Alternate Indoor Heat Source?

Hello all,
As the cooler temperatures begin to creep in on us, I am trying to find an alternate indoor heat source for our rental. Our primary heat source is oil. However, we have frequent power outages. In fact, we had a power outage last night during a rain storm. Unfortunately we do not have the ability to heat with wood. I was searching around online and found a non-electric indoor kerosene heater. The reviews of the product were fairly decent, but I was wondering if anyone had first hand experience with an indoor Kero heater. Supposedly the product can heat up to 1000 square feet. That would be sufficient for our needs, as during an outage we would only heat our primary living area, which would either be the bedroom or the living room. Any thoughts or experiences?

Used kero in one of my heaters -- round & about 2.5' tall. Mine works well. Definitely puts out heat. You need free space around it, take outside to refill. Some odor but you can buy a product to mix in when filling that helps with that. My kero wasn't bad and only at first light up did I notice much of any odor. Cons? While you can increase/decrease burn, it must be either off or on. Still keep one here for emergencies.

I have a propane heater that works without electric. Sizeable one, looks like a wood burner with fake logs. Cast Iron, large.
Most years it cost less than the electric heat pump to run.

Mini Horses said:

I have a propane heater that works without electric. Sizeable one, looks like a wood burner with fake logs. Cast Iron, large.

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I was going to suggest something like this ^^ Propane heaters work well and doesn't cost too much to run. If you are renting though, it's your landlord's responsibility to make sure you have a good reliable source of heating, so if the power outages are frequent enough to be inconvenient, maybe you can discuss an alternative heating option with them? Is there a chimney in place on your rental by any chance? We had one in a previous rental and when the boiler (main source of heat) started leaking fumes, our landlord had a wood burner put in for us.

sumi said:

it's your landlord's responsibility to make sure you have a good reliable source of heating

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In USA there are areas where this is not the case. However, if heat is provided the unit must be in good working order. There are landlord/tenant laws in many states and those laws may not apply to all landlords. In most cases it hinges on the number of units the owner has for rental. So, if only one house they may not be subject to some of the issues. If a unit is supplied and does not work properly AND the tenant has a lease, then they can obtain relief under the "quiet enjoyment" clause in court. Loss of power is generally not the landlords fault but, power provider.

As a landlord, I would be extremely concerned with a wood heater simply due to the inherent dangers of such use by the tenant. You just have no control over the care that they should take and may not. Even owners become lax and often tenants can be. A fire can wipe you out totally without full and proper care. Unless you are really rural about the only "heat source" with wood by a landlord is a fireplace.

I would discuss alternate heat sources with the landlord. Your post makes me feel you are the tenant. Also, if you do not have rental insurance get it. An inexpensive coverage & will cover you for most loss.

Thank you both for your replies. We are renting a large farmhouse, and have discussed this with our landlord. We also have renters insurance.
There is an open hearth fireplace (house was built in 1850s) that has been sealed prior to our lease. There is also a beautiful wood/coal burning cookstove, which now sits in the open hearth fireplace. Unfortunately, we do not have access to either of these since the chimney has been sealed for insurance purposes.

My grandmother had a kerosene heater. She loved it, I was sensitive to the smell and couldn't stand it. If you plan on staying in this rental for a long time, see about having a propane tank set and copper line run for a heater. Some propane companies will rent a tank. Call around and check on it. When you move, they will pick it up.