A portable propane heater

Propane is one of the alternative fuels option when it comes to heating during winter. Therefore, you must be familiar with propane heater! It is great choice for anyone who wants to use non-electric heating unit but there is not available gas pipeline transmission (natural gas (methane))! “Yes” it is usually often of non-permanent design (portable design) with a refillable pressurized propane tank, therefore there are some important points that we have to understand clearly so we can connect and disconnect the propane heaters with their disposal tank safely and properly. Improper procedures on connecting and disconnecting the unit with its refillable tank will lead potential hazards such as fire explosion. So take a few minutes to read and learn pieces of helpful information below.

How to disconnect both safely:

1. With proper procedures, disconnection your propane heater with its disposal tank is very straightforward and therefore can be finished in a matter of minutes. The first important procedure before disconnecting is you have to make sure that fuel supply is shut off. Therefore, take a look at the valve atop of your unit and turn it off.
2. Then check the gas volume gas of the tank. Make sure it is empty by shaking it so thus you will feel and hear liquid moving! If you don’t hear the liquid moving then the tank is empty and you can replace it.
3. Now, take a look at the valve and then unscrew them in order to release the hoses.
4. And take a look at the regulator, especially the point of it that connects to the disposal tank. Unscrew and remove it carefully.

How to connect both properly:

1. The disposable tank usually can properly fit and match inside of a special housing on the unit (in many cases). And you should know that there is available variety of models for refillable propane tank (from one that has simple screw-on design to other models that have advance design in order to increase the safety configuration & ease of installation, like quick-connect design and ACME hand-tightening model). So make sure you choose and buy the right disposal propane tank for your propane heater!
2. It is better to prioritize well-ventilated room or area than enclosed area! Or even you can choose outside for ideal area if necessary.
3. Take a look at the bottom of the cylinder of disposal tank, then grasp and push it up into cylinder housing. But there are also some types of disposal propane tank that don’t require this procedure. So it is dependent on the model of the tank itself.
4. Now connect the connector with the cylinder! Read the manual’s owner for more detailed information on how to do it properly. The connection between the tank and connector is usually designed for hand-tightened but will strong enough (will not leak).
5. If your propane heater has OPD or ACME fitting then you have to connect it to the propane valve, which usually use plastic hand-screws (hand-pressure-tightening design) to hook up the fitting to ACME or OPD fitting. So you can turn the fitting be firmly positioned (in a clockwise rotation).
6. For a quick-connect fitting, connect it to the disposal tank by pulling back the tank valve (especially pull the collar ring). Don’t forget to push the fitting from the heating unit into ‘the valve (the hole inside of it)’! Now you can properly release the collar ring and usually at the same time you will hear an audible ‘–click-‘. This ‘click’ sign indicates that the fitting and valve are properly installed at the correct position.
7. In addition, there are also available a lot of tank hoses that come in a wide variety of lengths if you want an extension.

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The other helpful article: Pieces of helpful information on using space heater safely!

Propane Heater: How to Disconnect and Connect It to Tank is a post from: More Heaters

Portable propane heating appliance

Most of propane heaters usually are powered by the pressurized gas and therefore they usually come with the pressurized tanks to store the propane fuel. They are not only popular for indoor heating appliances but also nice choice for outdoor purposes since their pressurized fuel tanks that make them can be moved from one place to others, easily. The big benefit that make many people have a reason prefer to choose and use them is the more affordable for the cost on energy utilities. The propane fuel is relatively cheaper than electricity. And in line with technological developments, today most of them are produced with modern technology that can work more efficient and friendly to our environment. They are offered in a wide range of prices and brands, thus the big question is how to find and choose the best one propane heater perfectly?

Finding and buying propane heaters that have good quality, particularly work at higher efficiency without ignoring the safety operation is not too difficult. But the big challenge is how to find one of them that also come with not too expensive price and friendly to your budget! However purchasing a propane heating unit is not too much different like when buying the other commonly heaters. Some crucial issues that usually consumers consider are; the size, features, safety features, the efficiency performance, costs, brands, the long warranty, and still many more. Let’s discuss more detail about how to select the best one of them that meets to your requirement on the guide below:

# Understanding the characteristics of propane heaters

Propane fuel is clean fuel and produce less byproduct of Carbon Monoxide when burn. The difficulty level of installation is dependent on the type of the unit itself. Portable models are usually designed to be re-installed easily and quickly. And basically, all type of them requires the adequate ventilation mechanism, particularly if you install them for indoor purposes.

