Reviews: Choosing the Best Indoor Propane Heater for Efficiency & Safety

Welcome to our Indoor Propane Heater Buying Guide. When it gets cold a propane heater will heat any space quickly and efficiently. We review a wide range of fantastic heaters that we feel are worth your money. Beyond our reviews, we also have a lengthy discussion on the different types of propane heaters, choosing the right size heater and an explanation of common features.

We hope you find this guide helpful and informative.

Introduction — Indoor Propane Heaters

Most modern homes in North America are equipped with central heating and air conditioning, also known as HVAC (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning) systems. An HVAC system relies on a central furnace or air conditioner to generate warm/ cool air, and then circulates this air around the house via ducts and vents. However, there is one major drawback  – central heating takes up a lot of energy, and can account for more than half of your total energy expenditure depending on where you live and how large your home is. This is where space heating comes in handy – with a space heater, you can quickly and efficiently heat up a specific location in the house such as your dining hall, bedroom, or garage. Space heaters consume very little power compared to central heating, and are also much cheaper.

This article is going to be about indoor propane heaters, which are basically space heaters that use propane as fuel. Indoor propane heaters are arguably one of the most cost-effective ways to heat your home, since you can achieve the same degree of warmth as an electric heater, but faster and more efficiently. A study by the American Department of Energy has proven that in recent times, heating a home with propane costs significantly less than heating the same home with electric power. Propane is also considered to be a green fuel, and has been approved as an alternative fuel in both the Clean Air Act of 1990 and the National Energy Policy Act of 1992. The only residue generated by propane heaters is water vapor and a mild amount of CO (Carbon Monoxide).

But before you purchase a propane heater for indoor usage, it is very important that you understand how these things work and why you can’t just pick up any propane heater and expect it to heat your room. First of all, propane generates residue when it burns – if the area that you are heating is not properly ventilated, this exhaust from the heater can result in various health issues, and even cause damage to property. We’ll discuss more about the issues surrounding indoor propane heating later, but remember that not every propane heater is approved for indoor usage.

There are plenty of brands and models to choose from, and propane heaters come in a variety of sizes and designs which can easily confuse potential buyers. But worry not – we shall talk you through the process of selecting the best indoor propane heater for your specific needs, and tell you everything that a customer needs to know about the several types of indoor propane heaters that can be found on the market.

This article will cover how indoor heating works, and we shall briefly overview the various types of indoor heaters  – both electric and gas-powered models. We shall compare gas heating with electric heating, discussing the pros and cons of each side, so you can decide which one to go with based on your requirements. Finally, we shall cover some very important indoor propane heater handling and safety tips. But before we get started, let us take a look at some of the best indoor propane heater models currently available on the market:

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Best Indoor Propane Heaters

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Review: Mr. Heater F232000 (MH9BX)

A true classic. Has stood the test of time. Easily, one of the best indoor propane heaters available today.

Features:

• 4,000 or 9,000 BTU per hour
• For use with propane gas
• Heats up to 225 sq. ft.
• Single control start knob
• Hi-Low heat settings
• Swivel regulator
• Fold down handle
• Accidental tip-over safety shut-off
• Includes Piezo igniter
• Runs off a 1 lb. cylinder
• Connects directly to a 20 lb. cylinder with optional hose and filter

Overview

Small, lightweight, and extremely efficient – the Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX “Portable Buddy” is a handy little companion for campers, hunters, homeowners, and pretty much anyone who needs fast heating in a small package. It is one of the most popular portable propane heaters on the market, and is also really cheap. The MH9BX can handle areas of up to 225 square feet, and you can attach a propane source of your choice – be it a disposable 1 lb. bottle, or a hose from a propane tank located outdoors (up to 20 lbs.).

To use a remote propane supply, you must purchase your own gas hose and filter. Gas bottles are attached through the swivel regulator located on the right side of the heater. An accidental tip-over safety system will instantly turn off the gas supply and shut down the burner as soon as the unit falls on its side or is taken off the ground. This is a huge deal if you have pets or kids in the house, since they might accidentally knock over this little propane heater, the tip-over safety prevents them from getting injured and will also protect nearby objects from catching fire.

Another cool little feature that we really appreciate is the ODS (Oxygen Depletion Sensor) – this sensor located within the MH9BX can monitor oxygen levels in the surrounding air, and will automatically shut down the heater if it detects low oxygen levels. This allows you to use the Portable Buddy in poorly ventilated conditions, although we still recommend that you don’t use the heater for extended periods of time in crowded or enclosed spaces. There are two different heat settings – high (3-hr runtime on a 1 lb. tank), and low (6-hr runtime on a 1 lb. tank).

The Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX puts out 4000 BTU of heat per hour in the low heat setting, and 9000 BTU per hour in the high heat mode. The fold-down handle lets you tuck away the MH9BX in a closet or car trunk whenever you aren’t using it. Starting up the unit is very simple, all you have to do is rotate the 3-position gas knob into “pilot” mode, and then push it in to start the burner. A Piezo sparking mechanism guarantees convenient and safe operation at all times, since you don’t have to worry about pilot flames or relighting, etc. It won’t heat up the area as fast as a forced air convection model, since this is a basic natural convection heater with a ceramic plate in the front, but for the price you will be hard pressed to find something better that offers similar performance in such a compact package.

