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What Are the Dangers of Propane Heating?

Propane gas has widely become a popular way to heat houses and buildings cost-effectively and efficiently. Using a propane heating system does involve risks and should be monitored regularly. The major concerns and dangers associated with propane heating are carbon monoxide poisoning, propane fires from leaks and a compromised system resulting from improper maintenance.

  1. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

    • The incomplete combustion of the gas can cause buildup of carbon monoxide (CO), which can poison a household. Some of signs that this is happening include soot collecting on appliance windows and water vapor gathering on windows and cool surface areas when the propane heating appliance is on, according to Propane 101. Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas, and therefore any household using propane heating should also install carbon monoxide detectors, which emit an alarm when they detect a large amount of CO in the air. Some of the health-related symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are light-headedness, headaches, nausea, dizziness and shortness of breath, as reported by Propane 101. Houseplants may also start to wilt or die.

    Risk of Fire

    • Propane gas sometimes can cause a fire. According to Propane 101, between 2000 and 2004 there were 1,390 fires per year in homes as a result of propane, resulting in 23 deaths and 193 injuries. Most of these resulted from improper installation of the propane heating system, which sometimes results in a fire or explosion if a spark is created by a malfunctioning electrical system.

    Risk of Explosion

    • As with all gas-related appliances, propane heating becomes dangerous when the system is not regularly inspected or maintained. This inspection and maintenance should be done by a qualified professional. According to Autogas Propane, propane tanks should only be filled to about 80 percent capacity to give the gas room to expand during hot days. If the tank is filled more then this, there is a risk of explosion. Propane tanks should be recertified regularly at 10-year intervals, states Autogas Propane. Doing so ensures that the tank remains leak free and continues to operate safely within the household or business using the system.

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