The pressurized tank is the crucial point that you should concern carefully. There are many fire accidents due to the explosion of these tanks. Therefore, as possible… please to avoid storing the unit (especially the pressurized fuel tanks) in a location where close to the any open flame sources like fireplace, stove, water heating unit, etc. Since the combustion of propane fuel is still able to produce CO, ensure your unit is already equipped with ODS feature (oxygen detection safety pilot system) and the automatically shutdown feature that useful to make unit turn off itself while overheating.

One of the natural characteristics of propane is doesn’t have odor. Therefore the gas company usually adds the ethyl-mercaptan to make it has odor. The odor is helpful to detect and smell gas while there is leakage. It has higher mass-density, so if there is leakage, this gas usually flows on the floor of the room. Some frequently problems when using propane heating unit are the pilot-light that sometimes fails to stay lit which usually due to the thermocouple failure and some certain parts of the unit could be froze up easily.

# Finding the cheap one of them

Like mentioned before, seeking one of them that is offered friendly to your pocket and still promise high quality of features and efficiency performance is the big challenge! Your new unit is also should be able to accommodate your requirement as well.

1. First, calculate the size BTU of the unit correctly and finally meet to the large space of the area that you want to heat. According to the size category, propane heaters are available in three main options; triple (around 42,000 BTUs), single (around 14,000 BTUs) and double burner (around 28,000 BTUs).
2. The off-season (several month before and after the winter season), is the best time to find units that are offered at the cheapest prices.
3. Then, try to browse and search information on internet via some popular search engines like Bing or Google! If you are prefer to use the Google search engine, then choose the ‘shopping tab’ and then you can search by using keyword ‘cheap propane heater’ then you can get many result that so helpful for you to make a list and compare among the prices, features, and brands of different on-line stores or retailers.
4. Read and learn some real consumer testimonials to ensure the product that you are purchasing has positive feedback from the previous consumers. It is also simply tip but so helpful to analyze some units that are offered with unbelievable big discount rates. Don’t miss to consider also the long warranty and the total cost (including the shipping cost)!
5. The last always keep in mind that buying the cheap products is should not ignore the quality and the safety. The quality is closely related to the costs that you will pay in long term and the safety is so important to keep far away from unwanted potential hazards.

Other articles: Green house heating systems, How to use space heaters safely, & Eco-friendly water heaters!

Guide on Finding & Selecting Propane Heater! is a post from: More Heaters

A portable propane heater

The unstable and fluctuation of fuel prices like oil is one of major reason why many people prefer to use propane fuel, especially for heating activity that usually it call as propane heaters. Propane is one of hydrocarbon types that have low emission carbon product. But overall user should be carefully when using it because there are some hazards and danger accident when we use propane heater units negligent. Therefore in addition we get lot benefit from these units, don’t forget to always use these units properly.

We know well that propane heaters are one of innovative alternative solution for people who want heat their room inexpensive and efficiently. The stable and affordable of propane fuel is one of important points about it. Most of them also usually have standard models, types, sizes, and technology like commonly heating units so far.

One of popular types of them is portable models. It looks compact and mobile so we move these types easily. Moreover, there are already many appliance units that use propane fuel for heating such as water heating (supply hot water and pool heating), indoor or outdoor heating, etc. Because they use flammable nature propane gas, that usually the fuel storage to the pressurized tanks, it is most risks that usually can result accidents when we use propane heater models, especially their byproducts of combustion process.