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Review: Mr. Heater MH18B

Features:

• 4,000, 9,000, or 18,000 BTU per hour
• For use with propane gas
• Heats up to 450 sq. ft.
• Single control start knob
• Hi-Med-Low heat settings
• Swivel regulators
• Automatic low oxygen shut-off system (ODS)
• Accidental tip-over safety shut-off
• Connects to two 1 lb. cylinders
• Connects to a 20 lb. cylinder with optional hose
• Fan operates on 4 – D batteries or AC adapter, both sold separately

Overview

The Mr. Heater MH18B is the big brother of the MH9BX. While the MH9BX is known as the “Portable Buddy”, this one is designated the title of “Big Buddy”. Despite its name, the MH18B is no bigger than any other portable hand-carried propane heater on the market. What is interesting however, is the fact that it basically doubles the heating performance of its smaller sibling, by incorporating 2 ceramic heat exchanger plates and dual swivel style gas regulators.

You can attach 2 one-pound detachable propane bottles to the Mr. Heater MH18B, or you can operate it with a single one-pound bottle. However, you will be unable to use the “high” heat setting unless two 1-lb. bottles are attached. In case you wish to connect an external propane source (up to 40 lbs.), the MH18B will accept gas from a propane tank via fuel hoses that attach to its swivel regulators. You will need to purchase the hose and filter separately, although some gas hose models don’t require you to attach a filter.

Here is a list of the Mr. Heater hoses that are recommended for use with the MH189B propane heater – #F273701 (5 feet, fuel filter required), #F273702 (12 feet, fuel filter required), #F298802 (12 feet, fuel filter required), and #F273704 (10 feet, no fuel filter required for this particular model). Mr. Heater recommends that you use the fuel filter model #F273699 while attaching an external propane tank to your MH18B heater. There is also a quick connect fitting located on the left side of the heater, right next to the swivel regulator.

VIDEO | Meet Mr. Heater MH18B | Best Indoor Propane Heater

Quick connect compatible hoses include – Mr. Heater #F271802 (12-ft.), and #F271803 (12-ft.). No fuel filters needed for both quick connect hoses. Unlike its smaller brother, the MH18B is equipped with a forced convection system that significantly accelerates the rate at which heat is spread. This forced convection system consists of an electric fan located behind the ceramic heat exchanger plates, and is powered by 4x D-cell batteries installed in the lower back panel.

In case you don’t want to rely on batteries, you can purchase the 6V AC to DC power adapter #F276127, which connects to a little port located right above the lower back panel. There are three heat settings – low (4000 BTU/ hr.), medium (9000 BTU/ hr.), and high (18000 BTU/hr.). In the “high” setting, you will notice that both the ceramic plates are heated and light up in a bright orange color. The MH18B is rated for up to 450 sq. feet, and is a great option for heating workshops, enclosed porches, hunting shacks, tailgate parties, etc. Just like the MH9BX, the MH18B is also equipped with a tip-over safety system and ODS (Oxygen Depletion Sensor).

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Review: Dyna-Glo RMC-LPC80DG

Versatile. 3 heat settings. One of the best indoor propane heaters.

Features:

• Heats a maximum of 2,000-square feet for a period of 15 to 144-hours
• Can be used for Outdoor and Indoor Construction/Commercial with proper ventilation
• Auto Safety Shut off and Large Sturdy Base for added safety
• 360 Degree Heat Radius with continuously variable BTUs
• Includes 10′ Hose and Regulator

Overview

An 80,000 BTU propane heater that you can buy, brand-new for close to 100 dollars? That’s right, meet the t – a 360° radius, tower style propane heater optimized for indoor usage. It is a convection heater, and can heat a2000 square ft. area with its heat setting turned up to maximum. There are no fancy features on this particular heater, nor does it have any advanced sensors onboard, which is why, we highly recommend that you don’t use the Dyna-Glo in enclosed spaces such as tents, shacks, or poorly ventilated rooms.

It is more of a workshop/ porch heater, and can be used for certain outdoor applications such as construction work or camping. The controls are extremely easy to use, and the aluminized steel construction ensures that the Dyna-Glo RMC-LPC80DG will function for the better half of a decade with proper care and maintenance. It features a continuous variable BTU valve which gives you precise control over the heaters thermal output between a wide range of 50,000 to 80,000 BTUs per hour (minimum being 50,000 BTUs per hour, and highest is 80,000 BTU per hour).

There is a wide base on the bottom which means the RMC-LPC80DG won’t tip over easily, and this base also prevents it from sliding around. An auto safety shutdown feature has been implemented within the RMC-LPC80DG, it will instantly turn off the burner and gas when the unit overheats, or if the gas is flowing in while the burner is inactive. One hand piezo ignition facilitates safe and convenient operation, so you don’t have to bother with lighting up the pilot whenever you want to use the heater. Just turn the knob, and the burner will fire up immediately. The RMC-LPC80DG comes with a 10’ fuel hose and regulator, so you don’t have to buy your own attachments in order to connect the heater with a propane tank.

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Review: Camco 57351 Olympian Wave 8

Best indoor propane heater with a full range of great features. Can be mounted in a variety of ways or stand alone wherever you need heat.

Features:

• Adjustable from 4200 – 8000 BTU/hr allow it to be used as a secondary heating source
• Wave heaters operate on low pressure gas, and can be wall mounted or used as a portable unit
• No elect rial drain or battery connection make it the ideal solution for boondoggling and dry camping
• Wave heaters operate silently-no fan or blower noise
• Equipped with a safety shut-off valve to help prevent accidental non-ignition fuel discharge
• Suitable for use in RVs, cabins or at home
• Utilizes warm, safe and efficient HD-5 propane gas
• Produces no harmful amounts of carbon monoxide and causes no battery drain
• Features warm convective radiant heat
• Safety shut-off valve
• Can be used as a portable space heater or can be wall mount horizontally or vertically
• Recessed mounting option with Chrome Recess kit (sold separately)
• Optional legs radiate heat up and in the direction you want

Overview

Heat without any flames – the Camco 57351 Olympian Wave 8 catalytic heater generates radiant heat as a byproduct of catalytic reactions that occur on the platinum impregnated heating pad. If you aren’t aware of the different types of heat transfer, don’t worry – we shall cover all that stuff later on in this article. Radiant heat is basically the heat energy that is transformed through electromagnetic radiation, or light. The cool thing about radiative heat transfer is that it doesn’t heat up the surrounding air, only the target at which it is pointed.

