longer the warranty period is, the better it is for you as there are fewer risks involved in buying that particular heater model.
Safety Features
Many non-electric heaters come with safety features that will shut them off if they tip over or malfunction. This is a great safety feature to have, especially if you have children or pets.
The Use
Some heaters are designed for indoor use only, while others can be used indoors and outdoors. Make sure you choose a safe heater to use in the space where you want to use it.
Tank Size
The tank size of some non-electric heaters matters! Some have a large tank size, while others have a small tank size. Make sure to choose a heater with a tank size that will work for your needs.
Ease of Use
Most non-electric heaters are very easy to use and don’t require a lot of effort or knowledge. Select one that is easy to operate to avoid use complications.
Weight
Some heaters are very lightweight, while others are much heavier. Choose a heater that is easy to move around if needed.
Best Non-Electric Heaters
There are many different types of these heaters for sale, but not all are equal. Below, I will review six different types of non-electric heaters and tell you what to look out for when buying one!
Mr-Heater-F232000-Indoor-Safe-Portable
These heaters will usually use small gas tanks to attach and then adjust the flame size and intensity through knobs. The best thing about these types of heaters is that they are very powerful, which means you can feel the warmth from across the room! Additionally, Mr-Heater-F232000 is highly portable, making it suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
The portability feature makes it possible for you to carry it along when camping or place it in your garage. Another feature is the tip-over and low-oxygen sensors safety features which allow you to feel safe using the heater. In addition to safety, Mr. Heater-F232000 comes with a carbon monoxide detector and a slightly open window.
The F23200 heater can last up to 3-6 hours on a 16oz/1 lb. full tank. However, this time frame can be increased by attaching it to a larger five-lb propane tank. Mr. Heater’s carry handle also comes with a battery-operated stroller fan to facilitate an even circulation of the warm air.
Pros
- Safe for indoors and outdoors use
- A fast-heating system
- It can be attached to a larger tank for increased time usage
- Tip-over and low-oxygen sensors
- Highly portable
- It comes with a carbon monoxide detector
Cons
- It can only be used with propane tanks
- Can be expensive
- 100% safety cannot be guaranteed
- The flame can be too intense for some people
- It lacks an inbuilt fan
Mr. Heater-F215100
This heater has many great features, such as adjustable heat settings. Adjustable heat settings will allow you to control the heat output for a more personalized experience.
In addition, it has an adjustable thermostat that will enable you to set a temperature range and automatically adjust itself as needed within that range to maximize efficiency.
In terms of safety features, this heater also comes with tip-over and low oxygen sensors along with an open flame shut-off. The Mr. Heater-F215100 is also CSA certified, meaning that it meets all the necessary safety standards.
This propane heater also has a built-in fan which will help circulate heat evenly throughout the space you are trying to heat. Additionally, this fan can be powered by batteries. It runs around 5-6 hours on a 1-pound disposable propane cylinder (Not included).
Pros
- A powerful heater that heats up quickly
- Adjustable heat range settings for a personalized experience
- It has an inbuilt fan that evenly circulates heat
- A built-in fan that batteries can power
- CSA certified and met all necessary safety standards
- It has tip-over and low oxygen sensors to guarantee user safety and has an open flame shut-off feature.
- Highly efficient in burning
- Great temperature range options
- Highly portable for indoor-outdoor use. Suitable to carry along when going camping, fishing, hunting, etc.
Cons
- It can be a bit pricey for some people.
- The tank can run out quickly if using the heater for extended periods.
- Requires disposable propane tanks that must be purchased separately.
- It can take only small run-on cylinders and can’t attach to larger ones like the first option.
Kero World KW-24G Indoor Kerosene Heater
Another option is the Kero World KW-24G Indoor Kerosene Heater. This heater is slightly different from the first two because it runs on kerosene instead of propane.
The KW-24 is a conventional heater that can provide heating for up to 1000 sq. ft. The heater comes with an in-built 1.9-gallon tank that only uses clean kerosene as fuel. The unit will last you about 12 hours of continuous use before refilling it.
The Kero World heater also has a safety switch that automatically shuts the unit off when tilted or bumped to ensure the user’s safety at all times. In terms of temperature control, this heater comes with adjustable heat settings to up to 360 degrees so that you can customize it to your needs.
The heater also comes with a built-in carrying handle for easy transportability and a push to start matchless ignition for easy use. The device has a dimension of 18 by 18 by 22 inches (L, W, H, respectively) and a 2-year limited warranty.
Pros
- Built-in carrying handle for easy portability and transport
- Adjustable heat settings (up to 360 degrees) give you the option of customizing your experience based on preferences or needs.
- Heats up quickly and efficiently to provide warmth for a large area
- It comes with an inbuilt tank that can last for up to 12 hours of continuous use before needing to be refilled.
- The safety switch automatically shuts the heater off when tilted or bumped to ensure user safety at all times.
- Easy to put it on and use – no matches or lighters needed.
Cons
- The kerosene smell might be too strong for some people and difficult to get rid of.
- It can only run on small tanks that cannot attach to larger ones like the first option.
- Requires kerosene as fuel, which may not be readily available in certain countries
- The use is prohibited in other countries.
Mr. Heater 30,000 BTU Vent Free Blue Flame Natural Gas Heater
The fourth option is Mr. Heater 30,000 BTU Vent Free Blue Flame Natural Gas Heater. This heater is a bit bigger than the others, but it can also heat spaces to 1000 sq. ft.