All right, below are some the propane heater hazards information we should know for use these heaters keep safely and keep far away from serious accidents:

1. Propane fuels usually are not produced with single hydrocarbon, they mix with other like butane. The popular type of them usually call with LPG, commonly it is combination between 60 percent butane and 40 percent propane or other various options. According to Energy Information Administration, gas companies cannot find propane deposit in nature but usually always mixed in with methane or familiar we call as natural gas. Economical transportation and distribution make gas companies always use liquid transportation model. In addition, this models discovered and popular since in 1912.
2. Ideally we use propane heater units with similar way when we use natural gas heaters that usually have pipe line transmission to supply fuel (methane). But for some reasons we usually utilize propane heater with pressurized gas. And it some time when we negligent can leak, and finally can result two types hazard accidents that are asphyxiation and explosion. Mostly leaks of tank caused by faulty installation and not-properly operation. As add information, catastrophically accident can occur when large container fails result high probability that call as BLEVE (Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion).
3. If those two type hazard accidents happen, there are obviously effects. Asphyxiation can result problem to the human respiratory system and it is hardly to prevent self-help measures. Then the explosion can produce high pressure and thermal explosion flame risk, these condition can destroy and even demolish the building of the house or office.

Overall if use propane heaters properly and obey the manufacture’s operation and maintenance guidelines, those hazards can be prevented. Below are some tips about it that we should consider:

1. The fist thing that we should consider is about to ensure that the heater and the tank keep in well condition.
2. Then provide adequate vent for circulation air. It purposes to reduce probability risk of asphyxiation risk. As possible use units that have deflection Oxygen sensor automatically feature. Or install carbon monoxide detection.
3. Check your heater and the tank regularly and do the maintenance properly.
4. Place the heater on stable surface, and keep distance between flammable materials to the unit.
5. When we charge or replace tank fuel with new one, ensure that the tank looks still in good condition. As add info, propane fuel doesn’t have odor so it is hardly to detect when the tank leaks. Therefore gas companies usually include an odoriferous compound to it so we can smell when tank leaks. The odoriferous compound usually from sulfur, marcpatan substance or else. If we smell the leak gas from the tank, stop all activities that can ignite the propane fuel and as soon as turn off the tank valve. If this precaution doesn’t solve or you afraid to overcome your self, as soon as possible call for help.

The propane heater hazards we should know! is a post from: More Heaters

Propane gas space heater

There are many variety space heaters, particularly various in how to choose the fuel types. One of space heater types that popular is propane space heater units. Propane space heaters also available in many options like variety in features, types, etc. They are available for temporary heater models that can be installed not-permanently such as portable propane heater units and some models that can be installed permanently like propane wall ventless heater units. They also can be used for outdoor usage or indoor usage. Overall space heater units that use propane as source power offer pledge to save more our money with cheap stable prize fuel and low bill for the energy bill.

Propane space heaters are the best alternative for you who want to use gas space heater units but in the local area house is not available adequate for gas pipe-line transmission. They don’t need the electricity to operate because they use propane as source power. They come with pressurized tank that has function to hold and as storage propane fuel. Although they use pressurized tank, but the tank usually has been already designed with good quality stainless steel, so it is safe for residential usage as long as user obey to operate and use the tank properly.

As addition information, propane fuel is colorless gas and odorless, therefore due to the safety reason propane fuel have been already produced to be odor gas by adding chemical elements such as mercaptane. It has function to detect if the tank is a leak present, so we can smell the odor of propane gas soon and can do the anticipatory measures as soon as possible. Then why the tank calls as pressurized tank? Because it has purpose to make propane gas to be liquid and can to store in tank easily with higher volume. This is commercial industry method to reduce the distribution operational cost.

There some important things we should consider if we use propane space heaters. The first that we must concern is by choosing the right comparison size between the size power heating of the unit and the size large of the area that will be heated. Usually they use BTUs as parameter how size power capacity heating of the unit. Then because they use gas propane as source power then will produce chemical product when running the combustion, therefore we should ensure that the room has adequate ventilation for air circulation.

Using propane space heaters is more just little bit needs extra concern to make ensure that the unit can operate properly and safely. This is one of factors that maybe make some people afraid to use them. Some people think that electric space heaters are better in the safety factor. Yes, it is true but it so depend how we use propane space heater units, because as long as we use these models well and follow the right procedure properly then the safety factor guarantee is no problemo! And we can get many advantages that we cannot find if we use electric space heating models such as less expensive in cost, more quietly when running, friendly to the environment (especially if we compare to the oil models), etc.