If you think about it, this concept isn’t very advanced at all – we are exposed to radiant heat on a daily basis in the form of sunlight. Sunlight contains infrared waves which heats our clothes and skin by transferring heat energy through radiation into the molecules of our body. There are several ways to generate heat, but how you convey that heat to a certain location is the tricky part. Most heaters do it by heating the nearby air, and this air then flows to you and heats your body. This process is convection, the most basic way to transfer heat from point A to B. But the Camco 57351 doesn’t burn propane like a convection heater – it features a spongy catalytic heat plate which is homogeneously impregnated with platinum.

The platinum causes propane to burn at a much lower temperature than usual, resulting in a reaction that generates the following byproducts – radiant heat, carbon dioxide, and water vapor. The water vapor is expelled into the atmosphere, while the heat is radiated towards whichever direction the Olympian Wave is pointed at. This heater is perfect for warming small areas of up to 290 square feet, so you can use it to warm yourself in workshops, camping locations, tents, and inside RVs.

The Camco 57351 features a safety shutoff valve that prevents accidental non-ignition fuel discharge, and an automatic piezo-electric starter which will last for up to 20,000 starts. The best thing about this little heater is that it is extremely efficient – rated at over 96% efficiency, which is far more than what any conventional portable propane heater can achieve. It consumes less fuel than a convection based propane heater, and is extremely silent since there is no fan.  The Wave 8 consumes 1/3 lb. of propane per hour, and heat output can be adjusted from 4200 to 8000 BTU/ hr.

Features:

• 3,800 BTU per hour
• For use with propane gas
• Heats up to 95 sq. ft.
• Two heat settings: 4,000 & 9,000 BTU/HR
• Fold-down handle reduces storage space
• Four position control with built-in Piezo igniter off and lo/hi heat settings
• High temperature wire guard
• Swivel regulator for easy LP cylinder and hose installation
• Large durable porcelain coated heating surface directs radiant heat over wider area
• Low-oxygen safety shut-off (ODS) and tip-over safety shut-off
• Ceramic burner tile mounted with shock absorbing insulation for durability and easy replacement
• One button ignition on function
• 8″ round stand uses little floor space
• Accidental tip-over safety shut-off
• Automatic low oxygen shut-off system (ODS)
• Connects directly to one 1 lb. disposable propane cylinder
• Quiet, clean, odor-free operation

Overview | Mr. Heater F215100 (MH4B)

Nicknamed the “Little Buddy”, this flashlight-sized portable propane heater is suitable for both indoor as well as outdoor usage. It is a natural convection style propane heater (no fans, very silent and lightweight) and consists of two parts – the actual heater, and a mounting base for the propane canister that goes underneath the heater. This mounting base is provided to ensure that the propane canister doesn’t come in contact with the ground, and stays safe from any objects that could potentially damage the canister.

The base also prevents the F215100 from slipping and sliding around, so your little propane heater won’t accidentally tip over and set a pile of flammable stuff on fire. But in case the heater does tip over, it is equipped with a very reliable tip-over safety mechanism that will immediately shut off the burner and stop the gas from entering into the heater. There is another safety feature implemented within this tiny propane heater, a feature found on all modern Mr. Heater propane models – the ODS (Oxygen Depletion Sensor). Whenever you use a propane heater or pretty much any heater that burns fuel, oxygen is consumed from the surrounding air as a part of the combustion process.

VIDEO | Operation : Mr. Heater F215100 (MH4B)

In a poorly ventilated or enclosed space, oxygen levels can drop significantly if the heater has been running for a long time. Think of it like a candle burning inside a fully sealed jar – at some point the oxygen in the jar will run out and the flame will die. Now, imagine the same thing happening inside a tent or shack – except you are the candle, and the oxygen runs out. Pretty dangerous stuff, which is why you should never use a propane/ natural gas heater inside a small, poorly ventilated space.

The F215100 has two switches on the side – one for turning on the piezo electric ignition, and the other to turn off the burner. There are no heat adjustment systems, so the heater will constantly output 3800 BTUs of heat per hour. It accepts 1 lb. propane canisters, so keep a couple of those handy if you plan on using the heater during a camping/ hunting trip. Runtime on a full 1 lb. tank of propane is about 5.6 hours, and the maximum elevation at which it can be used is 7000 feet.

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Review: Mr. Heater F274830 MH18BRV

Features:

• 4,000, 9,000, or 18,000 BTU per hour
• For use with propane gas
• Heats up to 450 sq. ft.
• Single control start knob
• Hi-Med-Low heat settings
• Swivel regulators
• Automatic low oxygen shut-off system (ODS)
• Accidental tip-over safety shut-off
• Connects to two 1 lb. cylinders
• Connects to a 20 lb. cylinder with optional hose
• Fan operates on 4 – D batteries or AC adapter, both sold separately

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Wall Heaters

Review: Mr. Heater MHVFB30LPT

Ideal for family rooms, workshops, basement and other hard-to-heat areas. Best indoor propane heater.

