Many people have been wondering and asking if they can use an outdoor propane heater indoors owing to the fact that both are propane heaters made to heat a space. Well, the answer is;
No, you cannot use an outdoor propane heater indoors to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Outdoor propane heaters produce more gas than indoor propane heaters which when used indoors without enough ventilation can be dangerous and potentially fatal. Therefore, do not use an outdoor propane heater indoors, rather, use an indoor propane heater for indoor heating.
Propane heaters are the best option when it comes to heating a space that is not covered by your house’s central heating system. It can be used to heat both medium and large spaces using liquid propane as fuel.
The idea of heating a space with a propane heater is to avoid cold. During winter when cold is a normal thing. If you notice that space in your house that is not covered by your central heating system, you can quickly get a propane heater that is suitable for the kind of space you wish to use and save yourself from cold.
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Outdoor Propane Heaters
Outdoor propane heaters are the type of propane heaters that are specifically made to be used outdoors. The manufactures of outdoor propane heaters always specify that it is a propane heater that should be used outdoor and not indoor and the reason is because of the high combustion rate it comes with.
If an outdoor propane heater is installed in an outdoor space, there won’t be any consequences because it is being used where it is meant to be used. The wind outside will blow the carbon monoxide it produces away without letting it form together to be a hazard to any human around.
Indoor Propane Heaters
Indoor propane heaters are those types of propane heaters that are specifically made to be used inside the house. This kind of propane heater can be used to heat the room, garage, or any other space inside the house.
There are several propane heaters that are safe to be used in the garage and this is because they are made to be used in such space.
However, unlike the outdoor propane heater, the indoor propane heater is made not to produce too much carbon monoxide but still requires enough ventilation when using it.
Most indoor propane heaters come with a carbon monoxide detector and automatic shut-off. These are safety features that are installed in the heaters to ensure you are safe while using them indoors.
Some of the safety features in indoor propane heaters cannot be found in outdoor propane heaters and the reason is not far-fetched. Why including some of those safety features if the heater will be used outdoor where there is enough ventilation to carry the carbon monoxide away?
Have you ever wondered why indoor propane heaters are more expensive than their outdoor counterpart? Well, it is because of these features. A lot of works are done by the manufactures to make these propane heaters safe to be used indoors. So in the end, it is very expensive.
Can You Use An Outdoor Propane Heater Indoors?
You cannot use an outdoor propane heater indoors because it is not made for indoor use hence may be dangerous and potentially fatal. Outdoor propane heaters tend to produce too much carbon monoxide and if there is not enough ventilation indoors to dilute the air, can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning and death.
A lot of bloggers out there and other online content creators may tell you to use an outdoor propane heater inside but should allow enough ventilation inside by opening your window to stop carbon monoxide poisoning. Do not do it. Why using something that is made to be used outdoors for indoors?
It’s like telling someone to use zinc to construct a door that leads to the bedroom. Not only will it not work, but it is also very dangerous. The same goes for using an outdoor propane heater indoors.
It is true that indoor propane heaters are more expensive than the outdoor heaters because of the safety features it carries that make it safe to be used indoors which the outdoor propane heaters don’t have.
Is it not better to save up and buy a propane heater that is made and has been ensured to be used indoors than buying the cheaper outdoor ones and risk your life?
In case you don’t know, propane heaters produce carbon monoxide which can be very fatal to human health. Carbon monoxide is not something you should joke with. It silently kills and the reason is that it does not have any color, taste and the worst part of it is that you cannot smell it. Carbon monoxide does not have any odor at all.
So, you might not even know that the room has been filled with carbon monoxide and end up either getting poisoned by it or dead. So please, stop asking can you use an outdoor propane heater indoors and get the indoor propane heaters that are made for indoor use for your house. A word they say is enough for the wise. Remember, your health first. It is a matter of life and death.
Reasons Not to Use An Outdoor Propane Heater Indoors
- It is not Made to be Used Indoors: The manufactures of these propane heaters always specify the particular space that is suitable for each propane heater. However, for them to stipulate that this product is suitable for outdoor use without including the indoor means that the product can only function outside the house. Therefore, using it indoors is risking yourself to the dangers that may come with it.
- To Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Outdoor propane heaters tend to produce more carbon monoxide which is fine since it is used outside the house. Now, if you use the product inside the house, there may not be enough ventilation inside the house for the heater to work without causing any harm, you may end up getting carbon monoxide poisoning or death.
- There may not be Enough Ventilation Indoor: It is important to note that irrespective of the type of propane heaters you have, whether indoor or outdoor. The truth is that propane heaters need enough ventilation when running to maximize the rate of carbon monoxide and oxygen in the space. There is a probability that while using an outdoor propane heater indoors, there may not be enough ventilation to keep you safe.
Difference Between Outdoor Propane Heaters and Indoor Propane Heaters
The difference between outdoor propane heaters and indoor propane heaters is that outdoor propane heaters are made to be used outdoors or outside the house with fewer safety features than indoor propane heaters which are made to be used indoors or inside the house with enough safety features to keep you safe when using it.
Final Thoughts
Why asking can you use an outdoor propane heater indoors when you already know the answer. If it is an outdoor propane heater, then it is not meant to be used indoors rather outdoors. If you wish to heat your indoor space, purchase a good indoor propane heater with safety features such as a carbon monoxide detector and automatic shut-off, etc. If you suspect the presence of a carbon monoxide leak in your house, call the fire department to come to check the carbon monoxide in your house.