Factually people who still not-familiar use gas either propane or natural gas, usually afraid to use propane space heaters. But if we know well how to operate properly then we can enjoy the many advantages that we can get if we use one of them. Below are some tips that we should concern to reduce the potential hazard, particularly if we use for indoor usage:

1. One of the combustion chemical products is CO or Carbon Monoxide. Although propane fuel combustion produce CO lower than oil fuel combustion, but we must still concern to make ensure the level CO volume is so lower than Oxygen volume in the room. Therefore we must ensure to provide adequate ventilation for air circulation. Usually if CO volume is higher, then will result O2 deflection extremely, therefore some modern units have already equipped with the O2 deflection sensor feature that can shut off automatically the unit if O2 volume decrease significantly.
2. We make ensure that flammable materials as far as possible from the unit. The flammable materials such as clothing, towels, furniture, curtains, etc. Don’t forget to place propane space heater at stable solid place that not easily be burn. Don’t ever try to put the device on easily material like wood table, wood desk, etc.
3. As possible don’t leave heater keep turn on when not needed. Better we turn off the heater when want to go to sleep or go out from the house.
4. Then make ensure that we place the unit far away from the foot traffic. It has purpose to prevent accidental touching between pets, children or others to the heater. It is also helpful to anticipate the spills. The spills incident also can be prevented by keeping fire extinguisher closely to our propane space heater unit.
5. Be carefully when we are refilling, as simple tip don’t try refill when the heater is running. We can turn off the heater first before doing to refill. Make ensure that unit is in turn off position completely. We can do this by unplugging the heater and take it outside and let it cools down completely, then after it we can do to refill safely.

Propane Space Heater is a post from: More Heaters

Portable propane gas heater

Finding the best portable propane heater could be difficult if you still don’t have any idea and inadequate knowledge about what are the crucial issues that you have to prioritize on purchasing. There are some factors that can influence your choice and one of them is the large square feet of the space you want to heat!

Well, portable propane heaters are available in several types and based on the way to heat the object they can be divided into 3 major types; convection heaters, radiant models, and forced-air propane heating units! It is not too bad idea to discuss and completely understand these types before making decision on choosing.

1. Convection heating units, their working principle is in opposite manner to radiant heating principle. Mostly, they heat the object indirectly therefore they cannot work as fast as radiant propane heater. They are typically designed to warm up first the surrounding air of the object before heating the object. They are great idea to heat a high occupancy room.
2. Radiant units, as the name suggests this type work as well as the same way of the sunlight warm up the earth’s surface. They heat the object directly and therefore will work more quickly.
3. Forced-air models. Generally they involve an electric motor to circulate the heated air in the room. The other name of this kind of indoor propane heater is torpedo heating unit and this name is based on the cylindrical design of the unit. They can be portable (temporarily installation) or require non-temporarily installed in a fixed area.

Crucial issue to look for before purchasing

It is much more recommended to perform a bit of research so thus you adequate information to determine the right product that you should choose!

1. First, you have to figure out the right size of the indoor propane heater that you have to choose, so thus you can avoid wrong size purchasing. Either lower or over size is not good idea! The wrong size can lead to inefficiency that eventually will make your unit not last longer and result high utility bills. You may choose a slightly higher BTU size but don’t choose too over size!
2. Generally, the propane fuel is stored in the pressurized tank! And it must be replaced regularly when it is completely empty. So make sure the tank of the unit is easy to be found and purchased in your local area!
3. Check the safety features! Especially automatic shut-off safety features to shut down automatically the heater when it gets tilt-over or overheating. The unit should be also equipped with ODS feature (Oxygen Depletion Sensor)! Use also stand alone ODS (can be used for the back-up if ODS feature in the unit fails to work) for better safety. Always keep in mind to prioritize only features that are actually required, because more features – more cost to purchase.
4. Consider the venting mechanism of the unit! Make sure it can be easily to be vented! For better safety, it’s much recommended to use the unit in the well ventilated indoor room. The consideration of this issue and the utilization of ODS is important to minimize the risk of poisoning or gas inhalation.
5. And don’t forget to find and read the satisfied testimonials of a certain product that you want to purchase, if you cannot find those satisfied reviews, it is better to consider another product of indoor propane heater!

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Read also safety checklists on using oil heater and simple troubleshooting guide for baseboard heater!