Features:

• Heat areas up to 750 sq. feet
• Uses m to circulate warm, comfortable air throughout the room — great for family rooms, workshops, basement and other hard-to-heat areas
• Easy installation with no venting or electricity required, making it ideal for power outages
• Clean-burning, cost-effective heat
• Easy to install with no venting or electricity needed. Great for power outages
• Multi-output valve provides easy temperature regulation
• Convenient piezo ignition for no-hassle starting
• Automatic low oxygen shutoff system
• Uses 1.4 lbs./hour
• Blue Flame heater warms the air.
• Includes brackets for wall mounting and legs for floor use
• Requires 10in. clearance from corner and side wall
• 4,500ft. high altitude restriction
• Not approved for use in California or Canada.

Overview

This is a contractor grade 30,000 BTU, natural convection propane heater. There is an opening for a fan mount on the rear side, which accepts a fan conversion kit that is sold separately. The fan kit should cost about 50 dollars, and will significantly boost the rate at which this heater can warm up a space. We recommend that you purchase the fan kit if you wish to use this heater inside a workshop or garage, since it will reduce the downtime between work sessions.

The piezo-electric ignition system for the burner is powered by a single AA battery, and this particular model also comes with an internal non-adjustable regulator. But you must still use an external low-pressure regulator, and we recommend getting a double stage regulator since those allow for more stable gas delivery to the burner, resulting in a smoother heating experience. The Mr. Heater MHVFB30LPT is capable of heating up to 750 sq. feet of area, and features a variable output valve for easy temperature control.

The biggest advantage to using a non-flued or “vent free” heater like this, is that you don’t have to worry about installation costs. All you have to do is carry the heater into a room or garage, and connect it to a propane tank. It is also wall mountable, and comes with wall mounting brackets. There are removable legs on the bottom, so you can switch between wall mounted/ floor standing mode within minutes. Vent free heaters incorporate catalytic converters which significantly reduce the amount of emissions generated by the combustion of propane fuel. They must comply with certain efficiency and emission standards for indoor usage, and this particular model is not meant for use in California or Canada.

The Mr. Heater MHVFB30LPT also features an internal thermostat, something that you won’t find on cheaper propane heater models which are designed to heat small spaces. Perfect as a secondary or supplementary heat source in homes that already have central heating installed, or you can use it in cabins, workshops, garages, etc. The Mr. Heater MHVFB30LPT comes with an Oxygen Depletion Safety (ODS) system, which will automatically shut down the heater if oxygen concentration in the air drops below a certain point.

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Review: Dyna-Glo IR30PMDG-1

Features:

• Liquid propane ready (fuel conversion not permitted)
• Infrared technology works by radiating heat to warm objects first – similar to the sun
• Up to 30,000 BTU’s/hr heats up to 1,000 sq. ft.
• Easy Start : Simply press the igniter to start.
• LOW-MED-HI variable control knob offers the most customizable heat settings
• No electricity required allows for reliable back-up heating in case of an emergency situation
• Oxygen depletion sensor will shut down the unit if oxygen were to be depleted
• Separately sold optional fan (WHF100) improves the amount of square footage the heat reaches in a quiet, yet powerful way
• Separately sold optional base legs (WBL100) allows for stable floor mounting
• Not for sale in California

Overview

The Dyna-Glo IR30PMDG-1 costs about as much as the Mr. Heater MHVFB30LPT, but uses infrared radiation to warm you up instead of convection. It incorporates specialized heating filaments which glow with a bright orange color when heated by propane burners lying underneath the filaments. At some point, the filaments get hot enough to emit infrared radiation from their surface, and this radiation transfers heat energy directly to your clothes and skin without heating up the surrounding air. Infrared heating systems are extremely efficient, and can warm you up faster than convection based heaters.

If you wish to heat up a space even faster, you can purchase the fan kit sold separately (model WHF100), and attach it to the back of the Dyna-Glo IR30PMDG-1. You will require to plug the fan extension into a 120V AC power supply in order for it to operate. The IR30PMDG-1 is designed to be wall mounted, and comes with mounting brackets inside the package. However, you can also set it up as a floor unit by purchasing the detachable leg kit (model WBL100) sold separately. The IR30PMDG-1 can heat an area as large as 1000 sq. feet, and comes with an oxygen depletion safety (ODS) system installed. It outputs 30,000 BTUs per hour at maximum power, and also features an overheat protection mechanism that will shut down the heater if operating temperatures go beyond safe limits.

One thing that is missing from this heater which can be found in the Mr. Heater competitor (model MHVFB30LPT), is an internal thermostat. You can still regulate heat manually on the Dyna-Glo IR30PMDG-1, but it doesn’t offer the same degree of precision temperature control that the Mr. Heater counterpart has. Both the Dyna-Glo IR30PMDG-1 and the Mr. Heater MHVFB30LPT feature battery assisted ignition for fast, and convenient startup.

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Review: Dyna-Glo BF30PMDG

Great for use in your home, cabin or garage.

Features:

• Liquid propane ready
• Blue Flame Technology works by convecting heat to warm the air the same way as a central heating system
• Up to 30,000 BTU’s/hour heats up to 1,000 sq. ft.
• LOW-MED-HI variable control knob offers the most customizable heat settings
• No electricity required allows for reliable back-up heating in case of an emergency situation
• Oxygen depletion sensor will shut down the unit if oxygen were to be depleted
• Separately sold optional fan (WHF100) improves the amount of square footage the heat reaches in a quiet, yet powerful way
• Separately sold optional base legs (WBL100) allows for stable floor mounting
• Not for sale in California

Overview

Basically, a version of the Dyna-Glo IR30PMDG-1 that utilizes natural air convection instead of Infrared radiation to distribute heat. Propane burners ignite with the push of a button, and light up a heat exchanger plate which then transfers its heat into the surrounding air. So, unlike an infrared heater, this particular model will first warm the nearby air, and then the air will flow around the room and warm you. You can speed up the heating process by purchasing a separately sold blower kit (model WHF100), which will also require you to mount the Dyna-Glo BF30PMDG close to a 120V AC power supply. It doesn’t feature an internal thermostat like the Mr. Heater

