How to use a paraffin heater?

[david128]

Ok - stupid question, but I have a small greenhouse (8x6), and my wife bought me a greenhouse heater with two wicks - parasene super warm 4

So - I'm having real problems trying to get it to burn without being smokey, if I turn down the wick, it goes out, otherwise it's too high and I get a layer of soot over everything

The leaflet says trim the wick - it looked ok, but I gave it a trim anyway, but it hasn't made much difference

I've realised that you have to light it, and go back after ten minutes or so to turn it down, but it still seems so touchy on the adjustment of the wick

Am I doing something wrong?

[Potstubsdustbins]

Hi David, I have the same heater and find it necessary to light it go back after 10 to 15 minutes to turn down the flame and then again after about another 30 minutes. The flame should be about level or just below the lip of the burner itself when you are finnished.

What is happening is the heater and paraffin are warming up and becoming more volatile and so the flame gets larger.

Take care if it is producing soot as it will also be producing carbon monoxide.

Colin

[david128]

Colin

Thanks for that

I'll nip out & check it again

I didn't expect it'd be such high maintenance - but needs must

[The Large One]

they're a nightmare
i have 2 in my GH..1 works fine the other newer one is a real pain to get set right
first time i used it as Colin said they can go wild and looked out my upstairs window to see the GH what looked like full of smoke, opened the doors and it was a horrible black smeech all over everything, had to clean the glass as it was acting as a sun block

i visit them every half hour before bedtime to make sure a, they are lit and b, they are not smoking

[rick_the_novice]

Thank you for this post. I am pleased I aint the only one suffering from this. I lit mine yesterday for the first time and it is just so sensitive to adjust. I just it is just a matter of trial and error and to keep checking it

[Madasafish]

I have used them for 30 years with no such problems.

ALWAYS trim the wicks so they are perfectly horizontal.

Light them and adjust quickly to a level flame and wait 3 -5 mins for the flame to warm up everything - with top placed on.

Adjust again.

(the heater must be placed on level ground.. use wood if floor is uneven and a spirit level.)


Once adjusted correctly, then switch off by removing top and placing an old mug upside down above the flame and then lower and hold there till the flame goes out through lack of oxygen. Do NOT use the adjuster to switch them off.

Replace top.

Light next time with no adjustments and it should be perfect. (No need to adjust for at least 7 days use).