Jeanie Wong asked:


As an alternative to electric heaters, fueled heaters such as those using propane or kerosene also have many benefits. Though these types of heaters may not suitable for home use because they need to be vented due to carbon monoxide emissions, if you are looking to quickly heat your patio, warehouse, or other large, well-ventilated area, these are a great option. Several sized propane and kerosene heaters are available for rapidly heating up large areas, and these types of heaters are very efficient because they use the heat from combustion to directly heat the space through convection.

Although heaters running on electricity may seem like a cost efficient and clean energy source, most electricity in the United States is generated by burning coal, which emits sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxides, particulates, and greenhouse gases. Some electricity is generated from natural gas, which burns cleaner, but at least half of the energy is lost in converting it to electricity and delivering it to your home. Therefore, although the initial cost of an electric heater may be significantly less than a propane or kerosene heater, the cost of fuel should be taken into account.

Propane Heaters

These heaters often come in the form of patio heaters and gas fired heaters, and they are relatively small for the amount of space they are able to heat. Because they do not require electricity to run, they are very cost-effective for warehouses and industrial settings where there is ample ventilation and when electricity may be too costly.

You can either buy tanks of propane according your consumption, or rent them from your propane supplier. In order to estimate your propane consumption, you can figure this out with a bit of math. One gallon of propane will produce 91,500 Btus of heat. If you have a heater that is rated at 25,000 Btus per hour, simply divide 91,500 by 25,000 and you will find that your heater will run for approximately 3.66 hours on one gallon propane when running at full capacity. If you spend 80 hours a month in your shop or workplace, you will go through about 22 gallons of propane per month. See the following formula to determine propane consumption:

91,500 / Heater Btus per hour = Hours the Heater Will Run on One Gallon of Propane

If you are looking to buy a small portable tank instead of leasing a large one, keep in mind that propane tanks hold 80 percent of their rated capacity; therefore, a tank rated at 10 gallons would actually hold eight. With that in mind, for a 25,000 Btu heater, eight gallons of propane would provide you with over 29 hours of use (8 gallons x 3.66 hours per gallon), so you would have to fill it twice a month.

Kerosene Heaters

In addition to propane heaters, kerosene heaters are also another option. Though they use electricity, these have almost the same function as propane heaters and burn cleaner. These can also provide localized heat for tough industrial work areas and warehouses, and like propane heaters, they are not recommended for indoor use because of carbon dioxide emissions, risk of burns, ignition from flammable gases, and the obvious increased risk of fire. Using a kerosene heater requires good judgment and safety practices, and these must be adequately vented at four times greater per Btu/hour for unvented heaters than for vented heaters.

Amy Nutt asked:


Once you have your sauna planned out and ready to go, it’s time to choose a sauna heater. This is a very important decision that will decide what kind of experience you have in your new sauna, so taking time to thoroughly understand what types of heaters are available makes all the difference.

Here weve laid out the basics to help you make a more informed decision. No one heater is right for everyone. You’ll need to choose based on your needs and preferences.

Wood Heaters

The traditional type of sauna heater is a wood burning one. These burn wood, obviously, and are the best for heating a large space, as well as retaining that heat for longer. Wood tends to be cheaper than electricity, as well, so if you are on a budget, this is a good way to go.

Wood heaters tend to run at a lower temperature than any other type, which makes them useful for people who prefer to keep things less than stifling hot. This is also the best way to go if you like a lot of steam, since there is more space for the rocks, making it easy to produce an abundance of heavy steam. Since you are burning wood, albeit not a lot, it’s necessary to vent the smoke outside via chimney, so you`ll need to have an exterior wall in your sauna.

Electric Heaters

These more modern sauna heaters offer the option of dry or wet steam saunas and require a good bit of electricity. They can be rather expensive to run, but are excellent for heating small spaces and for producing a steam that helps create a sweat quite rapidly. The temperature is also quite a bit higher (around 50º) than any other type of sauna heater.