MHVFB30LPT, but is also a lot cheaper. There are three heat settings on the manual control knob – low, medium, and high. On the “high” setting, this heater will output 30,000 BTUs per hour and can heat up to 1000 square feet of space. It is designed to mounted on the wall, and wall-mount brackets are included within the package. You can also mount this heater on the floor, by purchasing a detachable leg kit (model WBL100). Before purchasing the Dyna-Glo BF30PMDG, make sure that you have a hose and low-pressure regulator to connect the heater with a propane tank (100 lb. or larger). Just like all the other modern indoor propane heaters, the Dyna-Glo BF30PMDG comes with an auto-shutdown system that detects overheating and turns off the burner. It also features an ODS (Oxbygen Depletion Sensor).

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Review: Dyna-Glo RMC-FA60DGD

Best forced air propane heater, suitable for indoor or outdoor use.

Features:

• 30,000 – 60,000 BTUs
• Continuously Variable Heat Control
• Heats up to 1,350 sq.feet.
• Continuous Electronic Ignition Prevents Delayed Ignition
• Adjustable Heat Angle for Comfort Control
• Includes 10 foot Hose & Regulator
• Overheat Auto-Shut-off Protection
• Easy Lift Carrying Handle
• 20, 40, or 100 LB. Propane (LP) Cylinder Required for Operation – Not Included
• CSA Certified for Safe Use Both Indoor and Outdoor (some other heaters are certified for indoor use only)

Overview

Built to industrial grade specifications and equipped with a heavy-duty brass burner, the Dyna-Glo RMC-FA60DGD is a rugged and highly portable forced convection propane heater. It features a split capacitor fan motor that is mounted to a solid steel motor mount for reliable and safe operation even in the harshest operating conditions. The stand is fitted with an adjustable height adjustment plate on the front that lets you change the heat angle quickly and conveniently, with the turn of a dial.

The continuous spark electronic ignition guarantees instantaneous burner startup, and you don’t have to meddle with separate ignition and heat level controls – everything is done through a single dial that lets you change the BTU output and start/ stop the burner. This heater can variate its heat output from a minimum of 30,000 BTUs per hour, all the way up to a maximum of 60,000 BTUs per hour. Runtime can vary from 7 to 70 hours, depending on the size of the propane tank that you’re using, as well as the BTU setting on the heater. The industrial grade carrying handle lets you move this propane heater around with extreme ease, and the integrated overheat auto shutoff valve ensures safe operations at all times.

The Dyna-Glo RMC-FA60DGD comes with a standard 10’ hose and regulator assembly, although you are free to use a regulator and hose of your choice as long as they are compatible with the fittings on the heater. The Dyna-Glo RMC-FA60DGD is perfect for use in workshops, garages, construction sites, sporting events, agricultural buildings, etc. It can heat a maximum area of 1350 sq. feet, and features a lifetime warranty on the brass burner. The Dyna-Glo RMC-FA60DGD measures 19.29”x8.10”x13.50”, and weighs about 13.77 pounds.

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Review: Heatstar By Enerco F172425

Best industrial propane heater for heavy duty applications.

Features:

• 250,000 – 400,000 BTU per hour
• For use with propane gas
• Heats up to 9,000 sq. ft.
• Operates up to 17 hours on 2-100 lb. propane tanks on low setting
• Rugged and durable steel construction
• Economical, efficient and clean burning
• Heavy duty high output fan
• Hose and regulator included
• Two 100 lb. propane tanks are required

Overview

This 47-pound monster is the big daddy of industrial grade indoor propane heaters. It pumps out up to 400,000 BTUs of heat per hour, and is controlled thermostatically. Comes with a standard 20’ hose and regulator setup, and requires two 100 lb. propane tanks in order to operate. It will run for up to 17 hours on the low setting (250,000 BTUs/hr.), when attached to dual 100-lb propane tanks. The industrial grade blower motor located behind the burner is fed by a 115v AC power supply, and draws 3 amperes of current. The gas inlet connection is a standard 3/how does8” fitting and minimum inlet pressure is 20 PSI (regulator output).

Since this is a forced air convection heater, it relies on a powerful fan located behind the burner to dissipate the heat generated from burning propane. The fan in this particular model can generate an airflow rate of up to 1400 CFM, which is several times more than what you would find on a consumer grade model. The F172425 features steel construction for durability, and is equipped with a factory installed high limit switch as well as continuous solid-state ignition. The Heatstar F172425 is designed to be used in industrial workshops, indoor jobsites, manufacturing facilities, warehouses, and hospitals.

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How Does an Indoor Heater Work?

The basic concept with any type of heater, be it an indoor or outdoor model, is exchange of heat – you want to transfer heat energy from a hot place to a cooler place. Every single heater design follows this basic principle, first you generate heat, then that heat is somehow distributed to the surroundings. Let us take the example of something that has been around since a really long time – a campfire. You have to have three things in order to start the fire – fuel (wood), oxygen (air), and an ignition (matchstick, lighter, flintstone, etc.). When the wood burns, a chemical reaction takes place that converts the energy stored within the molecules of the wood fibers into various byproducts, such as – heat, light, carbon dioxide, etc. The goal with any heater is to convert a majority of the fuel energy into heat, and waste as little as possible on light, smoke, etc. Older heater designs were not very good at being efficient, and were also very bulky.