This natural gas heater does not require any electricity to operate and has ceramic glass that can withstand high temperatures so as not to break. The device comes installed with a thermostat that can control the temperature.
The heater also has an auto shut-off system that turns the device when it reaches a certain temperature to conserve fuel and protect the unit from overheating. This option comes with a blower that helps push out heat into the surrounding area, and it has an oxygen depletion sensor to ensure safe operation.
Mr. Heater 30,000 has dimensions of 24 by 11 by 27 inches (L, W, H, respectively) and a one-year limited warranty. Starting this heater is easy since it has a battery-powered Piezo igniter. The heater has options of permanent installation on the wall or floor.
Pros
- Heats up quickly and efficiently to provide warmth for a large area
- 30,000 BTUs provides sufficient heating for up to 1000 sq. ft.
- The thermostat allows you to control the temperature always to be comfortable.
- It comes with an auto shut-off system that turns off the device when it reaches a certain temperature or runs out of fuel to conserve energy and protect the unit.
- No electricity required – operates using natural gas.
- Blue flame technology produces a safer and more efficient flame than other models.
- Oxygen depletion sensor for safe operation
- The heater comes with installation options with installation hardware provided.
Cons
- The use of natural gas might not be allowed in certain countries.
- A Blower Fan Kit F299201 is sold separately.
- Restricted use in the high altitude of 4500 ft, bathrooms, vehicles, or bedrooms.
Dyna-Glo RA18LPDG 18,000 BTU Cabinet Heater
Option five is Dyna-Glo RA18LPDG 18,000 BTU Cabinet Heater. The Dyna-Glo heats using the radiant method, which emits heat in all directions instead of just one. It has the following dimensions 16 x 17 x 23 inches (L x W x H)
The heater is designed with an inbuilt 20lb propane tank that can last for up to nine hours of continuous use before refilling. It also has a Piezo ignition system that makes it easy and quick to start the device. It comes with different heat settings (High, medium, low), which you can adjust depending on your preference.
The device has a built-in safety feature called the “Tip-over switch,” which automatically shuts off the heater when it gets bumped or is tilted to avoid accidents. Additionally, it comes with an Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) that ensures safe operation.
Pros
- Heats up quickly and efficiently to provide warmth for a large area
- 18,000 BTUs offer sufficient heating for up to 600 sq. ft.
- Different heat settings for your needs
- Front safety grill
- Side carry handles for easy transport.
- Piezo Ignition for easy use
Cons
- Not 100% safe
- Requires regular refill
Sengoku HeatMate 10,000-BTU Portable Indoor/Outdoor Radiant Kerosene Heater
The Sengoku HeatMate is a portable kerosene heater used indoors or outdoors. It has a BTU rating of 10000 and can heat an area of up to 380 sq. ft. The device dimensions are 22 x 13 x 20 inches (L, W, H, respectively) and use the radiant method.
It has a 1.2 inbuilt gallon that has a 14-hour run time. The Sengoku HeatMate has a tip-over safety measure and an easy push-button to start.
Pros
- Heats up quickly and efficiently to provide warmth for a large area
- 10000 BTUs provide sufficient heating for up to 380 sq. ft.
- Portable – can be used indoors or outdoors.
- Tip-over safety measure
- Easy push-button start
Cons
- It uses kerosine which might be restricted in some areas.
Non-electric Heaters Safety Tips
- Safety should always be your number one priority when using any heater, especially a non-electric heater. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind when using a non-electric heater;
- Purchase only non-electric heaters with inbuilt safety features. This will ensure that the heater is safe to use, even if it malfunctions.
- Make sure your non-electric heater sits on an even surface not to tip over.
- Never leave a non-electric heater unattended, especially if it is turned on. When going to bed, make sure to turn off the heater.
- Read the instruction manual carefully before using your new heater. Reading the instructions will help you understand how the heater works and highlight any included safety features.
- Keep children and pets away from the heater at all times. Children and pets can be curious and may touch or climb on.
- Ensure the area you will use the heater in is clear of any flammable objects.
- Only use the type of fuel specified by the manufacturer; using the wrong fuel can be dangerous and cause an accident.
Other Ways to Heat Your Home Without Electricity
There are many other ways to heat your home without using electricity. Here are a few of the most popular methods;
Wood Stove
A wood stove is a great way to heat your home and can be used either as the only heat source or in conjunction with another heating system. Additionally, wood stoves can double as an oven for cooking food.
Solar Heating
Solar heating is a great way to heat your home while saving money on energy costs. There are some locations where you will get tax credits or other incentives, but it isn’t always the case. If solar heating sounds right for you, find out what you qualify for today.
Gas Heating
Gas heaters are a great way to heat your home if you already have gas lines installed in the building, but they can be costly and not always worth it.
Fireplace
A fireplace is a beautiful addition to any home and can be used to add a warm glow and heat on cold winter nights.
Alcohol Heater
Alcohol heaters are another great way to add extra warmth and comfort on cold winter nights.
Fire Pit
A fire pit can be used as an outdoor fireplace or an indoor heater placed in the center of your living room on cold winter nights. It provides warmth and comfort for large groups of people, so everyone feels nice and cozy under one roof.
Conclusion
Non-electric heaters are a great way to heat your home without having to rely on electricity, and we’ve just covered some of the most popular options. However, if you don’t think any of these will work for you, there is still another option; wood-burning stove kits. These handy items can be installed in almost any space to provide a heating solution without electricity.