Propane Heater
Categories Of Wall Mounted Propane Heaters
Two Types: Vented and Ventless Wall Mounted Propane Heaters
One thing that buyers are expected to look at while looking for the ideal wall mounted propane heater is if you want the radiator that can work without the use of a vent called a ventless or vent free propane heater or the one that would vent to the outside of your house called the vented problem heater.
Usually, wall mounted propane heaters are vented, and when a heater is vented, it means that it releases gases to the outside of the house. It is being used through a pipe that leads outside.
When installing the heater, the vent pipe would be connected from the heater to the room and then lead outside through the wall where you mount the heater.
The purpose of this vent pipe system is to stop any poisonous or harmful gases that the heater might heater from entering your house. Since they are taken outside, vented heaters are usually safe.
One shortcoming of this system is that during this process, the heat emitted by the heater would get lost because of ventilation, and it would not be able to retain the heat.
Since this makes the heater it less efficient, you would spend more money on buying fuel because it would take longer to warm up the room, and it would not be friendly to the environment because more gases would be vented outside.
The installation also takes longer and is much harder than the ventless propane heater.
If you do not have a hole in your wall to put the vent pipe in, then you would have more work to do.
This installation usually needs a professional technician just in case, and hiring one would add more to the costs.
When it comes to ventless or vent free propane heaters, they are straightforward to install, and they provide efficiency because they do not lose heat and do not have to spend a long time warming up your room.
The downside to this type of wall-mounted propane heater is that since there is no pipe to take harmful gases outside, the gases would also be emitted in the room where the heater is.
But if the heater had a high burn efficiency or burns gases cleanly, the harmful gases would be reduced drastically.
Installation Process
You are not advised to install a vented wall mounted propane heater by yourself, and you should contact a professional technician. But for a vent free propane heater, here are the steps to take when installing your heater.
Firstly, you have to pick a spot on the wall where you want your heater to be mounted on.
You are advised to mount your propane heater on an outside wall because you would have to put the propane tank outside the house.
When you have found the perfect spot, take the heater out of the packaging carefully, and ensure that the heater has all the parts that are stated in the manufacturer’s guide.
When you take the heater out, throw away the packaging box and any flammable thing that came with the heater.
You can just keep the manual away. Then pick the height you want your heater to be at and get your drill.
You would use your drill to make holes that would be ideal for the screws that came with the heater.
Make sure they are not too big because that can make the heater lose. Take the hardware provides by the manufacturer and place it on the wall, holding it to place according to the holes you drilled.
Put screws into the holes and secure the hardware.
Pick up your heater carefully and place it on the brackets that you have mounted.
Look at it and make sure that you have decided how and where it would hang on the brackets.
Also, pick a spot to make the hole for the propane hose that would lead outside to the propane tank. Take the heater down carefully.
Make the hole for your propane hose the secure your propane heater to the brackets.
Input the propane hose into the hole and make it go outside to where you would put the propane tank.
Go outside and put your propane tank near the other side of the hose. Connect the hose to the propane tank’s hose securely.
You may need an adapter for efficiency. Do not turn the tank on until everything has been adequately secured.
Then, turn the tank on and go back inside. Turn the heater on according to the instructions given by the manufacturer.
Test your heater and ensure that nothing unusual is going on.
If you think that you cannot do this, you can easily hire a professional. It would not be as expensive as installing a vented wall mounted propane heater.
Benefits Of Using Propane As A Source Of Fuel
Wall-mounted propane heaters work with propane or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and here are some benefits that this provides overusing electricity for heating or even using natural gas.
One thing is that propane is safe for the environment. According to the 1990 Clean Air Act and the Energy Policy Act of 1992, propane is a clean fuel.
When you use propane, you do not affect soil or water adversely. It is a clean-burning fuel, unlike other types of fossil fuels.
Propane also contains low carbon, and so it does not emit a lot of carbon monoxide or dioxide.
By using a wall-mounted propane heater, you get a safe home, and you use something that is friendly to the environment.
Propane is also a great alternative to natural gas; in spite of its clean-burning feature, it emits very high energy, which allows it to work efficiently when heating up a room.
The gas does not have an odor, so you do not have to worry about a nasty smell, it is also cloudless, and when it is used, it turns into gas immediately, but this gas is not even harmful.
The only smell that propane can emit is the one that would help you know when there is a leak or a problem with the heater.
You should call the fire department if you perceive such a smell from your wall mounted propane heater.