Once you have generated the heat, it needs to be conveyed, in order to warm up the targeted area. Believe it or not, generating heat is the easy part. Distributing that heat to the targeted area in an efficient manner is really hard. There are two ways to do this-

Convection Heaters

Convection involves the transfer of heat from one place to another by the movement of fluids. When we talk about heaters, the fluid in question is air – a medium for thermal energy to flow out of the heater and into our bodies. Convective heaters are of two types – natural convection and forced convection. Natural convection relies on air motion caused due to buoyancy forces which arise through density variations between hot and cold air.

Think of any convective heater that doesn’t have a fan, the heating element heats up the surrounding air which then flows around the room with the help of natural air currents. On the other hand, a forced convection heater is one that is equipped with some kind of blower system that forces hot air out of the heater to propagate heat faster. Forced convection heaters are noisier and consumes slightly more power, but also heat up a space much faster than natural convection heaters.

Radiation

In the case of radiative transfer of thermal energy, heat is propagated through electromagnetic radiation. Think infrared heaters – they don’t rely on the surrounding air to transfer heat from one spot to another. Infrared heaters can directly focus their heat onto the targeted area, and are hence much faster at warming up a desired location since you don’t have to wait for the air to heat up. However, this comes with a drawback – radiative heaters don’t generate as much heat energy as convective types, and are also worse at covering larger areas since they can only focus on a specific region. Which is why, radiative heaters are much better for spot heating, and are typically found in personal spaces, small workshops, etc.

Radiative heaters are sometimes equipped with fans to propagate heat energy through a mix of convection and radiation, since the same reaction that generates thermal radiation also generates a lot of heat that is lost into the nearby air. By equipping the radiative heater with a fan, every single bit of heat energy (both radiative as well as convective) is utilized.

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Buying Guide:Indoor Propane Heaters

Indoor heaters can run on both electricity as well as gas. Gas powered models utilize petroleum-based products such as kerosene, propane, and natural gas. Of all the fuel sources that we listed, propane is considered to be the most cost-efficient. It is a byproduct of natural gas processing and petroleum refining. Before we delve into the various types of propane indoor heaters and how the work, let us first take a moment to examine the various benefits of using a propane powered heater:

Propane is cheaper than electric – Based on research conducted by the US Department of Energy, heating a home with propane heating systems costs significantly less than heating the same home with an electric system. One of the primary reasons for this is the fact that propane burns hotter and more efficiently, so you will achieve the same level of warmth as an electric heater from a propane heater, even though it stays on for a shorter period of time. Propane and electricity costs vary based on where you live, but in most cases, it has been observed that you spend less money on energy if you purchase propane as opposed to electricity. One major advantage of using propane is that it isn’t delivered via a grid – you can stock up on propane when prices are low, which should ensure that you save money during the winter when demands drive prices higher.

Propane is safe – It is non-toxic, lead-free, and features an extremely low sulfur content. The flammability range is low, and its ignition point is almost twice that of gasoline. All these factors make propane incredibly easy to store and transport. Besides, propane is considered to be a “clean” fuel and has even been approved as an alternative fuel by the 1990 Clean Air Act. Propane burns extremely well, and generates very little residue compared to kerosene, natural gas, or gasoline. If you thought electricity is a clean fuel, think again – 67% of American electricity providers generate their electricity by burning fossil fuels. A whopping 39% of American electricity is generated from coal, making it one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Unless the electricity that you use at home is generated from renewable sources, you are actually doing the environment a favor by using propane instead of electric power.

Propane appliances last longer – Just ask any serious chef why they prefer propane grills and barbecues over electric ones (97% of professional chefs prefer cooking with gas, according to the American Chefs Association). With proper care and maintenance, a propane heater has the potential to outlast a similarly priced electric heater. Besides, your electric heater won’t do a whole lot of heating when there is a power outage. If you live in an area that is prone to frequent power outages or storms, then place your bets on a propane heating solution.

Now that we have covered the various benefits of using propane heating over electric heating, let us take a look at the various types of indoor propane heaters that can be found on the market…

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Natural Convection Heaters:

Natural convection based propane heaters feature a burner located next to a heat exchanger plate. The burner lights up and heats the exchanger plate, which then heats up the air in contact with the plate. This hot air will have a tendency to flow around because of buoyancy forces generated due to the mismatch in density between hot air and cold air. Natural convection propane heaters are the cheapest models out there, and generate very little noise since there is no fan present within the unit.

The main drawback of this design is the fact that it might take a longer time to heat up a certain area, when you compare these heaters to forced convection types. If you want to provide heat in an area for extended periods of time and aren’t concerned with how fast the heat spreads, then a natural convection heater is a great choice. They consume less power, are quieter, and cost less than forced convection or radiative heaters.

Forced convection heaters are very similar to natural convection models, but with one slight change – they feature blower fans to rapidly circulate the hot air, resulting in faster heating. The main drawbacks are increased noise output, and slightly higher power consumption. With a forced convection propane heater, you will have to ensure that the heater is connected to a 120v AC supply before you turn it on.

Many models come with a fan switch that lets you run the heater in natural convection mode, reducing noise output and power consumption whenever you don’t need that extra heating speed. Some natural convection models support blower attachments which can be purchased separately, you can transform these natural convection heaters into forced air models by attaching the blower fan kit. The Dyna-Glo IR30PMDG-1 and Mr. Heater MHVFB30LPT are great examples of natural air convection heaters which can be modified into forced air models by attaching a conversion kit.

