Is it safe to use an alcohol-based lighter fluid in pellet stove, also no CO detector?

[mrose89]

I'm staying with my mom and her boyfriend for the moment. He uses an alcohol based lighter fluid to start the stove. Is this safe? I have brought it up with them many times and they respond defensively and angrily. Also, they run these stoves day and night, never open any windows, and do not have any fire alarms or CO detectors. I keep suggesting they get some and again, they respond angrily and defensively saying "It's an alcohol gel... They are very safe and efficient...and they are going to keep running."

So you think it is safe for me to be there? I feel nauseous and have a headache today but I'm not sure if that's psychosomatic.

Also, the other day he burned wood in the stoves and forgot to open the damper so the whole house smelled like smoke. He said he knew he forgot but somehow didn't think it pertinent to open windows...

 

[DneprDave]

A lot of people use hand sanitizer to start their pellet stoves with no problems and that is alcohol based.
I would think that a forced draft stove, like a pellet stove is much less likely to allow carbon monoxide into the living space than say a regular wood stove.

If you are concerned about CO, buy your own carbon monoxide detector, you don't have to mount it to a wall, just set it next to where you sleep.

 

[Peterfield]

I'm staying with my mom and her boyfriend for the moment. He uses an alcohol based lighter fluid to start the stove. Is this safe? I have brought it up with them many times and they respond defensively and angrily. Also, they run these stoves day and night, never open any windows, and do not have any fire alarms or CO detectors. I keep suggesting they get some and again, they respond angrily and defensively saying "It's an alcohol gel... They are very safe and efficient...and they are going to keep running."

So you think it is safe for me to be there? I feel nauseous and have a headache today but I'm not sure if that's psychosomatic.

Also, the other day he burned wood in the stoves and forgot to open the damper so the whole house smelled like smoke. He said he knew he forgot but somehow didn't think it pertinent to open windows...

Absolutely fine starting the stove with that type of starter. If you want to yell at them, tell them they need CO detectors.

 

[BUBIBEAR]

Talking wood stove , dose it have an OAK. Than open some windows . Also suggest the wood stove forums.

 

[alternativeheat]

Back in the day if I had to live with my mom and her boyfriend I'd probably feel sick to my stomach too. You're visiting there, I assume they live there 365 days a year and they aren't dead yet, you walk in the door and now all of a sudden it's all about a deadly situation.. Not that detectors are a bad idea mind you. And as Bio says below, it is the law in most states.

 

[Bioburner]

Most states its mandatory for smoke and strongly suggested for CO(mandatory for rental, for new construction ). With the price for a combo unit around $20.

 

[saskwoodburner]

So you nag them repeatedly over using alcohol based starter fluid, when you yourself don't know if it's safe or not? Tread lightly living under a roof you didn't pay for.

I think smoke detectors and such are a good idea though.

 

[GeHmTS]

It sounds like you don't like him. If that's the case, find your own dwelling, and do what you wish.

 

[Wilbur Feral]

I assume you are back living with them for economic reasons, but here's an idea: the minute you can, you go buy a CO detector and fire alarm FOR them, GIVE it to them, and tell them that you appreciate the fact that they allowed you to stay with them. In fact, you could do that on the LAST day you are there, which will make them feel like you care about them more than yourself, as only they will benefit. I am guessing that all parties will be glad to see that day come fairly soon.

 

[mrose89]

I think some of the posts here are rather harsh and very assumptive. Perhaps there is some projection going on? I do appreciate the bits of useful advice, though!

 

[velvetfoot]

Projection? That's a fancy word.

 

[mrose89]

Projection? That's a fancy word.

It is?

 

[alternativeheat]

I think some of the posts here are rather harsh and very assumptive. Perhaps there is some projection going on? I do appreciate the bits of useful advice, though!

So taking the "useful" portion of the info you got from the thread and I assume discarding the "projections" what do you think you will do going forward ?

 

[saskwoodburner]

It is?

Obtuse?

 

[MCPO]

I'm staying with my mom and her boyfriend for the moment. He uses an alcohol based lighter fluid to start the stove. Is this safe? I have brought it up with them many times and they respond defensively and angrily. Also, they run these stoves day and night, never open any windows, and do not have any fire alarms or CO detectors. I keep suggesting they get some and again, they respond angrily and defensively saying "It's an alcohol gel... They are very safe and efficient...and they are going to keep running."

So you think it is safe for me to be there? I feel nauseous and have a headache today but I'm not sure if that's psychosomatic.

Also, the other day he burned wood in the stoves and forgot to open the damper so the whole house smelled like smoke. He said he knew he forgot but somehow didn't think it pertinent to open windows...

Personally I think you have a legitimate cause to worry . Since he forgot to open the damper and smoked up the house he might not even have the stove vented properly.. I`d do as others have suggested. Get a Co2 detector and cut your worrying to a minimum.

 

[NYBurner]

mrose- i think what the harsh responses are trying to say is stop assuming adult authority if you are not one. Age does not quantify an adult. So I'll expand on this slightly since you think others are being projective and assumptive.

1. you live there because you are unable to care/provide for yourself (whatever the reason). Receive what help you are given with gratitude and thanks.

2. you moved back to help care for a relative (mom, sibling, etc.). Be an adult, go buy safety devices or pay for utilities if it is a true concern. Actually take car of the person.

3. you are visiting short term. Receive what hospitality you are given with gratitude and thanks. Don't visit in the future if you are unsatisfied. Leave if needed.

None of us know the situation, just wanted to shed some light for you since you seem confused at some of the responses. You're presentation of the situation opens the door for the above conclusions. Hope it all works out well for you and your family whatever the scenario.

 

[redbill]

imagine how he feels for a moment. He needs to smoke out his girlfriend's adult son from the house just to get some intimate time with his lady.