Diesel radiators are a worthy alternative to gas heating. Their thermal efficiency reaches 90%, they quickly heat a large space and are shrouded in a network of myths. Let’s get to the bottom of it, is it true that diesel heaters in the home are dangerous and constantly failing?
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How does a diesel heater work?
The room is heated by burning fuel. Diesel is poured into the tank, from there it moves to the nozzle, where it mixes with the air. A fuel-air mixture is created. It is injected into the chamber and ignited. The resulting hot air comes out of the “barrel” of the heater under pressure. In some models, some of the exhaust gases enter the environment with it. In more modern units, the combustion products are exhausted through a spigot.
The combustion process will be maintained until the fuel runs out or the air in the room is heated to the required values. The settings are entered as soon as the heater is connected to the mains and the self-diagnosis is performed by the device.
Signs of a working order of a diesel heater:
- fire is not bursting out of the heater;
- there is no strong smell;
- People in the room do not have tears or sore eyes;
- on internal and external walls of the installation there are no traces of soot and smoke;
- operation of the heater is stable (it does not turn off spontaneously, maintains the temperature within the set limits);
- the malfunction indicator is not lit/blinking.
Important: If you can smell impurities in the air, leave the building immediately and call the service center. Do not return until a technician arrives. Do not waste time opening windows or collecting documents, just leave. Delaying can lead to poisoning and unconsciousness.
The unit is self-contained, automated, and solves many problems on its own. For example, it shuts down when the CO sensors are triggered. It can be restarted only after troubleshooting. The solution is designed to protect the consumer from accidents.
Outside of emergencies, the unit runs for hours without refueling. Some models are designed for 5-10 hours of uninterrupted heating, others for 15 or more. At the same time, the device is economical: the electric power is spent only for providing the fan functioning.
Is it possible to use diesel heaters indoors?
Manufacturers produce units for different purposes. There are heaters for commercial, construction, agricultural, and even residential facilities. However, most often the diesel heater is used in industrial buildings. With its help, they heat warehouses, workshops, garages, hangars, and workshops. Including areas where people work.
Attention! There is no law or regulation that prohibits the use of diesel heaters indoors. However, when using it, you need to be aware of the risks. The fuel is dangerous in itself, but when it burns, it releases carbon monoxide. In high concentrations, this substance causes asphyxiation, damage to nerve tissues and brain cells, paralysis, loss of consciousness.
Regardless of where the unit is used, it is important to follow the rules of operation. Recommendations for safe use of the unit:
- Do not clutter the room in which the heater stands;
- do not obstruct the exit from the building;
- install suitable outlets;
- make sure there is no dry grass, paper, leaves near the heater;
- Remove all appliances with a reverse draught from the room;
- Buy a substitute high sensitivity smoke detector;
- Do not obstruct the indicators.
Important: When choosing a heater for a building in a densely populated area, consider the amount of noise generated. Check to see if the figures comply with the law on silence. If not, consider a less noisy model.
Do not use a diesel heater where there are flammable materials. For example, plastic, plywood, wood, chipboard, and fiberboard. Objects in the vicinity should be protected from excessive heat. If there is wooden or plastic furniture in the room, move it at least 10 feet away from the radiator.
Also, do not install the unit in areas where dust actively accumulates and/or combustible gases may be generated. For example, in coal and wood storage, grain storage, and the fuel and lubricant department. Ideally, a diesel-heated room should be systematically cleaned and well ventilated.
Does a diesel heater need ventilation?
Of course, and there are several reasons for that. Firstly, complete combustion of fuel is possible only with a sufficient amount of cooled air. If its temperature is higher, the engine will not be able to develop the necessary power. Because of this, the heater will work on wear and tear, which will lead to its premature failure.
In addition, overheating can lead to the malfunction of the CO sensor. Its responsibilities include not only sending an alarm signal, but also the complete cessation of the heater. If the content of harmful vapors in the air exceeds the norm, and the indicator fails, the diesel heater will continue to function.
Do not forget that even a functioning diesel heater produces carbon dioxide. If there is no system for the removal of emissions, the people in the building will burn. First, they’ll get a headache and their eyes will be bloodshot. Then there will be asphyxiation, nausea, and mental confusion. Further exposure will result in severe nervous system damage and death.
Poisoning can also occur when refueling the machine because diesel fuel is a hazardous substance. It should only be handled in well-ventilated rooms and away from sources of ignition.
Summarizing the above, it is safe to say that ventilation is vital for a diesel heater. It will keep people healthy and extend the life of the heater itself. But only with the proper organization of the system.
At the planning stage, it is important to consider the size of the room. For a small room, an ordinary air duct will do. Exhaust air will go out through it. Fresh air will enter through the hole located on the opposite wall.
Warning! If a large number of people work in the building, you will have to think about a forced ventilation system.
Both openings will need to be protected from precipitation. Special blinds or grilles will cope with the task. The first option is more convenient and practical: it does not freeze at low temperatures. An additional level of comfort will be provided by the auto triggering system. Due to it, the louvers will rise automatically immediately after the heater engine is started.
Important: Air vents will not completely solve the problem of emissions. In order to maintain a healthy microclimate, you will need to constantly air the room. Approve a schedule and stick to it steadily to avoid unnecessary heat loss and reduced staff performance.
How long do diesel heaters last?
The radiator is subjected to a high thermal load and therefore must be replaced after 10-15 years. At the same time the service life of some models is up to 20 years. To make the heater last longer, follow the recommendations:
- Do not set critical temperatures (optimal temperature range: 750-1000 F);
- Turn off the heater periodically;
- Protect it from moisture, precipitation;
- keep the room clean;
- Select the model based on the average annual temperature in the region;
- Have your heater serviced in a timely manner.
Clean diesel radiators from dust twice a season and inspect them daily for defects. Visually inspect the unit every day for damage and lose parts. Check that the nuts and bolts are securely fastened. Defective parts must always be repaired or replaced before you operate the machine again.
Important: Diesel units should be repaired by a specialist.
Before each refueling, make sure that the tank is free of condensation and traces of rust. To avoid these, use only clean diesel fuel of the recommended grade. Do not use gasoline, thinner, alcohol, waste oil, or other fuels. Diesel fuel is also readily available at any gas station.
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