Catalytic Heaters:

Catalytic heaters are the most efficient and quietest propane based heating solution on the market. They don’t generate as much heat as their convection based counterparts, and produce radiant heat energy just like infrared heaters. The only real downside to these heaters is that you can’t use them in areas larger than 300 to 400 square feet. Also, they are pretty expensive. Catalytic heaters generate heat without producing any flames, they do so by forcing the propane to burn at a temperature much lower than its ignition point. A platinum impregnated catalytic heating pad serves as the core of this heater design, it greatly accelerates the chemical reactions that occur when propane burns. A small burner or pilot flame located next to the catalytic pad heats it up to nearly 300 degrees, and it is crucial that the entire pad is heated up evenly for the catalytic reaction to occur.

Once the platinum impregnated pad reaches a threshold temperature, sensors will issue a command to the electronic control circuit which then releases propane onto the catalytic pad. At the same time, fresh oxygen rich air from outside diffuses through the pad and mixes with the propane. The result is a chemical reaction that rapidly breaks down propane molecules and produces heat ranging from 400 to 950 degrees. This isn’t as hot as blue flame burners used in convection heaters, but is great for heating up small spaces in a short amount of time. The best catalytic propane heaters can achieve an efficiency of more than 99%, which is mind boggling. The only byproducts generated from this reaction are water vapor and a slight amount of carbon dioxide. Most catalytic heaters are flue-less, or vent-free. They are extremely compact and can be used for spot heating purposes in RVs, living rooms, and small workshops.

Radiative Heaters/ Infrared Heaters:

Radiation based heating has been around for longer than you would think – the technology was used in ancient Rome to heat up floors and walls in hot baths and villas, this is known as the “Hypocaust” system. We experience radiant heat on a daily basis, every time we are exposed to sunrays. Ever experienced a sudden feeling of warmth on a cold morning when the first rays of sunlight reach you through the window panes? That is because sunlight contains infrared radiation, and the energy within the photons of light is directly transferred to the molecules of your skin when you’re exposed to the sunlight. Infrared heaters are extremely silent, and transfer heat directly to you instead of heating up the surrounding air. One of the major benefits of this design is that the heat output can be focused on a small area with great effectiveness. However, radiant heaters cannot cover very large areas and are also more expensive than convection based heaters because of the infrared light emitting elements. These elements are heated up by propane burners, and emit thermal radiation when they glow.

Combination Heaters:

These are basically infrared/ radiant propane heaters with a blower installed behind the filaments. The blower assists with distribution of heat, since not all energy consumed by the heater is converted into thermal radiation. The heated filaments come in contact with surrounding air, and this hot air is forced out of the heater with the help of blower fans.

Blower Heaters/ Torpedo Heaters:

This design is used mainly in industrial grade propane heaters, and is not suitable for usage in poorly ventilated areas or crowded spaces. Blower style propane heaters function very much like the Bunsen burners found in laboratories – they heat the surrounding air with an open flame emitted from a large propane burner. A blower fan is installed behind the unit to rapidly dissipate heated air into the surroundings. Some examples of blower/ torpedo style propane heaters – Mr. Heater MH35FA, Dyna-Glo Pro RMC-FA60DGP, Master Propane MH-60V-GFA, etc.

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Different Types of Propane Heaters

We have discussed the different indoor propane heater designs, based on how they transfer heat. However, there is more to propane heaters than just that – indoor heaters come in various configurations, depending on where or how you want to use them. The three most popular “styles” are – personal space heater, wall-mounted heater, and floor-mounted. Each one of these 3 designs can be differentiated on the basis of form factor, personal space heaters are the smallest and cheapest models, while wall-mounted units are typically the more expensive options. Certain wall-mounted propane heaters can be converted into floor-mounted units with attachments, and vice-versa.

 Personal Space Heater:

Personal space heaters cost between 50 to 100 bucks, and generally range between 1000 to 300 BTUs in terms of heating capacity. They are designed for usage in small, enclosed spaces such as office cubicles, tents, hunting shacks, cabins, etc. Most propane powered personal space heaters accept 1-lb. canisters, and run for about 5-8 hours depending on the BTU rating of the unit. You won’t find any fancy features such as thermostats or programmable timers on these little heaters, since their purpose is to provide warmth in a tiny space for a limited period of time. Most of them don’t even have adjustable temperature controls, so you can operate them in only two mods – ON and OFF.  Certain personal space heaters incorporate safety features such as tip-over shutdown and ODS (Oxygen Depletion Sensor). We highly recommend that you purchase a propane heater with an oxygen depletion sensor if you plan on using it indoors.

Wall Mounted Heater:

Wall-mounted heaters feature a slim profile and come with mounting brackets, so you can easily install them onto the wall. Most of these are natural convection style heaters, since there isn’t a whole lot of room for airflow when one side of the heater is against the wall. Also, attaching a fan inside such as compact form factor can be pretty difficult. Some of the more premium models feature forced air convection, or are capable of accepting blower fan kits which convert them into forced air convection heaters. Wall mounted heaters don’t take up precious floorspace and are a safer option when you have kids or pets in the house, since they can’t accidentally trip over on one of these. But they also have a weakness – wall mounted heaters are harder to move around. If you wish to relocate your wall mounted propane heater, you also have to refit the mounting brackets in the new location, and you must make sure that the gas tank is also moved alongside the heater. Since wall mounted heaters are so slim, they don’t have room to accommodate internal propane tanks. Most of them rely on an external propane supply.

 Floor Mounted Heater:

Floor mounted heaters offer a nice balance between performance and portability. Most of them come with carry handles, and some of the portable models even accept detachable propane tanks. You can convert a floor mounted heater into a wall-mounted unit by purchasing your own mounting brackets. Similarly, a wall-mounted heater can be converted into a floor-mounted model. The main issue with floor mounted heaters is that some kid or pet animal might accidentally knock them over, and you always have to make sure that there are no flammable objects within a certain range of the heater. Thankfully, modern portable indoor propane heaters are equipped with tip-over safety which ensures that the heater will automatically shut down whenever it is tipped over.

