Fuel Options
It is important to understand a variety of fuels and how to safely use and store them. Be sure to check with your local authorities and comply with all laws and regulations in your area.
| Fuel | Recommended Shelf Life | What Happens After Shelf Life | How to Store Safely | Cautions |
| Alcohol | Indefinite | Alcohol will lose potency if left open and allowed to evaporate | Store in tightly sealed original container in a cool, dry place. | Extremely flammable Evaporates quickly |
| Batteries (Lithium) | 10 years | Lose potency | Best stored in an airtight container in a cool location | Leakage |
| Batteries (Alkaline) | 3-5 years - - May last much longer than expiration date printed on package | Lose potency | Best stored in an airtight container in a cool location | Leakage |
| Battery Bank | Varies | No longer holds a charge well | Keep cells filled, keep batteries, terminals and cables clean. Store lead acid batteries in properly vented box |
Electrical shock Acid burns Batteries may explode |
| Butane | 8 years - Indefinite | N/A | Store in cool, dry place away form heat sources | Highly Flammable Not recommended for indoor use |
| Canister Fuel | Indefinite | N/A | Store carefully in a cool, dry place away from heat sources Dispose of containers that have dents or signs of rust |
Explosive risk Do not use indoors! Do not store in home |
| Canned Heat | Varies by manufacturer 10 years - Indefinite if unopened |
Alcohol has an indefinite shelf life - combinations of fuel differ - may not burn as well | Store upright, away from heat sources. Dispose of damaged or dented cans. | Open flame precautions Cans may leak if not stored in an upright position |
| Charcoal | Indefinite if stored in airtight container | May not light or burn well if moisture has been absorbed - dry out on a hot, dry day to restore viability | Store in airtight plastic or metal containers to prevent moisture absorption |
Produces vast amounts of deadly carbon monoxide. Never use indoors! |
| Coal | Long life | Air speeds up deterioration and breakdown, causing coal to burn faster | Store away from circulating air, light, and moisture away from home | Susceptible to spontaneous combustion Produces carbon monoxide |
|
Coleman Fuel (white gas) |
6-7 years (unopened) 3-4 years (opened 3/4 full) 1-2 years (opened 1/2 full) |
Will not burn as well | Store in original container, in a dry area, with no rapid or extreme changes in temperature Store in detached garage or shed |
Highly flammable Never use indoors! |
| Diesel | 18-24 months | Life may be extended with a fuel stabilizer Will not burn as well |
Store in approved containers in detached garage or shed |
Produces carbon monoxide Do not burn indoors! |
| Firewood | 3-4+ years | Decreases in BTU output | Store off the ground, protect from moisture, allow for plenty of air circulation Store away from the house |
Termites, pests, and rodents |
|
Fuel Tablets (Esbit, Trioxane, Hexamine, Sterno) |
Indefinite | N/A | Store in a dry place in original packaging | Use in well-ventilated area Do not burn indoors! |
| Gasoline | 12 months | Breaks down and becomes ineffective May be extended with a fuel stabilizer |
Store in approved containers in detached garage or shed Best place is in the tank of your car |
Highly flammable Storing large quantities is hazardous |
| Gel Fuel | Unknown | Unknown | Store in a cool, dry place in original packaging | Flammable Outdoor use only |
| Kerosene | 5+ years | Will not burn as hot | Store in approved plastic container in a cool, dry place. Store in detached garage or shed |
Produces deadly carbon monoxide (a poisonous gas), nitrogen dioxide (which may cause throat and lung irritation), and sulfur dioxide (which can impair breathing) Use in well-ventilated area! Avoid indoor use |
| Lamp Oil | Unknown | Unknown | Store in a cool, dry place in original container, tightly sealed Do not allow to freeze! |
Combustible liquid Frozen oil may defrost too quickly, posing an explosive hazard |
| Lighter Fluid | Indefinite | N/A | Store in a cool, dry place away from open flames | Newspaper or canned heat will work in a charcoal chimney and is much safer |
| Matches | Indefinite | N/A | Keep dry! | |
| MRE Heaters | 5 years - Indefinite | Takes longer to heat up and does not achieve high temperatures | Store in a cool, dry place away from water. | Keep activated heater away from open flame as it produces hydrogen gas and may create an explosive hazard |
| Newspaper Logs | Indefinite | N/A | Store in dry place | Burns better if mixed with regular wood |
| Propane | Indefinite | N/A | Watch canister/tank for signs of rust or dents. Replace damaged canisters immediately Store in detached garage or shed |
Pressurized cylinder of flammable gas Leaks pool in lowest place, creating an explosive hazard Do not use indoors except in appliances rated for indoor use |
| Solar | Solar modules usually have a 25 year warranty - may work longer | Effectiveness decreases | Keep clean and free of debris | None |
|
Wax (Candles) |
Indefinite | N/A | Store in a cool, dry place |
Open flames are dangerous
|
| Wind Turbines | 5-25 years | Output may diminish or malfunction | Periodic maintenance | Danger - moving parts Avoid contact when running |
Fuel can be extremely dangerous and should never be stored inside of a home.
Never store fuel in any building you can not afford to have burn down!