Propane Heaters

Propane gas, sometimes referred to as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is a popular alternative for heaters these days and propane heaters are oftentimes a cheaper alternative in many places to using electric heating.

Commonly, propane heaters have been used to heat up temporary locations such as a garage, or a tent, a patio or other workplace.  They fire up quickly and heat up the surroundings quickly, depending of course on the size of the flame.  People also often use a propane water heater.

The propane space heater does just as its name suggests, heats up an enclosed space or area. It is a general term for what is normally a portable heater that can be used to heat a specific room in the house, a garage or even a greenhouse. Space heaters heat up the air in the room they are located in without the need of ducts. Some propane space heaters, particularly those being used to heat up a larger room, need to have a fan so that they can propel the heat into the entire room, thus they do use a little electricity.

Propane gas heaters are built specifically to heat up an entire, generally non-insulated, garage. Most commonly they operate off of a 100 pound gas tank and for the most part are designed to run day and night, heating up the room for an entire 24 hours. They often have a thermostat, so temperature can be regulated. Also, they vary in size with the larger units able to heat up to 700 square feet. Cost of these larger area heaters range from $200 to around $550.

A popular use for the propane heater is to heat patios.  Patio propane heaters are designed to set down nicely on your patio slabs. The design of these heaters includes a large base where a propane cylinder can be nicely hidden behind a metal outer covering.  Mushroom shaped, the heater element is located at the top of the heater where usually a large dome reflects the heat all around the heater in a circular fashion.   They don’t have fans, so in order to benefit from the heat you do need to sit fairly close to them, especially in outside areas. They are perfect for placing near to patio tables, picnic areas or barbecue spots and do radiate a fair bit of heat.  Great for outdoor activities when the weather is cooling.

Many portable heaters are propane heaters.  The beauty of portable propane heaters is that they do not rely on electricity, thus they can be used even in areas where there is no electricity such as in a tent, a caravan, porches, truck caps, etc.  They can also be a backup in your home, if your electricity goes out. There is even a portable golf cart heater, for you golf enthusiasts!  Many portable propane heaters are suitable for the rugged outdoor life, so you don’t need to limit your portable heating to indoors only.

One warning with using the indoor propane heater in small enclosed spaces; the heater consumes oxygen and gives off carbon dioxide.  Without proper ventilation, this can and has resulted in carbon monoxide deaths even in small tents or campers.  So, if you’re going to use a propane gas heater make sure the room or enclosure you are using it in has adequate ventilation. Also, make sure that the propane heater you buy specifies that it can be used indoors if that’s where you intend to use it.