Sizing Your Propane Heater:

Normally, you should just follow the manufacturers specifications when it comes to choosing the right sized heater. For example, every heater model on the market has an area rating in sq. feet. Heaters with a higher BTU output will be able to warm a large area, but will also consume propane at a faster rate. If you get a heater that is too small, it will not be able to heat the area quickly enough, and will only warm up certain sections. On the other hand, if you get a heater that is too big for the task, you run the risk of contaminating the area with carbon monoxide since a larger heater will deplete oxygen levels faster, and if the space is poorly ventilated, a heater that is too large can actually cause health issues. How to select the correct propane heater size? Well, it depends on the following factors – room size, degree of insulation, how cold it is, etc. There are plenty of BTU calculator websites out there which will give you an approximate result on how many BTUs you will need in order to warm your room. This is how you can get an approximate figure-

Step 1: Determine the area of the floor space in which the heater will be used (for rectangular or square shaped rooms, multiply length by the width)

Step 2: Estimate the wattage required to heat the room, taking 10 watts per square feet of area (for ex – you have a room with a 200-square foot floor space, the wattage needed to heat this room will be 10 x 200 = 2000 watts)

Step 3: Convert the watts into BTUs, by using the following formula – BTUs = watts x 3.41 (since a single watt equals 3.41 BTUs). So, our 200-square foot room will need 2000 x 3.41 = 6820 BTUs of heat.

Step 4: Finally, take into consideration the following things – how many windows does the room have? More windows mean you need a more powerful heater. How many people use the room at the same time? More people – less heating required. If the floors are made from cement or tile, it will be colder and hence extra heating is required. Is the room poorly insulated? How cold is it?

It is impossible to come up with an accurate prediction, therefore we highly recommend that you consult with the experts regarding this matter before purchasing your new propane heater. Most manufacturers provide sizing charts to help you select the correct heater for your needs.

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Important Features to Look Out For

A Tip-Over Safety System:

Most portable indoor propane heaters incorporate this feature, it shuts down the burner and closes the propane valve as soon as the unit tilts over an angle of 45° (may vary from model to model).  By automatically shutting itself down in the event of a tip-over, the propane heater will not cause any damage to surrounding people or objects, especially kids or pet animals who might knock it over.

ODS (Oxygen Depletion Sensor):

Arguably the single most important safety feature in an indoor propane heater – the ODS will set off an alarm whenever oxygen levels in the surrounding air drop below a minimum threshold. It will also shutdown the heater, preventing further loss of oxygen. Propane heaters emit carbon monoxide, which can cause CO poisoning, and they produce CO by consuming oxygen from the air. CO can get into your bloodstreams and prevent oxygen from getting to your vital organs, resulting in asphyxiation. Never use a propane heater in a poorly ventilated room.

Overheat Protection:

A feature found on medium to heavy duty propane heaters, the overheat protection system keeps track of temperature with the help of a thermal sensor, and will turn off the heater if temperatures exceed operating limits.

Built-in Thermostat:

Extremely useful feature that every premium space heater should have. You don’t have to manually set the temperature every time, and the heater will automatically turn itself on/ off whenever ambient temperatures are too low/ high.

Programmable Timer:

Helps you save energy, by making sure that the heater only runs during specific parts of the day. It is also really helpful when nobody is around to control the heater, since you can set the timer such that the heater will activate 10-15 mins before you return home, and the house will already be warm and comfy when you step in.

Remote Control:

Unless you really want that extra bit of exercise, a remote control will be saving you the hassle of walking across the room to change temperature settings.

Noise Levels:

Since you are planning on using the heater indoors, noise emissions are a pretty important factor to consider while deciding which heater model you want to purchase. Infrared and natural convection heaters make very little, while forced air convection heaters make the most noise. Catalytic propane heaters are practically silent, so grab one of those if you like to keep things quiet in the home.

Folding Carry Handle:

A must-have on compact propane heaters, the folding carry handle serves two purposes – it allows you to easily move the heater from one location to another, and also reduces the overall footprint of the heater when it is not in use.

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Propane Heater Handling and Safety Tips:

• Always keep the heater away from flammable objects
• Use proper fuel, never try to use gasoline, kerosene, or natural gas in a propane heater
• Never leave the heater unattended
• Propane tanks must be kept upright, and at least 6 feet away from the heater
• Never place the propane heater on a plywood floor
• Avoid running the gas hose through a doorway, and put a block on the window sill to prevent the window from pinching the hose
• Never, ever operate a propane heater in an unventilated area
• Never go to sleep inside a tent, RV, or shack with the propane heater running, unless there is adequate ventilation
• If you are planning to use the propane heater almost exclusively indoors, make sure that it is equipped with both tip-over safety as well as an ODS (Oxygen Depletion Sensor)
• Don’t use jobsite heaters for stuff like cooking, drying, etc.
• Please don’t try to run an industrial torpedo style heater inside a poorly ventilated space
• Purchase a carbon monoxide (CO) detector if you are going to use the propane heater in the living room or bedroom
• Routinely clean and maintain your indoor propane heater to make sure that it functions safely and efficiently
• Make sure that all nozzles, hoses, and regulators are from the same manufacturer as the heater, this will ensure that there are no malfunctions or leaks due to compatibility issues
• Every time you replace the propane cylinder, check for leaks around the regulator with warm soapy water
• Watch out for yellow, flickering flames near the burner, and constantly monitor the air filters for soot buildup
• If you’re leaving your home for an extended period of time, consider closing all propane valves, both on the tank as well as the heater
• Never use an outdoor propane heater indoors
• READ THE USER MANUAL

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