Emergency Heating Fuel Calculator
Calculate how much propane, kerosene, or firewood you need for emergency heating during winter power outages.
Calculate Your Emergency Heating Fuel Needs
Enter your heater specifications and duration to calculate fuel requirements for emergency heating.
Heater Information
Usage Information
Your Heating Fuel Requirements
Storage Recommendation
Based on your heating needs, here is our recommended fuel storage.
Estimated Cost
Approximate cost based on average fuel prices.
Emergency Heating Fuel Types
Each fuel type has advantages and limitations for emergency heating. Choose based on your situation, storage capacity, and safety considerations.
Propane
Clean burning, widely available, stores indefinitely. Requires indoor-rated heater with ODS sensor.
Kerosene
High BTU output, portable heaters available. Requires K-1 grade and adequate ventilation.
Firewood
Renewable, often locally available. Requires proper stove/fireplace and seasoned wood.
Wood Pellets
Efficient, easy to store. Pellet stoves typically need electricity; consider battery backup.
Critical Safety Guidelines
Carbon Monoxide (CO) kills. Any fuel-burning heater produces CO. Follow these essential safety rules:
- NEVER use outdoor heaters, grills, or camp stoves indoors
- Only use heaters rated for indoor use with ODS (Oxygen Depletion Sensor)
- Install CO detectors in every room with a fuel heater
- Always provide ventilation, crack a window if possible
- Never leave fuel heaters unattended or running while sleeping
- Keep heaters away from combustible materials (3+ feet)
- Have a fire extinguisher nearby
Safety Guidelines by Fuel Type
Propane Safety
- Only use heaters labeled for indoor use with ODS (Oxygen Depletion Sensor)
- Store propane tanks outdoors, never in living spaces
- Check connections for leaks (use soapy water)
- Keep tanks upright and secured
- Don't exceed 80% tank capacity when refilling
- Ensure adequate room ventilation
Recommended: Indoor Propane Heater
Indoor-rated propane heaters with ODS (Oxygen Depletion Sensor) automatically shut off if oxygen levels drop. Essential for safe indoor use.
View Indoor Propane Heaters on AmazonKerosene Safety
- Use only K-1 grade kerosene (water-clear, not dyed red)
- Store in approved blue containers, away from heat
- Refuel heaters outdoors and when cool
- Provide cross-ventilation when operating
- Keep wicks trimmed and clean
- Never add fuel to a running heater
Wood/Pellet Safety
- Have chimney inspected annually
- Use seasoned, dry firewood only (moisture under 20%)
- Never burn treated wood, particle board, or garbage
- Keep combustibles 3+ feet from stove
- Use fireplace screen or stove door
- Dispose of ashes in metal container outdoors
Recommended: Carbon Monoxide Detector
A battery-powered CO detector is essential when using any fuel-burning heater. Get one with digital display showing CO levels, not just alarm.
View CO Detectors on AmazonFuel Storage Guidelines
Propane Storage
Never store propane tanks indoors or in attached garages. Keep in a ventilated area away from heat sources.
Propane tanks are designed to be stored and used upright. The relief valve won't work properly if tilted.
Check for rust, dents, and valve condition. Tanks must be recertified every 12 years (date stamped on collar).
Kerosene Storage
Store only in blue-colored, approved kerosene containers. Never use gasoline cans.
Kerosene degrades over 1-2 years. Date containers and use oldest first. Add stabilizer for longer storage.
Store in cool, well-ventilated area away from ignition sources. Not in living spaces.
Firewood Storage
Firewood needs 6-12 months to season. Moisture content should be under 20%.
Use pallets or rails to keep wood off damp ground. Cover top but allow sides to breathe.
Keep main woodpile at least 30 feet from home to reduce pest and fire risk. Keep only 1-2 days supply near door.
Fuel Comparison Chart
| Factor | Propane | Kerosene | Firewood | Pellets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BTU per Unit | 91,500/gal | 135,000/gal | 20-30M/cord | 8,000/lb |
| Cost per BTU | Medium | Medium-High | Low | Medium |
| Storage Life | Indefinite | 1-2 years | Years (dry) | Years (dry) |
| Storage Space | Low | Low | High | Medium |
| Availability | Excellent | Good | Regional | Good |
| Portability | Excellent | Good | Poor | Fair |
| Safety Risk | Medium | Medium-High | Medium | Low-Medium |
| Electricity Needed | No | No | No | Usually |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much propane do I need for emergency heating?
A typical propane heater uses 0.5-1.5 gallons per hour depending on BTU output. A 20lb tank (4.7 gallons) provides 8-20 hours of heat. For a week of emergency heating (8 hours/day), plan for 3-5 tanks for intermittent use, more for continuous operation or colder weather.
How much kerosene should I store for heating?
Kerosene heaters typically burn 0.1-0.5 gallons per hour. A 23,000 BTU heater running 8 hours daily uses about 2 gallons per day. Store kerosene in approved blue containers, away from heat, and use within 1-2 years. Keep 10-20 gallons minimum for a week's emergency heat.
How much firewood do I need for winter heating?
A cord of firewood (128 cubic feet, 4x4x8 feet stacked) provides roughly 2-3 months of supplemental heat. For emergency heating, plan on 1/4 to 1/2 cord per week of continuous burning in moderate climates. Keep at least 2 weeks of seasoned, dry firewood accessible.
Is it safe to use propane heaters indoors?
Only use propane heaters specifically rated for indoor use with ODS (Oxygen Depletion Sensor). Never use outdoor heaters, grills, or camp stoves indoors. Always install a CO detector, maintain ventilation, and follow all manufacturer guidelines. Never leave unattended or running while sleeping.
What is the safest emergency heating option?
Electric heaters with battery backup are safest (no CO risk) but require power. For fuel-based options, indoor-rated propane heaters with ODS offer reasonable safety when used with CO detectors. Wood stoves with proper installation and chimney are also safe with proper use. All require safety awareness.
How long does stored propane last?
Propane itself doesn't expire and will last indefinitely when stored properly. However, tanks need recertification every 12 years (date stamped on collar). Store tanks outdoors, upright, in a ventilated area away from heat sources. Check valves and connections periodically.
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