Portable Propane Heater: Find The Perfect One! is a post from: More Heaters

propane gas heaters

As well we know, today there are several alternative fuels to choose from, particularly when it comes to heating and cooling. One of them is propane. It is great choice for anyone who wants to use more affordable energy (gas) but there is no available natural gas pipeline transmission in your local area. Propane is usually stored into a pressurized tank so thus it can be moved and carried easily from one place to another. This pressurized tank is one of factors why there is needed extra concern on how to use a propane heater properly and more safely.

However, propane heaters are one of popular alternative choices when it comes to heat the air during the coldest days of winter. They are offered in several sizes and types for different uses. And if we completely understand on how to use them properly and safely, they will be not too bad idea to get more affordable of heating costs, particularly if there is not available other heat sources. Like regular natural gas heaters, one of important that must be concerned is about the venting system. Make sure the room has a well-ventilation. The unit must be well-ventilated so thus the accidentally build-up of CO (Carbon Monoxide) can be prevented and minimized as well. Use Oxygen depletion sensor if necessary! Don’t miss to read and learn the operating instructions of the manual’s guidelines of your unit so thus you will always use it properly.

Propane and methane (natural gas) can be categorized into a flammable fuel! Therefore, there is needed and required more extra concern when we choose to use both. Not only fires, propane fuel that is stored into a pressurized tank can lead a serious explosion (like BLEVE ‘Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion’), especially if the tank (with big volume) catastrophically fails. The probability of the explosion and fire accident can be minimized if we use the heater carefully and properly. Keep far away any flammable objects from the unit.

We all agree that safety is the most important point. The following are pieces of helpful information that you should know on how to use propane heaters properly and safely, so thus any dangers and risks can be minimized as well:

CO (Carbon Monoxide)

Carbon monoxide is one of byproducts from combustion process of propane. Like mentioned before, therefore it is so important to make sure that your propane heater is well ventilated, particularly if you use it for indoor use.

A poor venting system can lead to a serious CO poisoning. Warning symptoms of CO poisoning; confusion – nausea – dizziness – sleepiness – headache – weakness, etc. CO will be merged into the blood of the body and finally will decrease the ability of the blood to take & carry O2 (Oxygen). This ongoing condition can cause in seriously loss of consciousness or even death, which the process will be worse and faster for drug use & alcohol consumption.

As well we know, portable propane heater is popular for outdoor recreation. It can be used to heat a closed outdoor space like RV, tent or truck cap. In fact, the symptoms of CO poisoning is too slow to be recognized by a sleeping individual. This is the reason why the risk of death can be much higher. Therefore use O2 depletion sensor for better safety!

Today, many modern propane heating units have already been equipped with an oxygen depletion system (indoor safety feature) that will be useful to shut down the heating system automatically if the oxygen level reaches unacceptable standard. The safety feature also will be helpful to turn off the unit automatically while the unit is overheating.

The other idea to keep naturally warm at night in your tent, you can wear adequate clothing or utilize a thermally rated sleeping bag or you can also consume more fluids or calories.

Understanding about flash point of propane

Flash point is the crucial point if the mixture of propane and air is exact in order to be combustible. It is around 2.15 % and 9.6 % of the total propane / air mixture. This means if the mixture is slightly higher than 9.6 % or a bit lower than 2.15 % then there is no combustion.

Odor of propane

Unfortunately, naturally… propane does not have odor so it can be categorized into tasteless and odorless flammable fuel. On the other hand, this odorless characteristic of propane is not safe and too risk that will make anyone cannot recognize while the leak occurs from the pressurized tank. Therefore, there is used an odorant in order to make the propane gas can be smelled.

Safety checklists:

1. Be careful with the lighting of propane heater. It will initially result and produce in a small flash of flame that can cause fire accident if there are any flammable materials that placed to close with the heater
2. Make sure to place the unit on the flat surface!
3. Avoid involving and using a ventless-catalytic model of propane heater to warm up the air of your room. Using ventless model is a dangerous proposition, particularly if the room has poor ventilation.
4. Make sure your CO detector has a proper and powerful battery back-up so it will work properly and continuously.
5. And once again don’t miss to read & learn the manufacturer’s instructions on how to maintain and use your propane heater properly.

Read also Simple guide on how to vent tankless water heating unit!

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Propane Heaters (Dangers and Safety)! is a post from: More Heaters