Some real estate agents offer cheap prices for homes with a defective or old-fashioned heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. If you happen to be a practical person, it can be a great deal for you. Some people can either update the old HVAC system or simply use kerosene heaters or other heaters to help you throughout the cold system.
If you happen to be one of these people, there are certain risks that you need to consider before calling your chosen mortgage and insurance companies. In that way, you will know what could happen and how much amount of money you can get in case of accidents due to the best kerosene heaters occur.
Risk of Using Kerosene Heaters
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
One of the risks of using kerosene heaters at home is carbon monoxide poisoning. Kerosene heaters emit carbon monoxide whenever they are being used. Carbon monoxide poison occurs when you use the kerosene heater in an enclosed room. During the winter season, make sure that you keep your kerosene heater in a well-ventilated room. So that it would be easier for you to avoid carbon monoxide from circulating inside your house.
Kerosene Poisoning
Another risk that you need to consider when using kerosene heaters is kerosene poisoning. Poisoning occurs when you ingest kerosene into your system. Kerosene looks like an icy blue liquid. This makes some people accidentally ingest because it looks like a beverage.
Kerosene poisoning causes severe vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty in breathing, severe coughing, and unconsciousness. It is very important that you keep kerosene out of the reach for children. It should also be stored in a place away from food and beverages. Many insurance companies may not cover health issues due to kerosene heater accidents.
Accidental Fires
Accidental fires occur when you leave kerosene heaters unattended. Many people normally put kerosene heaters in areas where people usually converge. Usually, these areas are the living room, den, library, or dining area. These areas have a lot of flammable objects like furniture, clothes, and many more which makes it easier for the fire to spread and burn the whole house.
If your guest or family member accidentally knocks your kerosene heater into the floor, a fire can also occur. Furthermore, if you also happen to smoke inside these areas, fire can occur due to flammable fumes emitted by the kerosene heater.
Kerosene heaters should be placed in an area where people will not be able to touch it or knock it down. It is also best that you place it in an area where your children can never reach it. Children may get curious and accidentally burn themselves by touching it.
Indoor Air Pollutant
Aside from carbon monoxide, there are other indoor pollutants that are emitted by kerosene heaters. These are sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, and nitric oxide. These emissions occur when you are using your kerosene heater often and to a higher degree.
These emissions can cause a serious issue on your health. It can affect your cardiovascular and respiratory system. To avoid these unfortunate events, it is best that you consider the size and the amount of heat that you need inside your room. In that way, you can avoid pollutants inside your home. Aside from that, you can also use other technology like carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.
Kerosene heaters can be really beneficial as supplemental heaters for your home. However, you also need to consider the risks that come along with it. It is, therefore, best that you discuss with your mortgage and insurance company before buying a home with a problematic heating system or when you plan to use kerosene heaters in your home.