Propane Heaters

What Are Propane Heaters?

Posted on October 24, 2009
Filed Under Propane Heaters, Propane Patio Heater, Propane Water Heater | Leave a Comment

Propane heaters are heaters that use pressurized gas. These stand alone units do not require being plugged into an electrical socket, nor do they require permanent gas.

They are most frequently used for patios, garages, and warehouses, but can be used for many other purposes. Propane is one of the cleanest alternative fuels available today, making these heaters perfect for under the porch awning and for other outside use, such as social events, parties, and for camping.

Types of Propane Heaters

There are several types of propane heaters. They are separated into several categories, depending on the size, strength and the type of heater.

When selecting your propane heater, it’s always a good idea to verify the size of the area you are going to be heating.  Like barbecues and air conditioners, propane heaters use British Thermal Unit (BTU’s ) as their measure of thermal energy. Generally, the smaller the room, the less BTU’s you need.

You must keep in mind that propane is flammable. For these reasons, users should take the necessary precautions when using the heaters.  Never, under any circumstances, should you use an outdoor heater for an inside job, or vice versa. Installing propane and carbon monoxide detectors is always a good idea.

Being that these heaters are portable, storing them is a breeze. Most heaters are lit by use of matches, or a lighter. Using an electric starter is the safest and ideal way to start a heater. A tank of pressurized gas is normally attached to the heater. Once the tank is out of gas, finding a department store that sells propane is generally easy. You have the option of purchasing a new tank, or simply refilling the one you already have.

These heaters can be found in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some can be mounted on walls, others have wheels, making them easier to maneuver from one room to the next. Smaller heaters can be selected to heat smaller rooms. Radiant or convection propane heaters are perfect for this task.

You must also ensure that there is good ventilation in the room you are planning to use the heater in. Propane requires oxygen to burn, so a well ventilated area is the key to ensuring there are no dangers.

Propane heaters vary in price depending on the size and the amount of BTU’s you’re looking for. You can normally find a good, little heater for $50, and larger units can range up to $600. Heaters can be found at most home building centers, home hardware stores, and large department stores.

Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

Propane Water Heater

Posted on October 25, 2009
Filed Under Propane Heaters, Propane Water Heater | 2 Comments

Tankless gas, or propane water heater, (once known as point of use water heater), have become increasingly popular in today’s society. These propane hot water heaters have wonderful features such as easy installation; they are very cost effective, very flexible and are normally less maintenance, not to mention that the supply of hot water is unlimited.

When it comes to propane water heaters, the amount of hot water varies on the size of the burner in the heater. The way a water heater functions is not very complicated to understand. When the hot water faucet is started, the burner inside the heater is quickly ignited and this heats the water instantly. Once you turn off the hot water tap, then the unit will shut off.  Tankless propane water heaters have larger capacities than available electric models, and they can supply water to several showers at the same time. They can also be used to produce hot water for a single place.

Propane gas water heater is much more economical than an electric water heater, due to the fact that the cost of gas is relatively one-third of the cost of electricity. Propane gas water heaters eliminate the need for a large storage space and function much more efficiently than the traditional tankless electric water heaters. They also have wider applications, for the simple reason that they supply water at higher flow rate. An endless supply of hot water, low operating costs, energy savings, space savings, almost no risk of power problems, and safety assurance are other great advantages to water heaters. Furthermore, if you are planning a home improvement then these heaters are very popular as they have a life span which ranges between 10 to 15 years, ensuring you get optimal usage.

There can be some disadvantages to getting this type of heater in that these propane water heaters are normally installed centrally and therefore require a direct vent, or a conventional flue to combust. The installation charges of gas piping can be extremely high. Also, the application of pilot lights inside this heater can result in the waste of a large amount of energy. While it has higher gallons of output than a conventional electric heater, a propane water heater is not suitable for larger families. However, even though there are a few disadvantages, getting propane hot water heaters is better than purchasing an electric one. If you shop around you’re sure to find one that is suitable to your needs.

Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

Indoor Propane Heater

Posted on October 25, 2009
Filed Under Indoor Propane Heater, Propane Heaters | Leave a Comment

Indoor propane heater will generally be found in homes further North that are in colder areas. These heaters come with a tank attached which contains liquid petroleum gas; this allows them to light instantly. Since the heaters consume no energy, they are perfect for families who want to save on electricity.

But in recent times these heaters are quite common in many homes. While it is possible for them to be used on patios, and in camping situations, indoor propane heaters are generally designed to be used inside rooms which have little or no insulation. It’s also important that the room be well ventilated, since propane is a gas. As with all gases, and flammable products, precautions should always be taken. Installing a propane detector inside your home is an extra expense which is well worth its cost.

Indoor propane heaters are perfect for transforming cold rooms into comfortable, warmer rooms. While an electric fireplace can be used for the same job, they are much less cost efficient than propane. Overall, electric heating will be sure to raise your electric bill, whereas propane heaters will not.

Maintaining indoor heaters may require some extra steps such as verifying for any leaks, and assuring the tank is refilled whenever needed. All in all propane heaters tend to be more dominant since they are the most eco-friendly solution, and the most cost efficient.

There is very little competition when it comes to indoor propane heater. Three main brands are Coleman propane heater, Empire, and Mr. Heater, each company specializes in these types of heaters. Empire heaters can be a bit more expensive, and they make special propane wall heaters which are wall mounted units with temperature options. They also have a higher BTU allowing more area coverage. Mr. Heater has a selection of small heaters, as well as a selection of taller ones.

Prices will vary depending on the type of heater you are looking for. Keep in mind that electrical heaters are much more expensive than propane. Most indoor propane heaters vary in price from $65 to $150, with bigger ones starting at approximately $150 and going all the way to $1000.

You can easily find the indoor propane heater at your local Home Depot or Wal-Mart. These items normally go on sale right after the winter season, so you can get them ahead of time at a great price.  Smaller units can also be found online where prices may be a bit lower as there is more competition.

Reblog this post [with Zemanta]
keep looking »