Propane is three times faster than electricity in heating up places and is an efficient way of warming up your home.
Propane is also very affordable, and you do not have to spend much money on powering your heater.
You also do not need electricity to power your propane heater, so there is no effect on your electricity bills.
A propane heater as compared to a heater powered by electricity can save you about thirty percent every year on your spendings on your heater.
Propane is less flammable and cannot cause a fire or accident as quickly as natural gas can do.
The tanks are usually twenty times puncture-proof than the other tanks used for different types of fuels.
This means that the risk of having is a leak is very low, and if there really is a leak, the distinct smell that propane emits, in this case, would let you know.
It is advisable to purchase a heater that has an ODS (Oxygen Depletion Sensor) just in case.
Propane is very reliable, and the reason why we always say that the heaters are ideal to be used as an emergency back up heater is that since it does not work with electricity, if the and goes out, the heater would still be working and keeping you warm and toasty.
All You have to do is ensure that the heater has propane.
Propane heaters do not consume a lot of propane to work, and so you do not even have to buy it regularly.
When you use one gallon of propane, you get 91,600 BTUs, and this can warm up a room as large as 1000 square feet three times over.
Remember that you should not fill your propane tank to the brim, make it only eighty percent full because it would expand once it gets heated up.
Another great thing is that propane is used for a lot of things in the home and so you can even connect your wall mounted propane heater to your main propane gas in the house.
Propane is also very easy to get, unlike other forms of fossil fuels. People have more access to propane than they have to natural gas.
What To Consider Before Purchasing A Wall Mounted Propane Heater
Purchasing your wall mounted propane heater is not a chance to make at once, because you have to ensure that you get the heater that is great for you.
Here are some things you should consider when you want to pick your wall mounted propane heater.
Firstly, you have to ensure that your heater is able to warm up the room that you want to install it.
As efficient as propane heaters are, if the heat it emits is not enough for the room you install it in, it will end up being a waste of time and money.
As we stated in the list of best heaters above, you have to look at the BTUs emitted by the heater.
BTU is an abbreviation in got British Thermal Unit, and this is what is used to measure the heat emitted by propane heaters.
The rule is that you need 40 BTUs for one square foot, so if your room is as large as 100 square feet, you would need a heater that emits 4000 BTUs.
You also have to figure out where you want to mount the heater, and this depends on the type of heater you want to purchase.
If you have a vent pipe in your living room or bedroom, then you can just get a vented wall mounted propane heater.
But if you do not have an external wall in the room that you want to install it in, you would have to get a ventless propane heater.
If you want to use the heater outside, purchase an outdoor propane heater, and do not use it inside for any reason.
If you are getting a vented wall mounted propane heater, your location choice is limited because it has to be an external wall so you can run the pipe outside.
But no matter the heater you are getting, it is much safer to set the propane tank outside and mount the heater close to the container so that it would be easy to connect.
So even if you are getting a ventless propane heater, you should consider placing it on an external wall so it would be close to the tank.
You should also place your heater low but not too low that it would touch the floor.
This is because heat rises from these heaters, and if you place them high up, your heater would just be heating up your ceiling. When you put it low, it rises up and heats the whole room.
You also have to consider the ignition method of the heater.
Some of these heaters make use of an automatic ignition such as the Piezo Ignition system, and this turns the flame on immediately the heater is on.
This is actually very efficient and convenient because it is easy to use. The other type of ignition is the manual kind using matches.
This is less convenient, but you should purchase a heater that has both, if possible.
This is because those with automatic ignition can wear out, and if it does not have the manual ignition option, you would not be able to turn it on.
Your budget is also significant, but when fixing your budget, remember that the cheaper wall mounted propane heaters are usually less convenient, efficient and they typically do not have the necessary safety features.
So look for the heater that has the necessary features, and that is affordable and within your budget. When doing this, remember that you would still have to buy propane.
Safety is paramount when purchasing and using your wall mounted propane heater, and you should not sacrifice the safety features for any reason, especially if you have children or pets.
The first safety feature you should look out for is the Oxygen Depletion Sensor because no matter how little, the propane heater would still emit carbon dioxide.
In the case where the Oxygen levels in the room go below the safe levels, or the combustion level of the heater reduces, the heater would emit carbon monoxide, which is colorless and odorless, so you would not be able to detect it. This is a poisonous gas that can affect your health adversely.
The Oxygen Depletion Sensor would turn the heater off in the case where the oxygen levels become too low or if the combustion level is low. This protects you from inhaling poisonous gases.
