Guide to Using Diesel Heaters Indoors

When the cold weather hits, a diesel heater can be an absolute lifesaver for a lot of people. With that being said, even when it isn’t necessarily winter, for those who work outdoors in areas that don’t get a lot of sunlight (think building site or garage/shed/studio), the temperatures can have a real impact on the level of work you do. Above all, it can affect your mood greatly. 

One of the best ways to improve conditions is to use a diesel heater, such as the Airrex Infrared Diesel Heaters we have here at Oxdale Products. They’re fuel-efficient machines capable of heating workshops, studios and garages for prolonged periods with ease. But the biggest question we get from customers is “Are diesel heaters safe to use indoors?”.  Throughout this blog, we will outline whether they’re safe to use inside workspaces and the precautions that should be taken.

Are Diesel Heaters Safe to Use Indoors?

There are a few precautions that need to be taken, but the use of a diesel heater indoors can be considered safe. This is solely if all safety guidelines are followed and actioned properly. At their core, they are diesel machines, which produce byproducts that can harm the human body and increase the chances of an accident happening. 

In order to use a diesel heater safely indoors, you should follow these strict precautions. Below is a list of the suggested precautions. 

Precautions for Indoor Diesel Heater Use

Ensure Proper Ventilation

The greatest precaution you should follow when using a diesel heater indoors is to ensure there is appropriate ventilation available. As we have mentioned, diesel heaters create byproducts that are harmful to humans if inhaled and potentially fatal if inhaled in excess.

Diesel heaters produce carbon monoxide which should be properly vented to ensure the safety of those inside. Ensure the exhaust pipe is directed outside to prevent the gases from building up. A good suggestion if you’re using your diesel heater in a fixed residence, somewhere you often work from, is to install a carbon monoxide detector. Sometimes things go askew, it’s better to be safe than sorry. 

Clear the Area Around the Heater

Another critical precaution that needs to be taken when using a diesel heater indoors is making sure no flammable or heat-sensitive materials are near or on the diesel heater when in use. And as a general rule of thumb, even when it is not in use you should refrain from leaving anything in contact with the heater. 

You increase the chances of things combusting and catching fire when you leave flammable or heat-sensitive material near or on the heater. Make sure your diesel heater is away from walls and has sufficient space to emit heat. It is also worth keeping it out of spaces such as walkways or high-footfall areas to reduce the chances of it being knocked over.

Keep Heater Maintenance Up to Date

Regularly servicing your machine to ensure it is in full working order is key to keeping you safe when using your machine indoors. As is the case with all machinery, they require regular attention to keep them running efficiently and safely. Reducing the chances of malfunctions happening is an essential way of operating a diesel heater indoors.

For more information on maintaining your Airrex Diesel heater, check out the user manual. This provides you with error codes and their fixes. We have put together a guide on the most common Airrex diesel heater errors so you can keep an eye out for them.

Potential Issues if Proper Precautions Are Not Taken

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Arguably, the biggest reason to ensure you take the appropriate steps to use a diesel heater safely indoors is to eliminate any chance of carbon monoxide poisoning. Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness, nausea, and, in the most severe cases, death. Ensuring proper ventilation precautions are taken is vital and should be taken seriously.

Respiratory Issues

Adding onto the risks carbon monoxide poses to humans, poor ventilation also opens up the possibility of causing other respiratory problems due to the other excess gases created when running a diesel machine. 

Increased Fire Hazard

As you would hope, your diesel heater reaches high temperatures, allowing you to heat whatever workspace you’re operating in. But with this increased heat, the chances of fire are increased if proper precautions are not taken. Flammable material will easily combust on the heat generated by an infrared diesel heater.

Airrex Diesel Heater Safety Features

Over the past couple of years, Airrex has taken customer feedback on board and redesigned elements of their AH range to make them not only easier to use but also safer. When the fuel tank was redesigned, the fuel cap was also replaced with a fully sealed model that prevents fuel spillage when moving the heater. In addition, the grid protecting the ceramic piping has been reinforced and improved.

Airrex diesel heaters have multiple safety features, including automatic shut-off for overheating, fuel leaks, and disturbances, as well as a smart safety system that shuts down the burner and fuel feeding if the heater shakes or is about to fall. Along with their impressive heat generation, menial sound pollution and good running costs, this is what makes them one of the best on the market.

Browse Diesel Heaters at Oxdale Products

Explore our full range of Airrex Diesel Heaters here at Oxdale Products, including the AH200i, AH300i and the AH800i. For more information, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. To learn more about our diesel heaters, visit our blog.