The kerosene heater is used as a supplementary heater. Available in single or double combustion wick models or electronic with an Inverter system, it adapts to all configurations and needs.
Wick heaters come in single or double combustion models. Their wick must be changed periodically, as well as their igniter. They are the entry-level models.
The single combustion kerosene heater has a few characteristics to be known.
- It is inexpensive to purchase and autonomous. Indeed, you just need to pour kerosene into its tank and equip it with two R20 type batteries to benefit from a supplementary heating source.
- It is equipped with a round button to adjust the height of the wick, a push-button to extinguish it, and an ignition button. Some models only have an ignition button and another for turning it off.
- The wick dips into a tank connected to the kerosene reservoir. It is housed inside a laminar flow burner formed of a honeycombed cylinder and a metallic ring.
The double combustion kerosene heater is inspired by the single combustion model but has some unique characteristics.
- It is equipped with a laminar flow burner and a second burner called a flame burner consisting of a glass cylinder. The flame resulting from the almost complete combustion of the kerosene reaches 1,200°C (reduces carbon monoxide emissions).
- Its consumption is lower since the double combustion improves its efficiency.
The latest arrival on the market, the electronic kerosene heater has various advantages.
- It emits little odor.
- Its heating capacity can be adjusted thanks to a thermostat relative to a set temperature.
- A ventilation system allows it to spread even heat throughout the room.
- The user can program it for several days 24/7.
- It is equipped with a combustion chamber and an injection burner, the operation of which is regulated by a microprocessor.
- The Inverter technology regulates the device's operation according to the room temperature. Comfort is increased, and fuel economy is ensured.
- It can be installed in all rooms equipped with an electrical outlet.
As with any supplementary heating, kerosene heaters are sized according to the volume to be heated. The adopted coefficient is 100 W per m² (or 0.1 kW/m²).
Wick heaters and electronic heaters heat 30% by convection and 70% by radiation.
Ultimately, the choice of kerosene heater depends on the space in which it will be used. Note that electronic models require an electricity supply and are therefore not to be considered as an alternative heating mode in case of power outage, unlike wick heaters. Other parameters such as the volume of the room to be heated and autonomy should be considered.