While electric heaters may still be the most commonly used methods of raising the temperature within a sauna, they are slowly being phased out by the newer and more efficient infrared heaters.

Infrared Heaters

The most recent addition to the world of sauna heaters, infrared heat is special. These heaters don’t produce steam, so you`re looking at dry heat. However, the temperature is much lower than the more common electric heaters and most people find it more comfortable.

With this type of heating, infrared light actually penetrates the skin to cause the heating. This means that you’ll need to sit in front of the heater for it to work best, so these are ideal for very small or portable saunas where a lower temperature is desired. These heaters are also perfect for saunas that are unable to vent outside or that can`t be drained of the condensation that would be caused by steam.

The amount of energy needed to run infrared heaters is about 90% less than what is required for a regular electric sauna. That makes this type of heater far more energy and cost effective than most heaters.

Which sauna heater is best for you? It all depends on your motive. Do you want a lot of steam and long lasting heat? Then wood might be the best way to go. Prefer dry heat and don’t want to worry about vents? Infrared is ideal for this. It all depends on just what you need done . . . whether you want steam or not and the preferred temperature of the room.

Take the time to weigh your options and make your decision based on what you need. This is the best way to find a sauna heater to fit you perfectly.

Joseph Kortez asked:


With springtime upon us once again, the weather will soon be turning nice and warm for us to enjoy the great outdoors. Until then, our friends and family are quick to run back inside as the sun goes down, because it is just too darn cold. The good news is there’s a quick and easy remedy to all of this – in the form of a patio heater.

A patio heater can keep your outdoor paradise warm and welcoming even when the temperature drops down in the spring and fall. But with all the choices out there, where do you begin in your search? What kind do you look for? Should it be kerosene- or propane fuelled.

Buying the perfect patio heater doesn’t have to be an insurmountable chore. With a little research, and an idea of what you need, enjoying cool nights outdoor may come sooner than later.

First off, make sure you know the safety features of any patio heater you consider purchasing. Know where the fuel shut-off and pipe safety valves are. As other equipment that either burns fuel or otherwise heats up, there is a risk of catching items on fire. By knowing and understanding the safety features of any heater, you will be better prepared for the proper care and maintenance of your heater for years to come.

Secondly, consider the function that your patio heater will serve. Are you going to be heating a large outdoor patio, or a small and enclosed space? Knowing these needs will determine the size and style of your patio heater. If you are heating a small area, you won’t need a large pedestal heater. Likewise, if you are heating an open area, a condensed heater will provide well for one person – but you will have a lot of cold guests to deal with!

With these things in mind, it is now time to decide how to fuel your patio heater. One of the most popular fueling options is using a propane tank. Propane is a condensed fuel usually kept in cylinders, which burns very slowly. Heaters can also be fueled using natural gas and electricity. Consider how often you will use your heater before you settle on a fuel source. If you plan on being outdoors on a regular basis, a propane heater can be a cost-effective measure. But if you plan on being outdoors sparingly, consider an electric heater. If all of those do not appeal, consider adding a fire pit to your patio set.

Now that you have decided on a fuel source, you are almost done settling on a patio heater. Some of the last things to consider are the finish you will want – stainless steel or powder-coated aluminum. While stainless steel will last longer, powder-coated aluminum is a cost-effective alternative. Consider the heat capacity you will need. Propane and natural gas powered heaters will be rated in British Thermal Units (BTU), while electric-powered units will be measured in watts. Smaller areas require less power (usually around 20,000 BTU), while larger heaters will require more power (high output heaters will heat to a maximum 40,000 BTU). Also, find out about the warranty, and how you will be affected if your heater goes out of service. Knowing the warranty information will protect your patio heater as a long-term investment.

Purchasing a patio heater will be a welcoming beacon for your family and friends, even when the temperature goes down. Knowing the product you need before spending hard earned money will ensure you get the right one for your home, and create the perfect atmosphere in the great outdoors for years to come.