You should also consider propane heaters that feature overheat protection. If the heater becomes too hot and can pose a risk or starting a fire, the inbuilt overheat protection would turn the heater off.
It can also do this when the heater reaches the set temperature like some of the heaters mentioned on the list above.
Look out for the wall-mounted propane heaters that have a safety guard or cold to the touch exterior compartment so that you do not hurt yourself when you touch the heater.
This also adds to the safety levels of the heater. When the heater has a cool to the touch compartment, it will stay calm even when it’s on and working to its fullest capacity.
Lastly, make sure that the wall-mounted propane heater that you want to purchase is listed by a safety certification lab.
For wall mounted propane heaters, it is s usually CSA who certifies those with high quality to be ideal for use at home.
If you need convenience, you should also lookout for some smart features such as the adjustable thermostat and multiple heat settings.
These features allow you to regulate the temperature and pick the heat setting you want according to how cold or hot you are.
Wall Mounted Propane Heaters Troubleshooting
Not all problems with your wall mounted propane heater requires a technician’s attention, as opposed to popular opinion.
Because of the daunting look of these propane heaters, users do not think they can solve some of the problems.
If your heater has a faulty pilot or a problem with the thermocouple, you can quickly solve that problem.
Typically, a heater works by sending an electrical signal to the valve of the tank when you set the temperature.
This causes the valve to open, and then propane is sent to the burner where it is ignited.
When the room temperature reaches the set temperature, the signal that is sent to the valve stops so that the heater would stop working.
When the room temperature drops again, the signal is sent, and the valve is opened.
When the valve opens, the pilot has to spark or burn regularly so it would ignite the gas.
The usual problems with a wall-mounted propane heater is a fault pilot or a clogged gas pipe.
If the gas pipe is clogged, then contact a professional technician. But here are some problems that you can solve yourself.
Remember to turn the heater off and wait for it to cool down before you try to fix a problem.
A worn-out thermocouple: This is a safety feature that stops the heater from emitting unburned gas.
It is heat-sensitive, and it is similar to the device that helps the thermostat operate.
Usually, when you ignite the heater, you light the pilot, and so the flame that the heater produces is meant to warm up the thermocouple.
When the thermocouple reaches the correct temperature, it will send a signal to the gas valve.
This signal would keep the gas valve open so that the pilot would continue to stay on.
If you notice that your pilot goes out after a short while, it would be because the thermocouple is not close to the flame.
You can solve this problem by pushing the thermocouple closet to the burner so that when it comes back on, it would be able to warm up the thermocouple.
In the case or a worn-out thermocouple, you can replace it the same way you replace a light bulb.
All you have to do is remove the bulb and unscrew the wire from the gas valve and then you would install a new one.
Ensure you buy the thermocouple from the manufacturer so that you would not get the wrong one for your heater.
A Standing Pilot: In the case where your wall mounted propane heater has a standing pilot, that would not be hard to identify because you would be able to see the pilot through the window or under the control knob for the gas.
The standing pilot would be at most one inch high and blue. In the case where it is tiny and flickering, and if it has split or burning in a different color like orange or yellow, it means that you need to clean your pilot tube.
You can easily clean it by using a need to clean the tip of the tube. Ensure you turn the heater off before doing this.
If your pilot does not remain lit after turning it on, it is usually because of the thermocouple, as we have mentioned above.
Electric Spark Problems: It is usual for you to hear a clicking sound when you turn your wall mounted propane heaters if you have a blower for spreading heat.
That sound is caused because of the electric spark mechanism in the heater, and you can see the sparks when you look into the part that holds the burner.
If you cannot see the spark, then you have a problem with the connection to the igniter.
Get the electrical diagram of the heater from. You’re manual so you can fix it.
If you can see the spark, but the burner isn’t lighted up, then check your gas tank to make sure you still have propane or if you did not turn the valve off.
If those boxes are ticked, then you would need a needle to clean up the aperture in the gas valve because it might be blocked.
Maintaining Your Wall Mounted Propane Heater
When dust accumulated in the vent of your heater or inside, it can not only block the flow of propane from the tank to the heater, but it can also prevent the outflow of air into the room.
This would cause your propane heater to work twice as hard in heating up the room because heat is not circulating, and this can also generate the propane to finish quickly.
You must cultivate the habit of cleaning your wall mounted propane heater regularly, and if you suspect that it has a problem you cannot fix, call the technician immediately.
