Home Propane Heaters
One of the main advantages of a propane heater is the cost effectiveness and efficiency when compared to traditional heat pumps or portable electric heaters. Home propane heaters are not only capable of producing higher temperatures outputs than electric units, they are also able to run without the use of electricity at all, ideal for areas prone to blackouts during winter months when having a source of heat in your home is of the utmost importance. There are several different types of propane heaters suited for residential use.
Central Propane Systems
Similar to a central heat system, a central propane system is connected to each room in the house via a series of ducts. The main component of the unit is a furnace which is connected to an external propane source. Central propane systems are slightly more costly than traditional heat pump systems to install, but much cheaper to run and maintain, quickly making up for the initial price difference. They are extremely efficient and include features such as electric ignitions that only require the burners to run when the heater is in use, and damper systems that allow heated air that is not used to be collected and stored for later use. Unlike traditional heat pump systems, propane units are designed to last 5 to 10 years longer as far as average lifespan is concerned.
Wall Mount Propane Heaters
Wall mount propane systems are similar to window mount air conditioner units. They are mounted in a room and connected to an external propane tank. Wall mount systems typically work on a forced air basis, relying on a flow of air to be pushed over the heating element and then passed into the room. Wall mount systems are typically used indoors, but garage wall mount units are also available.
Portable Propane Heaters
Portable heaters are ideal for use when energy efficiency is of the utmost importance. Even if you have a central propane system, a portable unit can allow you to heat single rooms, as needed, as opposed to the entire house. Portable units can be manufactured using the forced air method described earlier, or designed to run off radiating heat. With a radiating unit, the fan component is eliminated and the heat from the unit comes strictly from the heating element itself. These are best suited for close contact heating in small rooms or open spaces where loss of energy is not necessarily an issue. Portable units can be made for indoor use, but can also frequently be seen for use as patio, deck, garage heaters outdoors.
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