Chad Milhouse asked:


Having a sauna in your home can provide you with hours of relaxation, but remember, the sauna heaters are what make your sauna so warm and inviting. While years ago saunas were run by wooden sauna heaters, today it is more practical to have an electric heater for your sauna. If you are going to be choosing a heater for your sauna in the near future, be sure that you take the following tips into consideration before you make your final purchase.

Consider the Space Available

First of all, when considering sauna heaters for your sauna, you will need to take into consideration the space that you have available. It is important that you purchase a heater that was specifically designed to heat the amount of space in your sauna. A heater that is too large may provide to much heat, which can be dangerous, and a heater that is too small will not put out enough heat to be totally effective. For smaller saunas there are actually small sauna heaters that can be wall mounted to conserve space. The larger sauna heaters are usually freestanding and heat a great deal more space than a smaller heater.

Go with a Reputable Manufacturer

When choosing from the many sauna heaters available, it is important that you choose a heater for your sauna that is made by a reputable manufacturer. You will want to make sure that the manufacturer is UL approved and also that the heater you choose comes with a great warranty as well. If you have never heard of the manufacturer before you may want to choose a different heater unless you can document the reliability of the manufacturer. Remember that if a heater is not well constructed it can be very dangerous, so you want to make sure that you purchase the very best heater available.

Pick Controls that Suit You

The controls of sauna heaters are also very important to consider when you are choosing a heater for your sauna. Some sauna heaters come with controls that are build into the heater, while others come with remote controls or controls that can be mounted on the wall of the sauna. You can choose the type of control system that is easiest for you; however, it is essential that the controls have an automatic shut off that will shut off the heater in 60 minutes. This is important so that no one gets seriously injured by falling asleep in the sauna. Many control systems also have a timer built in that will pre-heat the sauna for you before you are ready to get in, which can eliminate waiting time.

Saunas are a great way to relax, and having the right heater can help you relax in warmth and comfort. Choosing from the many sauna heaters may be a bit difficult and it may even take a bit of your time, but once you find the perfect one, it will be worth the effort. Take these tips into consideration and then enjoy your own sauna and the rest and repose it brings you.

G Lee asked:


Why buy a Oil Filled Radiator Heater instead of different types? The most obvious reason to purchase a oil filled radiator heater is for safety and a silent operation. These heaters operate by warming up a special heat-conserving oil inside the heater. Then it circulates the oil throughout the coils and fins of the radiator to heat them. Those coils and fins radiate the heat into the rest of the room through convection. Cold air is warmed by the heat radiating from the fins of the heater and the warmed air rises drawing in the air below it which is usually colder than the air above and the process repeats. Since it does not have fans to move the air around the radiator is silent.

How are Oil Filled Radiator Heaters different from other heaters? The heat conserving oil is sealed inside the coils of the radiator. Since the oil is only warmed, is never burned, and never needs to be replaced or refilled it makes oil filled radiator heaters very efficient to operate. In addition, some heaters have safety covers that prevent children and pets from touching the heating elements that radiate the warmth. Generally they have a lower surface temperature than other heaters, and because of the large surface area of the heater they heat the room just as fast.

How do most people use Oil Filled Heaters? These radiators are perfect for chilly bedrooms and offices. They spot heat anywhere, and can be very compact. Some are light in weight, letting you place them anywhere where you need a little bit more heat. Several are made to fit into the area beneath a desk so they can be unobtrusive and since they are quiet nobody would notice their presence. Another important thing about the under desk radiators is that they only take 40 watts of power to run so you could plug them into the same circuit as your computer. The area of heat our radiator heaters can warm range from 150 square feet to an area as small as 40 square feet for an under desk style unit. An added benefit of the small desk-type units is that they are extremely efficient. Buy a SAFE Oil Filled Radiator Heater for personal comfort. These heaters are ideal if you just need that extra bit of warmth or your co workers prefer it colder than you like, or when you would like to save money by not heating the whole building and only your little corner of the house. Not only are they safer than other heaters with tip over safety switches and overheat auto shutoff switched, they require almost no maintenance, and are quite easy to move.

