Space heaters may be a good source of extra heat in the winter. They can, however, pose significant fire and electric shock dangers if not used properly.
The most straightforward way to avoid fires is to use them sparingly, using safety-oriented heaters, and by adhering to safe use guidelines. Also, try not to leave your space heaters unattended as much as possible.
FAQs and Important Things to Consider
Are vent-free propane heaters safe?
Relatively, ventless propane heaters are safe. Carbon dioxide and water are produced when fuel (natural or propane gas) is burned perfectly. Vent-free heaters that have been properly built and maintained come into the category of almost flawless, total combustion. These combustion products are deemed natural and non-toxic as long as there is enough ventilation in the area. Every day, we come into contact with these components to some extent.
Furthermore, all ventless heaters have been required to contain an “oxygen depletion sensor” (ODS) since 1980, which indicates the presence of oxygen in the room. If the oxygen level falls below a predetermined threshold, the ODS turns off the heating.
If you follow all safety guidelines, you should have no problems.
Can you use a ventless propane heater indoors?
Propane heaters come in two varieties: indoor and outdoor. Indoor versions are made to be suitable to use inside. If you opt for an indoor model, you can expect a cozy and secure environment. Anything other than that, you’ll need to keep your gas heater outside or in a garage with lots of air and a carbon monoxide detector.
If you use outdoor propane heaters in the house and don’t ensure proper ventilation, you can get carbon monoxide poisoning.
Double-check what type of propane heater you are getting. As long as it is designed for indoor use, you are safe.
How can a propane heater be ventless?
Ventless gas heaters are room-heating furnaces with no venting to the outside. Rather, the oxygen required to fuel the burning process for heat is drawn from the air inside the room where the unit is installed, and the heat produced is expelled straight from the device.
Ventless heaters are significantly more efficient than standard heating systems since there is no exterior air exchange. Exterior air exchange is why most typical heaters lose the bulk of their heat.
Ventless heaters, on average, have a 99.9% efficiency rating.
Do ventless propane heaters smell?
Sometimes, your ventless propane heater can emit smells that are unfamiliar. The gas is turned on when you switch on the heater, and it is lit by the pilot light or electrical ignition. The odor is caused by a little quantity of gas that enters the heater before ignition. The stink usually goes away within a few minutes. When using liquid propane as a fuel source, the stench will be stronger than when using natural gas.
If you use propane, contact the manufacturer and express your dissatisfaction; they may be able to assist you. Strange odors could also be caused by paint, varnish, or stain fumes, as well as carpet cleaners or other home cleaners.
How to install a ventless propane heater
You won’t have to worry about installation if you purchase a portable propane heater for camping or workshops. However, if you’re thinking about getting a propane heater installed on the wall in your home, here’s how to go about it.
- Choose a location to hang your heater. Ideally on an exterior wall of your home to guarantee that the propane tank is outside. Carefully remove the heater from the box and double-check that all of the components are present. Determine the height at which you want your heater to hang and make a note of it.
- Half of your work is done after you’ve picked the optimum location for your heater. Installation of a ventless wall-mounted heater is simple; simply attach the mounting brackets to the wall and slide the heater into place.
Bluegrass Living B28TPIR-BB Propane Vent Free Infrared Gas Space Heater with Blower and Base Feet
Best Efficient Vent-free Propane Space Heater
Star Rating: 4.5
The Bluegrass Living ventless infrared radiant gas wall space heater runs on liquid propane gas and provides 28,000 BTU of dependable secondary heat for spaces of up to 1,450 square feet. This space heater is ideal not just for removing the coldness from a room but also for keeping your space warm on even the coldest days in winter.
It’s simple to start thanks to the push-button ignition, and the oxygen depletion sensor has an automatic shut-off feature to keep your house safe.
Pros
- Thermostat control allows you to regulate the temperature to your preferred degree of comfort.
- Cost-effective: 99.9% efficient.
- There’s no need for electricity.
- The ignition is controlled by a push-button.
- O.D.S. (Oxygen Depletion Sensor) incorporated with automated shut-off for further safety.
- A mounting bracket for the wall is provided.
Cons
- The warranty is not great.
- You might require professional installation.