Before cleaning out your heater, turn the heater off and wait for it to be completely relaxed.
You might have to wait for up to twenty-four hours for it to be completely cool inside and out, so make sure you are cleaning it on a warm day.
Use a vacuum or a blower to blow out as much dust particles and debris as possible from the heater.
Use the vacuum or blower also to blow out any dust that might have accumulated in the vent holes of the heater or in the grids.
You should also check the gas valve and clean the aperture of the pipe with a needle so that it would not get blocked.
Next, get a small paintbrush and use it to remove dust that might be stuck in tight areas that the vacuum or blower cannot get to.
You can also use the brush to carefully brush the flame areas of the heater and the igniter. This is why the heater should be off.
After this, you should take the screws out of the heater and remove the cover panel of the heater.
Clean the inside of it with warm water and dry it with a dry cloth. Set the cover panel down and get your vacuum again.
Use this to blow out the inside of the heater and for the dust stuck in corners, use the paintbrush.
You can also use the paintbrush to gently brush the places around the oxygen depletion sensor that is best the gas line.
Place all the necessary parts of the heater back where they were and make sure you secure the screws. Test the heater and let it run for a while.
Wall Mounted Propane Heaters and Safety
One thing that discourages people from purchasing a wall mounted propane heater is the fact that it works with propane, a form of fuel that people think to be very flammable and dangerous to the environment.
As we mentioned earlier, propane heaters are really safe to use so long as you follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Propane gas is not harmful to you or the environment, but when it combusts, it releases carbon monoxide as an organic by-product.
Because of the distinct order of propane, which is similar to rotting eggs, you can easily detect if there is a leak.
But carbon monoxide is an odorless and tasteless gas, and so there is no way for you to know when there is a leak or if it is too much.
This makes it a safety hazard. When you experience carbon monoxide poisoning, it will replace the oxygen in your blood with carbon monoxide.
This would cause the oxygen in your blood to decline, and the carbon monoxide would increase, and the victim would become unconscious.
This risk can be avoided and is uncommon, so you do not have to get scared about this happening to you. Because of the Oxygen Depletion Sensor in propane heaters, you can never experience this hazard.
From 1990 till now, only 8 cases of carbon monoxide poisoning have been recorded, and it is because the user did not make use of the heater correctly.
And so, although your heater is designed to be safe, you would still have to follow the safety guidelines when using the heater so that it would not pose a fire hazard.
Safety Guidelines
You must ensure that the room where you use the wall-mounted propane heater has adequate and proper ventilation so that the carbon monoxide emissions would not accumulate in the place.
If the room is ventilated, the carbon monoxide would go out of the room and would not cause a problem.
Carbon monoxide accumulates in a nonventilated room quickly, and this can cause serious health problems for everyone in that room.
You should keep flammable and combustible materials away from the wall-mounted propane heater and make sure that your tank has a safety shut off valve.
Flammable and combustible objects include furniture, upholstery, clothes, rugs or carpets, newspaper or magazines, alcohol, perfumes, air fresheners, oily rags and clothing, drapes, beddings, and others.
Do not place anything on top of or in front of your heater.
Your heater should be installed appropriately or secured on the wall. If your heater falls down, it can cause a fire or an explosion.
If you are not sure that you can install the heater to the wall, contact a professional technician to do that for you.
Ensure that you properly maintain your heater so that it can continue to work safely.
Always check the heater to make sure that there is no rust, corrosion, dent, or leak in the tank and the heater.
Do not use soap to clean your heater because it can cause it to corrode and spoil the heater. If you notice anything strange about your heater, call the technician.
If you smell anything weird around your heater or in the room where you are using the heater, evacuate your home and call the fire department.
Never use an outdoor propane heater in your home.
This can have a lot of adverse consequences regarding carbon monoxide poisoning.
Do not use a tank that weighs more than 100 pounds for your wall mounted propane heater. You are advised to make use of the standard 20-pound tank.
Conclusion
An ideal wall mounted propane heater must be affordable both to buy and operate, reliable and durable, very safe to use with the necessary safety features, compact-sized to safe space, have an attractive design so it would not clash with your decor at home and it must be convenient for use with smart features to make it easy for you.
Wall-mounted propane heaters are an ideal source of supplementary heat to your central heating system, and like we all want to do, they help you save money and energy.
So when you are purchasing your wall mounted propane heater, keep the points in this article in mind so that you can make an informed choice. Get your propane heater and let it keep you and your family safe, warm, and toasty.
