The Propane Heater
Indoor and outdoor propane heaters
If you have a gas grill or an outdoor turkey fryer or fish cooker, you’ve used propane. You know, it’s that fuel in the metal canisters that you take to a store when it gets empty and exchange it for a full one. Propane, however, has expanded its uses. Thanks to the latest developments, propane is now being used in the form of the propane heater.
Propane is clean burning and environmentally friendly. Propane heaters can be used either indoors or outdoors, depending on the specific model and type.
INDOOR PROPANE HEATERS
An indoor propane heater is efficient and affordable and can simulate the look of a real fire. Ceramic logs that have been crafted to look like real wood, along with gas flames, create the look and warmth of an authentic wood-burning fireplace.
Basically, there are two types of indoor propane heaters – the vented propane heater and the ventless propane heater. To learn how they're different, read below.
Vented propane heater
A vented propane heater requires the use of a vent. Why? As propane burns, it emits harmful carbon monoxide. When used outside, like with a gas grill or fish fryer, you don’t have to worry about this because of all the fresh air. When propane is used to fuel a simulated log fireplace, however, the harmful carbon monoxide can be fatal, so it must be vented to the outside. This is usually taken care of with a chimney.
Ventless propane heater
A vent free propane heater doesn't require the use of a vent to the outside. The difference in the vented and ventless propane heaters is the temperature at which the fuel burns. In a ventless propane heater, the propane burns at a higher temperature, effectively consuming any carbon monoxide fumes. Because of this, no venting is necessary. And don’t worry – just in case something goes wrong, almost all ventless propane heaters have an automatic feature that shuts off the fuel supply to the heater if the oxygen in the room drops below a safe level.
OUTDOOR PROPANE HEATERS - portable propane heater
Many homeowners have spent a considerable amount of time and money creating outdoor living spaces like decks, patios, and terraces. Unfortunately, these areas might be used for only a few months a year, depending on where you live. In some regions of the country, it’s simply too cold to enjoy the great outdoors comfortably all year. An outdoor propane heater can change this!
By investing in an outdoor propane heater, you'll expand the time that your outdoor living spaces can be utilized. It'll be almost like having an extra room! Since it will be warm and comfy around the heater, you can use outdoor space for parties, cookouts, or any kind of outdoor get-togethers. Even if you have an indoor party, an outdoor propane heater will allow you to use your deck or patio for the overflow of guests. It would also be a nice place for guests to enjoy a quiet conversation around the outdoor propane heater, away from the noise of the party.
How do outdoor propane heaters work?
The outdoor propane heaters are supplied by your home’s gas line or from a propane tank. The gas is ignited, and as it burns, the heating coils absorb the heat and radiate the warmth to the surrounding area. These outdoor heaters can generate a lot of heat in a small area!
The advantage to having your outdoor propane heater fed by your gas line is that you won’t have to bother with cumbersome tanks. You won’t have to worry about running out of fuel, either.
The tank-fed outdoor propane heaters have their advantages, too. For one thing, they’re a portable propabe heater. They can be moved around to wherever they’re needed outside. A portable propane heater is handy and can be used in all kinds of places.
Another advantage is that the tanks come in several styles, including tabletop heaters that radiate heat outwards, along with tall ones that radiate heat downwards. If you have a large outdoor living area, you might consider having more than one portable propane heater.
Uses for an outdoor propane heater
If you and your friends and family enjoy outdoor gatherings, you’ll find plenty of uses for your propane heater. Think cookouts, outdoor get-togethers, oyster roasts, Halloween parties, and any other time you’d like to be able to utilize your outdoor living area in the cooler months of the year.