Not too long ago, I was on Facebook and I saw someone who swore that a diesel heater was the best investment they ever got for their van. They seemed like an affordable way to heat up a home-on-wheels.
But I couldn’t help but wonder: Are they safe?
Modern diesel heaters are very safe, especially for indoor use. They produce less carbon monoxide than gasoline engines and usually have better fuel efficiency. These heaters are also usually equipt with shutdown mechanisms to prevent overheating and fires.
That being said, I always recommend purchasing a carbon monoxide detector when using a diesel heater, especially in such a small space. I know that I wouldn’t want to put myself OR my family in danger. So I use THIS one from (click here to check out how much it costs on Amazon).
For an added list of the safest diesel heaters I’ve used, be sure to check out this article.

Table of Contents
Are diesel heaters safe?
This is the question that you are probably asking yourself right now if you are thinking of buying a diesel heater. Diesel heaters have been around for a while and are used by many people across the world because they are very efficient and reliable. They are also considered to be very safe.
Diesel heaters are equipped with great safety features that make them completely safe for use. For instance, to prevent the risk of overheating, which can cause a fire outbreak, diesel heaters are equipped automatic shutdown feature where if the temperature exceeds a certain level, the machine shuts off automatically.
Additionally, diesel heaters produce much lower concentrations of carbon monoxide than gasoline engines. Diesel heaters are also thermostatically controlled and safe to run while you are sleeping at night.
Diesel heaters also don’t expose users to a naked flame. They use an electrical charge glow pin to initiate the combustion process, which is considered to be very safe. The exhaust odor in most diesel heaters is virtually unnoticeable, thanks to improved fuel quality and burner technology that most of them use.
This means that you don’t have to worry about inhaling toxic fumes; the combustion chamber is completely sealed and the exhaust is vented outside. There is no possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning while sleeping.

Pros of diesel heaters
1. Superior heating performance
One of the benefits of diesel heaters is that they provide superior heating performance. If you are traveling in freezing conditions, a diesel heater will not let you down. Even when the temperature outside is freezing cold, a diesel heater will keep you warm both during the day and night.
They are reliable and will keep your van warm at the time when you need it by providing clean dry heat.
2. Excellent safety features
Diesel heaters are equipped with excellent safety features, meaning you don’t have to worry that the machine will harm you. First, there is no risk of damage due to overheating because diesel heaters shut down automatically if the temperature exceeds certain levels.
You also don’t need to worry about the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. The combustion chamber is completely sealed and the exhaust is vented outside, meaning the machine can operate even when you are sleeping and it will not harm you. Diesel heaters have excellent safety features.
3. Temperature control
Temperature control is a crucial feature that allows you to set the temperature in your van at the desired level.
Unlike LPG heaters that are only fitted with a single-speed fan, diesel heaters are equipped with advanced microprocessors that allow them to control combustion and airflow, thus keeping constant and comfortable temperatures in the van.
4. Easy to install
Diesel heaters are super easy to install. You don’t need special skills to install a diesel heater on your van. The installation process is simple and straightforward. You also don’t need to hire an expert to install the heater for you.
Anyone, including those who have never used a diesel heater before, can easily install them on their vehicles. All you need to do is follow a few simple instructions given.
5. Quiet operation
Diesel heaters not only provide superior heating performance but they operate quietly. In fact, one of the reasons why most people prefer diesel heaters over other types of heaters is because they operate quietly.
You don’t have to worry that the heater will disturb you while sleeping, as is the case with other types of heaters.
6. Low fuel consumption
Another key selling point of diesel heaters is their low fuel consumption. They deliver excellent heating performance without consuming a lot of fuel.
A vast majority of diesel heaters have an incredible fuel consumption rate of between 0.11-0.51 L/h. Additionally, the fuel source is readily available and affordable.
Cons of diesel heaters
- They are more expensive than LG gas heaters. The upfront cost of a diesel heater is high and beyond reach for most people.
- Diesel heaters tend to be louder than gas heaters.
- Diesel heaters require a fuel tank.
- Most diesel heaters require a large space to install.
Are diesel heaters safe for indoor use?
Yes, diesel heaters are safe for indoor use. They are super silent meaning they won’t disturb you while doing your important task or while sleeping they are also equipped with excellent safety features that make them safe for indoor use.
For instance, diesel heaters are equipped automatic shutdown feature that prevents the temperature exceed a certain level while operating. This means that the heater will not cause a fire outbreak because of overheating.
There is no possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning because the combustion chamber is completely sealed and the exhaust is vented outside. If you are thinking of using a diesel heater indoor but wondering wheatear it is safe, worry not because they are 100% safe for indoor use.
Are diesel heaters safer than LP gas heaters?
When buying a heater safety is among the first thing that people check. So, between a diesel heater and an LP gas heater, which one is safer? First, before we go into details of their safety features, it is important to note that both types of heaters are equipped with great safety features and are safe for indoor use.
When it comes to safety, diesel gas heaters are considered safe for indoor use compared to LP gas heaters. LP gas heaters work by drawing air from an external intake pipe where it is mixed with gas and ignites the gas in the combustion tube which in turn heat the van.
Although LP gas is considered safe, it requires a flawless installation process. An LP gas heater cannot be installed too close to the door, gas, or other gas appliances. If the gas heater is not installed correctly, it poses a huge safety concern.
Additionally, LP gas produces wet heat which results in unwanted condensation and humidity which can contribute to a feeling of low energy and leathery. On the other hand, diesel heaters don’t have any restrictions when it comes to installation.
They are generally safer due to the excellent safety features that they are equipped with. Diesel heaters also produce clean dry heat, meaning you don’t have to worry about the negative effects of high humidity.