Ann Marier asked:


More than anything else, the sauna heaters are the most essential part of the sauna. Without the sauna heaters, you simply cannot enjoy the benefits of the sauna. If fact, the sauna heaters are considered the heart of the whole sauna construction that it is very important to select one of the best available.

There are many types of sauna heaters available in the market today. Some sauna heaters would run on gas, electricity and wood. Although a lot of people would prefer the electricity run heaters, the gas and wood sauna heaters are also good. A lot of experts believe that the therapeutic element of the sauna bath is not really very much affected whether you are using one of those electric sauna or those that are heated through gas or wood.

Choosing The Right Type Of Heaters

Although some experts believe that the type of heater would not really have much effect on the therapeutic value of a sauna bath, there is still a need for you to choose a good heater for practical reasons. When choosing the right type of sauna heaters, you should first consider the size and the construction of your sauna. If your sauna is small or good only for two persons, you do not really need one of those big heaters. Note that if your heater is too big for your sauna, your sauna could feel too hot. On the other hand, if your sauna is one of those big family saunas, you should consider getting one of those big heaters. Too small sauna heaters may not be able to produce enough heat to keep the room warm enough.

For safety, look for sauna heaters that have 3-wall construction. A 3-wall heater will give you a cooler surface temperature so there is less danger of getting blistered or burned when you accidentally touch the surface of the heater. Another safety measure is to buy only sauna heaters that are UL tested and listed. Never buy sauna heaters, which have not passed through strict standards for safety.

Another thing that you should look for when buying sauna heaters is that the heater should be made of stainless steel materials. Stainless will last longer than most materials when exposed to heat and water.

For maximum heating capacity, choose those sauna heaters that can accommodate large heating rocks. The good thing about using rocks as heaters is that according to experts, the heat from the rocks is safer and more therapeutic. Furthermore, big rocks also produce more steam than any other types of materials when water is poured into it.

Jeanie Wong asked:


Although heaters can account for a number of home heating fires, the heaters now being manufactured are relatively safe. Nonetheless, precaution must be taken when operating any type of heating device.

Generally, oil heaters are considered safer than regular electric convection or radiant heaters because they have lower surface temperatures and require less consideration of air flow through/over the heater itself. These heaters create warmth by warming heat-conserving oil inside the heater. The oil is then circulated throughout the coils of the radiator to evenly distribute heat throughout the room. However, these types of heaters are only suitable for small, personal spaces ranging from 40 square feet for an under-desk style unit to 150 square feet. Another added benefit of a small desk-type unit is that these are extremely energy efficient and do not blow fuses even when hooked up to the same power grid as the computer that sits on top of the desk they are placed under.

Once again, it should be noted that although the high intensity of the output of space heaters may make them more susceptible to fires, most portable electric space heaters now being manufactured include many performance requirements in order to enhance user safety.

Nonetheless, portable space heaters have received a bad reputation recently. Although these types of heaters may present a fire hazard when tipped over, almost all portable electric heaters now being produced boast safety features such as safety switches that will automatically turn off the heater until it is turned upright, overheat protection functions, and indicator lights which help you know when the heater is plugged in or turned on. As well, modern space heaters are also subjected to rigorous laboratory testing and must pass certain safety standards.

However, when using any electric heater, caution must be exercised in order to reduce the risk of fire. Follow these tips to ensure safe heater operation:

1. Use the heater on the floor for stability – never place a heater on furniture since it may fall and could result in a fire hazard, and never leave a heater unattended.

2. Do not hide cords under rugs or carpets, as placing anything on top of the cord could cause a fire by overheating.

3. Be sure the plug fits properly into an outlet since a loose plug can overheat. Have a worn-out plug or outlet replaced if necessary.

4. Keep the heater away from debris and paints, solvents, and other flammable liquids.

5. Ensure proper working order of your heater by replacing missing controls or guards at once, and never operate a defective heater.