GASLAND MHA18B Propane Heater
Best Quiet Vent-free Propane Heater
, 18,000 BTU Warm Area up to 450 sq. ft, Portable LP Gas Heater for Garages, Workshops and Construction Sites, Ultra Quiet Propane Radiant heater with LP Regulator Hose
Star Rating: 4.6
There is no need for power with the Gasland Portable Cabinet Heater. You’ll have plenty of heat with just a 20-pound liquid propane cylinder. When a hurricane strikes, don’t be concerned about losing electricity. The major benefit is that it helps you save money on power costs and eliminates the risk of tripping over electric cables.
For added safety, this propane radiant heater has a tip-over and low oxygen shut-off feature. This heater may be easier to knock over because it is portable. But no worries, if the heater is accidentally pushed over or the oxygen level in the room becomes too low, the heater will turn off automatically.
Additionally, the incredibly quiet propane radiant heater creates a peaceful setting for reading, working, or having a good time with friends. It can be used in building sites, patios, factories, sporting events, utilities and outbuildings, and farming operations.
Pros
- It has 3 heating modes: 6000/12000/18000 BTU
- The heater can warm areas up to 450 square feet
- It is portable, therefore easy to move from location to location
- Comes equipped with tip-over shut-off protection
- It features low oxygen shut-off protection
- It is quiet
Cons
- It’s not very durable
Dyna-Glo 20,000 BTU Liquid Propane Blue Flame Vent Free Wall Heater
Best Blue Flame Vent-free Propane Heater
Star Rating: 4.6
For safe, indoor supplemental heating, Dyna-Glo wall heaters are the best option. This cutting-edge vent-free technology eliminates the need for a chimney. These heaters are ideal for use at home, at a campsite, or in the garage.
Also, Dyna-Glo wall heaters are a fantastic alternative for everyday heating and emergency circumstances when the power goes out since they do not require electricity to work. Heat is supplied similarly to your central home heating system using blue flame heating technology. This blue flame wall heater runs on propane only and has a 99.9% efficiency rating.
It’s perfect for everyday backup or emergency use, such as in the event of a power outage. It also has an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS) built-in, which turns down the heater instantly if carbon monoxide or a shortage of oxygen is detected.
Pros
- Reduce heating costs by only heating areas that are occupied.
- Manually change the temperature setting to the warmth you like.
- Ignition is quick and easy with only one continuous press of the battery assisted igniter.
- All essential hardware and a bracket for wall installation are included.
Cons
- It does not have a thermostat
- It is not available in California or Canada
Mr. Heater Corporation F299720 Vent-Free 20,000 BTU Blue Flame Propane Heater
Best Vent-free Propane Heater with Thermostat
Star Rating: 4.5
Mr. Heater offers two types of propane heaters: blue flame (or convection heat) and infrared (or radiant heat). The way various forms of heat warm is what distinguishes them. This model’s blue flame heater heats the air. It does not emit heat in the same way as an infrared unit does.
Because heat rises and heats the area from the ceiling down, it may be placed in a small space. Infrared heats things, which heat the air, whereas blue flame heats the air.
This Mr. Heater ventless propane heater does not require any external power and is ideal for power outages or applications that do not require electricity. It may be placed on the wall or on the floor using the included bracket and feet.
This heater will be put to its best use in rooms that don’t warm up properly, allowing you to alter the temperature without affecting the rest of the house.
The 20,000 BTU Liquid Propane heater can heat up to 700 square feet and will shut off if low oxygen is detected.
Pros
- Has an electronic ignition system
- Legs and wall mount hardware are included.
- Contains a thermostat
Cons
- California and Canada have not authorized this model for sale.
Rinnai FC824P Vent-Free Propane Gas Heater
Overall Best Ventless Propane Heater
Star Rating: 4.6
When it comes to propane-powered HVAC systems, Rinnai is regarded as one of the most trustworthy companies. Their FC824P ventless heater claims to heat up to 1,000 square feet of space, and user testimonials indicate that it lives up to that claim. The Rinnai FC824P can swiftly heat a room ranging in size from 1,000 to 1,500 square feet because of its greater heat output.
But it’s the increased safety measures that set this Rinnai space heater apart from the competition. It has a tilt switch that cuts off the propane gas supply quickly and automatically if the heater is unplugged or falls over. This vent-free heater is one of the best propane heaters on the market, with a 99 percent efficiency rating.
Digital adaptive control, a programmable thermostat display, and self-diagnostics are all included in this energy-efficient space heater for easy smart heater maintenance. It also has a flame failure device, an overheat switch, and an oxygen depletion sensor.
This versatile, vent-free fan convector is the ideal choice for heating difficult-to-heat rooms and areas.
