Is it a good idea to run the gas grill in the house if the power is out?

Question

My husband thinks this would be a good way to heat the house to a certain extent in the case of a power outage like we just had in western Washington. I think it's a bad idea, but what are the facts? Hubbie says it'd be like running a gas stove, but I'd be worried about CO2 poisoning. So what are the dangers, other than the obvious fire hazzard?

Answer 1

This needs clarification. Burning a fuel gas gives off many things, heat, water vapor, carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2).

CO2 is the less toxic of the two. Humans expel the same gas as well. This becomes a problem if a large volume of gas is burned and the area is airtight. The resulting CO2 expelled can displace oxygen.

CO is much more toxic. It's a by-product of incomplete combustion (a yellow vs. a blue flame). Even a small amount can kill as it quickly diffuses around the house and displaces oxygen within your blood.

There is some truth to your husband's claim. A gas grill is theoretically the same as a gas stove. In fact, in some rural areas, propane (like that found on a gas grill) is used to run kitchen stoves. This would only be safe, though, if the flame is the same size as would be used on a regular stove.

The problem is that gas grills are not usually manufactured to the same standards as indoor stoves, so there may be more toxic gases expelled.

I'd say that in a dire emergency where there is a chance of hypothermia and the only way to heat the house is by an outdoor grill, then go ahead and use it carefully. Otherwise, it's not worth the risk, even though, theoretically it may work.

Answer 2

I think your husband makes a valid point: what is the difference between a gas range/oven and a Barbeque?

Let's see...
1. You usually don't run all your range burners and oven at once, but even if you did...I've never heard of any warning about doing that.
2. Both will deplete oxygen and add carbon monoxide.
3. The barby will make the house smell nice, but smoky.
4. There is the additional risk of having a propane tank that big in the house.
5. One way to get "something" out of the barby would be to use it to heat water, outside. Then pour into hot water bottles, and put 'em under the covers.

My opinion is that it would be ok to use for a short time, in a dire emergency, with not much more risk than a gas range. But I'd have a battery powered, tested and working CO monitor in your airspace.

Answer 3

Keep bottled water and a camping stove on hand if you have an electric range this way you can cook food and heat water. I would keep things like canned fruit, veggied and beans on hand. You might want some spaghetti and spaghetti sauce maybe some mac and cheese. Think complete meals that come out of a box. I always keep 4 or 5 options in the house just in case. This way I can eat what is in the fridge first and then move to boxes when everything is gone or spoiled from the fridge. If it is snowing out side you can keep perishables outside in a cooler as well as long as the daytime temp does not get up to high. Oh yeah dont forget a flashlight and some extra batteries or one of the ones you can wind up to give you light.

Answer 4

You didn't say if it was white gas, such as Coleman liquid fuel, or propane. If it is white gas, it will kill you.

If it is a PROPANE appliance, it should be safe, providing all the seals and the regulator have been properly checked. After all, many people heat and cook with propane all year. I have used my PROPANE camp equipment many times in the home, during emergencies without adverse effects.

BUT you should purchase a carbon monoxide detector at your local hardware store and use it in tandem with the heaters. I used the tent heaters, on 5 gallon tanks.

A 5 gallon tank is more stable than a small cylinder: not as likely to be tipped over. I wouldn't use the small cylinder for that very reason. I heated my home for several days with the 5 gallon cylinder. It was not much closer to my living quarters than the neighbor's l50 gallon tank which sat underneath their living room window, not more than 2 feet from the wall.

Answer 5

They sell The Mr Buddy Small And Large Heater in the Stores ,There not meant to Replace the heater your House .just something in a garage .where air leaks in and no Return Vents are Located

Answer 6

BAD IDEA!!!! ANYTIME YOU US AN APPLIANCE FOR OTHER THAN THE PURPOSE THAT IT WAS DESIGNED FOR YOU RUN THE RISK OF KILLING YOURSELF. BURNING A GRILL INDOORS BURNS NOT ONLY THE GAS BUT ALSO THE OXYGEN IN THE HOUSE, WHILE GIVING OFF HARMFUL GASSES, EVEN KEROSENE HEATERS SHOULD NEVER BE USED WITHOUT AN OPEN WINDOW TO BRING IN FRESH AIR.
A GENERATOR(OUTSIDE) SHOULD BE USED TO PROVIDE POWER UNTIL POWER IS RESTORED. DO NOT PUT THE GENERATOR IN A GARAGE EITHER.

Answer 7

You should definitly be concerned about carbon dioxide. You may not know you are affected until after the fact. It can also kill you.

Use it outside only. If you must, put it in the shelter of a garage and use it only with the door open.

Answer 8

too just say no would not say anything at all.
get some co2 detectors and place them around the area you'rre about to experiment in.
if they don't set off, I'll fly up there and eat his gas filled food.

so, now what!
does he like to smell exhaust from the tailpipes tooooooo???

Answer 9

No this is not a good idea. Always better to cuddle up with blankets and hot chocolate.

Answer 10

Well lets make it simple, Call the Fire Department and ask them same question, I am sure they will make it REAL PLAIN
for you