By being smart about your heater, you can safely keep your area warm and comfortable during the cooler months.

Kenny Leichester asked:


If you are wondering why people are crazy about patio heaters, you should know that these are those who have benefited from their new found love. They were use to be in restaurants and pubs but now, you can find outdoor heating in almost any homes with a backyard. Electric patio heaters are purchasable and can give you instant benefits so get yours today!

This kind of equipment requires a bit of work in order to maintain the quality of its outdoor heating. In order to save you from potentially hazardous situations, maintenance and safety measures should be strictly followed.

You will have to pay more on the electricity bill for electric patio heater. Without proper maintenance, you can expect more energy consumption as your heater gets older. Checking them often up will save you a lot of money. This will keep it running longer and smoother.

There will be some effort required on your behalf in order to maintain your electric patio heater. It’s quite simple really. All you need to do is follow these steps.

• Check closely for cracks, rusting, and any loose parts such as screws, wires, or bolts. An open wire may cause fires or electric shocks. Loose parts are also just as dangerous.

• Make sure that dirt doesn’t build up near your machine’s heat source. If clogging occurs inside the heater (cobwebs in the electric current route etc.), it is advisable that you contact maintenance instead of doing it yourself. Remember, if in doubt, paying a professional would cost less than buying new equipment – not to mention the possibility of losing your life.

• It is most crucial that you keep the inside of your electric heater clean at all times. You must dust it regularly with a soft brush or dry cloth. Use only a small amount of cleaning solution will do. You can even use a small vacuum cleaner for cleaning purpose. Only the base of the heater is allowed to be rinsed with water.

• To keep your electric heater running smoothly and at its optimum level, you should have it checked at least once every year. Even if your heater seems to be working fine.

• The heaters usually come with sharp metal parts. This might cause injury. Therefore, you should read the manual first before you attempt to clean the heaters. They are usually printed in the manual. Reading them before hand can save you from nasty cuts.

Accidents happen because of carelessness. Patio heaters give out heat because its what they function to do. Extreme caution and care must be practiced when you handle things such as an electric patio heater. Fire and getting hurt unnecessarily can be avoided when you follow these simple steps.

• Never let children play with electric heaters as they are not toys.

• Gasoline, liquefied petroleum gas, paint thinner, and kerosene are flammable so keep them away from your electric heaters.

• If you expect your heater to be left unsupervised for a long period of time, make sure that you turned off. Advising someone to check on it every now and then is unnecessary as most electric heaters instantly heat your patio the second that they are allowed to operate.

• Unless you bought a waterproof unit, chances are you will need to cover your heater during scheduled sprinkling and whenever it rains. The best thing to do is make sure that you purchase a unit which is marked waterproof and windproof to save yourself from the unnecessary trouble.

Taking care of your outdoor heating will give you its benefits after some time. You can therefore enjoy your electric patio heaters for a long time and be able to enjoy every cent you spent on the heater.

Pinch Winters asked:


Last month I received a heating bill totaling over $400 to heat my lower level duplex in the city. The heating bill was $468.29 to be exact. My immediate reaction was absolute shock when I saw this heating bill charge, I wanted to scream and pull my hair out.

Christmas was just around the corner and I was going to have a hard time buying gifts for my family. I was starting to freak out.

Later on that evening I had plans to meet up with a friend, when I told her about my distress, she mentioned that I should just buy a small portable heater. I thought this was a great idea since I did not need to heat my entire space. I only need to heat the area I was using, and in this case my living room.

The next day I surfed around some places to buy a space heater online. I ended up bidding on two http://smallportableheaters.com small portable heaters on eBay. I ended up winning both of them. This is fine because I can use one

electric space heater for my bedroom and the other for the living room area where I usually do my homework and relax. Sure they are

space heaters but they are also affordable enough where I can enjoy the leisure of owning two space heaters.

My gas heating bill has gone down significantly since I purchased the two

heaters. I till keep the gas heat on but only enough so the pipes do not freeze. I do not freeze because I turn on the space heater for whichever room I occupy. I do not have both space heaters running at the same time since it’s not needed.