Pros
- It runs quietly
- It is very safe to use, even around children
- It is portable
- Everything you need to mount it is included with your purchase
Cons
- The price of the heater is on the high side
- You will need professional help to install it
Mr. Heater F274800 MH18B, Portable Propane Heater
Best Portable Vent-free Propane Heater
Star Rating: 4.6
This heater may be the last gas heater you’ll ever use, want, or desire. It will quickly heat up any room in which it is installed. For example, on high, with the fan on, this Mr. Heater model would heat a 33-foot RV with outside temperatures far below 15 degrees to inside temperatures of about 70 degrees in about 20 minutes.
It may also be used anywhere you choose because it’s propane and battery-powered.
All of this is to say that if you plan on using it for an extended period of time, you should have spare propane tanks on hand. Running it at full power for 3 hours will deplete the two propane tanks. Running it on medium, or the middle setting will last about 6 hours, while running it on low, or the first setting, will last around 10-11 hours.
I highly recommend purchasing Mr. Heater 6 Volt Power Adapter in addition, especially if you plan on using it for an extended amount of time because the fan might drain the batteries over time.
Pros
- It has three different settings: low (4,000 BTU), medium (9,000 BTU), and high (18,000 BTU).
- It has a heavy-duty safety wire guard.
- It contains two ceramic burner tiles that are shock-absorbing.
- It has the potential to last up to 11 hours.
Cons
- It’s not suitable for serious camping.
- It’s made cheaply
ProCom ML3PHG Heating Propane Gas Ventless Infrared Plaque Heater
Best Infrared Ventless Propane Heater
Star Rating: 4.3
ProCom Heating’s infrared space heaters have a new thinner cabinet design and the most recent advancement in vent-free infrared burner design. This new development allows for more heat to be produced per ceramic plaque. There is no need for electricity, making it ideal for power outages and installation.
This product features a simple manual control with three settings: high, medium, and low. Its manual control lets you adjust it for a higher heat flow, which can help to create a warm environment in your room. The heater’s Infrared Flame Technology produces heat that is similar to the radiant heat of the sun, making it a comfortable and inexpensive heating source.
The heater also comes with a bracket for installing it on the wall. The mounting bracket may be connected to the rear of the heater to allow it to be hung on the wall for improved circulation. For added safety, this device has an O.D.S. (Oxygen Depletion Sensor) with automatic shut-off.
Pros
- Only Propane Gas is used in this 28,000 BTU unit.
- Up to 1,450 square feet of space can be heated
- Cost-effective: 99.9% efficient.
- There is no need for electricity.
- Piezo ignition with a push-button
- O.D.S. (Oxygen Depletion Sensor) incorporated with automated shut-off for further safety.
Cons
- The customer service is poor.
Campy Gear 2 in 1 Portable Propane Heater & Stove
Best Dual-use Ventless Propane Heater
Outdoor Camping Gas Stove Camp Garage Tent Heater for Ice Fishing Backpacking Hiking Hunting Survival Emergency (Orange, CG-2000G)
Star Rating: 4.4
The majority of camping equipment is either huge and cumbersome or inexpensive and unreliable. Camp Gear has created a range of camping gear with dual functions and portable designs that are ready to go on your next adventure.
This model has a high-efficiency, durable burner that produces 9000 BTU, can boil water, and quickly cooks the meat. Its rugged pot stand has an anti-slip grip and is suitable for a variety of cookware sizes.
The stove’s detachable dual-function handle may be used to transport it as well as adjust the vent for quick mode changes. For convenient cooking and heating, you can easily install the heating hood or fuel canister within the antirust steel body.
A two-in-one heater and stove from Campy Gear will keep you fuelled and toasty during camping and other outdoor activities. The small heater will keep you and your family warm throughout chilly winter days and nights, with a maximum output of up to 9,000 BTU and a unique 360° radiant heating design.
Pros
- With only a press of a button, you can cook meals during the day and keep warm at night.
- The Campy Gear 2-in-1 Heater & Stove accepts 110g and 230g butane/isobutane/propane fuel canisters.
- Includes a one-year guarantee.
Cons
- It is not durable
Conclusion
Ventless propane heaters produce clean heat and rapidly warm up any area, large or small. Even if you live in a distant location where power is epileptic, they are good options for both outdoor and interior heating.
We hope that this information will guide you in selecting the perfect ventless propane heater for your needs. Remember to follow safety guidelines at all times.
