We have used flat wick and Aladdin lamps since I was a wee child growing up in rural Missouri. We would be without electricity several days each winter. Periodically we would change the kerosene in the lamps as it does “go bad” and gum up the wicks otherwise.
While in college and living in a trailer in KCMO in the mid '80's we were without power for 2 weeks and lived fine with Aladdin Lamps for light and a kerosene heater for heat (and LP cook stove and hot water heater). Very little if any smell – keep the wicks trimmed and only use K-1 kerosene (better quality). Keep adequate ventilation. If memory serves me correctly we used about 10 gallons of kerosene for those 2 weeks.