My portable space heater purchase is saving me a good amount of money on monthly gas heating costs because I only am heating the rooms I occupy and use in my house. I no longer need to pay to heat the entry way, the hallways, kitchen and the spare bedroom I use as storage.

Brian Jenkins asked:


A good portable heater is the perfect way of providing some extra heating power that you can produce when and where you need it. Even if your home has central heating, it’s probably that you have a draughty hallway or a little-used room that doesn’t get enough heat in the winter time. Portable heaters provide you with instant heat whenever and wherever you need it, making them the ideal solution for those cold spots that

Fan and Convection Heaters

Fan heaters work by first drawing in cold air from the surroundings, then passing that air over a heated element within the heater unit. The heated air that is produced is then passed out of the heater into the room.

These are inexpensive to buy, but are definitely not inexpensive to run: fan heaters are notoriously inefficient. While they can provide fast heat, they are also noisy and aren’t considered as environmentally friendly as other heaters due to their inefficiency.

Convection heaters are similar in the way they heat air, but are somewhat more efficient and less noisy, because they don’t use a fan to distribute air, instead operating on the principle that warm air rises. These heaters take advantage of the natural air currents produced by warm air to distribute heated air throughout a room.

Oil Heaters

Oil heaters (also known as column heaters) are generally regarded as the most efficient and cost-effective electricity-using portable heaters around (however, they are not as efficient and inexpensive to run as most gas heaters). These work by using electricity to heat oil contained within the heater. The heated oil gives off heat into the air surrounding the heater, and natural currents move the heat around the room.

The beauty of these is that they take advantage of the fact that warm air rises and produces natural air currents, even within a room where the air is reasonably undisturbed. That makes them much more efficient in terms of heating power, and cheaper in terms of electricity used, than your average fan heater.

Radiant Gas Heaters

Radiant heaters are usually powered by gas. They are highly cost-efficient, attractive, and unobtrusive. Better yet, they can provide instant close-distance heat, and can also quickly heat an entire room.

Radiant portable heaters work by dispersing heated infrared rays. The heated rays radiate from the central heater point, where they can be absorbed by any surrounding objects, including furniture, floors, and people. As these objects heat up, they release heat into the air around them, thus heating the entire room.

These heaters are particularly efficient because, like many modern heaters, they do not use fans or blowers to move air around or distribute heat. They’re quiet, too, so they can be used in a child’s bedroom or other quiet space without causing any noisy disturbances. Another advantage of radiant heaters is that they do a great job of warming temperatures at floor level: if you like having toasty warm toes, this is the heater for you.

Catalytic Gas Heaters

These are smaller in size than most other gas heaters, but still capable of producing a good amount of heat. Their small size makes them convenient to move around, and the environment benefits, too-these have a significantly reduced carbon monoxide emission due to their smaller size.

One particular advantage of catalytic heaters is that once they have been lit using the heater’s pilot light, they are entirely flame-free. This makes them perfect for use in a garage or workshop, as the lack of flame makes them a very safe option in a potentially hazardous area.

Gas or Electricity: which should you choose?

Probably the most important decision you’ll make when buying a portable heater is that of gas versus electricity. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, but each tends to be more suitable for particular locations.

Electrical heaters are usually good for smaller rooms where they can be stored unobtrusively until needed, and where they have easy access to an outlet. Their lower inefficiency makes them unsuitable for large rooms, however. The main problem with heaters that rely on electricity is that you can’t operate one without access to an outlet.

The beauty of gas heaters is that since they dispense with the need for an electrical outlet, you can take them almost anywhere in your home. They tend to be more easily portable, since there’s no need to worry about bundling up power cords and locating the best-situated outlet in a room. With gas heaters, as long as you have gas in the tank, you’ve got instant, portable heat anywhere you need it. However, due to the emissions gas heaters produce, they’re not suitable for small rooms.