9 Different Types of Propane Heaters and Their Uses
Propane heaters can warm a space in an eco-friendly way. They are useful in construction sites, garages, workshops, hobby spaces, and fireplaces. Likewise, you can also bring the heaters outside, especially if you love camping. They ensure your comfort regardless of your surroundings.
Discover nine different types of propane heaters, each with their unique features.
Type #1: Propane construction heaters
Propane construction heaters are heavy-duty heaters. They are designed for construction projects in colder climates, keeping the workers comfortable. Propane heaters are practical in colder temperatures, especially during winter. There are different types of propane heaters, from direct-fired to enclosed flame heaters. You may also consider indirect-fired heaters and convection heaters, each with advantages and disadvantages.
Type #2: Propane garage heaters
A propane garage heater can be a cost-efficient way to heat a mid-to-large garage, including garages with high ceilings or without a natural gas service line. It’s also ideal for a garage located in a cold location. As propane is among the cleanest burning fuels, propane heaters are ideally suited to garages. Just be sure to use propane heaters safely, following all precautions to avoid carbon monoxide risks.
Type #3: Propane portable heaters
Propane portable heaters can be moved to different locations, particularly outdoors. These hassle-free heaters are easy to ignite and operate. They come with a light propane tank. Although some features vary depending on the brand, propane portable heaters can heat up to 400 sq. ft. and sometimes more. These portable heaters can also be used indoors. They are safe to use with the proper propane safety precautions.
Type #4: Propane stoves and fireplaces
Propane fireplaces are another type of propane heater. It is a clean, cost-effective alternative to wood-burning fireplaces. They are easy to use by hooking it up to a propane or gas line connected to a storage tank. To fire it up, flip a switch and the flames appear instantly. This is the advantage of a propane stove or fireplace. It’s fast and fires up quicker than an electric fireplace, providing instant heat.
Type #5: Propane wall heaters
A vent-free propane wall heater is a great way to create heat in rooms like a bedroom or family home. They do not require hydro to operate. A ceramic panel is heated by propane, which radiates heat into the space around it through a super-hot panel. This quick form of heat should immediately warm everyone in the room. If you have rooms in your home or building that the HVAC system does not reach, a propane wall heater will heat your space without issue.
Type #6: Propane convection heaters
A propane convection heater utilizes the natural phenomenon of hot air rising to heat an area faster than most other heaters can. It uses convection currents to heat and circulate air, with propane as the fuel source. They tend to provide sufficient heat over an extended period. Maintaining a desired temperature with a propane convection heater is easier than with a radiant design.
Type #7: Propane radiant heaters
A propane radiant heater provides heat directly. Typically, it distributes the warmth to the floor, ceiling, or wall panels throughout a home. As a surface is heated, everything else around it becomes warmer. The sun is an example of radiant heat. A person does not need direct contact with the heat source to feel the hot temperature. Propane radiant heaters work similarly and are highly effective in smaller rooms.
Type #8: Propane forced air heaters
Propane-forced air heating operates through a heat exchanger warmed up in a heating system, ignited by propane. The air is moved across the exchanger, which generates warmer air. Air is the heat transfer mechanism. These systems use ductwork and vents to distribute heat throughout a home or building. Forced air can be used to heat an entire house. The air is also recycled through return air ducts, continually brought back and reheated in an economical way.
Type #9: Direct vent and ventless propane heaters
Propane heat produces carbon monoxide as a by-product. This lethal gas must be sent somewhere and not allowed to gather in the room. A direct vent propane heater uses an exhaust pipe or vents to expel the fumes. However, an issue is that they require a duct to the outside, which isn’t always possible. The alternative is to select a ventless propane heater, which produces limited exhaust. Since it doesn’t require ductwork, it’s a more flexible type of heater.