Kerosene heaters can be a great way to warm a drafty space (as long as you use them safely and have a reliable kerosene supplier). But like any appliance, they sometimes don’t work the way they should.
Here’s a quick troubleshooting guide for two common kerosene heater problems:
If your kerosene heater won’t light:
Make sure your heater is filled with quality K-2 grade kerosene, and that the wick has been soaked for at least an hour before attempting to light it.
When you push the “ignite” button, the igniter should move into position above the wick surface and glow a bright orange. The igniter should not touch the wick; if it does it will not light, since only the kerosene vapors just above the top surface of the wick will ignite.
If the igniter doesn’t glow, check the batteries. Use non-alkaline replacement batteries; alkaline batteries deliver too strong of an initial jolt and may damage the igniter.
If your kerosene heater won’t shut-off
If the wick won’t drop, it is most likely due to tar and carbon build-up caused by burning the wick too low or using contaminated kerosene. A hard, thickened wick is more difficult to move between the wick adjuster and the primary air tube. Water contamination can also cause the cotton fibers in the wick to swell. In both cases, replace the wick.
Always operate combustion appliances safely! And if you need a kerosene supplier in Central Maine, don’t worry – Murray-Heutz has you covered. Contact us today to learn more.
