Propane Heater Guide

Archive for February, 2009

While not as common as natural gas heaters, a propane heater can be an effective and inexpensive way to heat both outdoor and indoor areas where there is plenty of ventilation. In comparison to an electric heater, a propane heater can cost 15 to 25 percent less to run. Propane is often called liquefied petroleum gas (LP Gas or LPG) and is a fuel which is clean burning, long lasting, relatively easy to buy and safe.

In this section of the website, you will find detailed information on choosing the right propane heater for your circumstances.

The Types of Propane Space Heaters

Propane Wall Heaters

Recommended for: room additions, workshops, enclosed porches, cabins, ice houses and lodges.

Wall heaters are heating units that are mounted in or attached to a wall. A wall heater is ideal for when you want a heater that won’t take up floor space. They make ideal indoor propane heaters but unvented models do require adequate ventilation as they use the oxygen in the room to work.

You will be required to attach a wall mounting bracket to the wall so that you can fasten the heater to the wall. This will require some handy work using a drill and some screws.

Most heaters can also be place on the floor by using the floor mounting stands that come with the product. If you are placing the heater on a floor that is combustible (such as carpet) then you will need to place it on a wood panel that is the full-size of the model. Models that come with a fan will need to be place near an electrical outlet.

Propane Patio Heaters

Recommended for: patios, decks, garden parties and porches.

Propane patio heaters are purpose built for heating outdoor areas such as patios, decks, porches and lawns. They are ideal for garden parties or other outdoor events, and can help you enjoy the outdoors during the colder months.

The most common patio heaters have a tall, long tree-like shapes with a reflector at the top. This reflector look a little bit like mushroom top or top-hat and is designed to reflect the heat downwards towards where people are standing. These types of heaters have a compartment which stores the propane tank and because there is no fixed line the heater can be moved from place to place.

Another type of patio heater is one that can sit on top the table. These heaters are usually small but powerful enough to keep those around the table warm.

Propane Portable Heaters

Recommended for: emergency heating, camping, patios, garages, picnics, sporting events, barns or sheds, hunting blinds and ice fishing shanties.

A portable heater is ideal for a number of situations including emergency heating, camping or keeping you warm as you work on the car in the garage. They are often light and easy to carry, making them a very versatile heater that can be used for a variety of circumstances.

Most of these heaters can be used indoors provided that there is adequate ventilation and combustion air – check the manufacturer’s instructions to determine if your enclosure is suitable. While being used outdoors, some portable heaters can be susceptible to shutting off in high winds.

Propane Garage and Workshop Heaters

Recommended for: garages, workshops, warehouses and entrance ways.

Garage heaters are purposely built for the cold environment typically found in a garage or workshop. Such heaters can ensure that you utilize your garage or workshop all year round and in comfort.

Generally speaking, there are two types of propane garage heaters – infra-red and convection heaters (further information on how these two types of heaters work are outlined below). A garage heater is usually mounted to a wall or ceiling. Both types of heaters will require vents and will need to be installed in such a way as to not overheat or interfere with machinery or doors.

Propane Infrared Heater / Radiant Heaters

Recommended for: construction sites, warehouses, workshops, loading docks, sheds and barns, recreation areas, remodeling jobs and agricultural buildings.

Infrared and radiant heaters heat objects (eg. concrete floors, machinery, fixtures) and this warmth is then re-radiated for the warmth that is found in the air. This means that these types of heaters can be more comfortable than other types because the heat is more uniform and are ideal for conditions present in workshops, garages and warehouses.

Propane Convection Heaters

Recommended for: construction sites, commercial workspaces, workshops and sports events.

With a convection heater, the air is heated when it comes into contact with the hot elements inside the heater. This raises the temperature of the air with in the space. Some heaters use fans to circulate the air and will therefore require an electrical outlet nearby.

Forced Air Propane Heaters

Recommended for: construction sites, patios, commercial work-spaces, barns and farm buildings.

A forced air heater heats air inside the unit and then utilizes a fan to blow the air outwards. These heaters can heat a room or area quickly but are often noisy. They can also blow material or dust about and so you need to think carefully about whether you install ones of these in a workshop that generates a lot of dust or has light material floating about.

What are the Pros and Cons of Using a Propane Heater?

Propane heaters use pressurized liquefied petroleum gas so you will need to have them filled at gasoline stations. LP gas is friendlier to the environment, and the use of it means you are reducing damage to the ozone layer. Aside from that, portable propane heaters mean that you can save up on electric bills at home.

The only thing you will need to always be aware of is checking for gas leaks.  Otherwise propane heaters whether the portable kind or the mounted kind, are safe and economical to use.

What to Consider Before Buying a Propane Heater

The primary thing you need to do before buying a propane heater is to measure the area you want heated and the increase in temperature you want to achieve.

Here’s the formula, you will need to know these:

Area (cubic feet) – Length x Width x Height
Temperature – Temperature with heater – temperature without heater
The propane heater you will need is measure by BTU or British Thermal Unit.  To know the BTU you require: (Area x .133) x (temperature)

If you are uncertain of the calculations you have done, you may consult a professional to help you.

Propane Heater Safety

Propane heaters are safe to use. However, propane is an explosive gas and if there are leaks it can produce a dangerous situation. While propane is naturally odourless, a man-made odorant is added to it so that people can detect gas leaks. You should check your propane heater regularly for gas leaks and use it per manufacture instructions. The manufacture should provide you with information on how to detect gas leaks, how to check for them and what to do if you discover one.

If a propane heater is used in an area which does not have adequate ventilation and combustion air, it may start to emit excessive carbon monoxide. This is an odourless gas which can be toxic and can result in death. The symptoms of inadequate ventilation include headache, dizziness, burning eyes and nose, nausea, and dry mouth or sore throat.

As with all propane grills and heaters, there are a number of precautious you should take. Children should be closely supervised around the heater and both children and adults should be informed that parts of the heater are hot and could burn. Combustible material should not be placed near the heater and nether should any clothes or flammable materials be placed on the heater itself. As already mentioned, propane heaters near adequate ventilation and oxygen to safely work and you should read your manufacture’s instruction carefully to determine if you can use the heater safely in the area you are thinking of heating.