Heater (piezo igniter, igniter wire, ground wire, RH plastic cover, fuel control knob, rear cover, LH plastic cover, two base support tubes, guard wire, handle tube, burner-mount screw, regulator, owner's manual, control valve, pilot ODS/ tip-switch assembly, burner orifice, burner orifice o-ring, burner plenum, burner tile clip (2), burner tile gasket, burner tile, burner reflector, regulator hold-down)
Five Tips for Buying a Heater
Choosing a space heater is a matter of sifting through a bewildering array of types, power ratings, and fuel sources. Let's break it down a little to make the process easier.
What are the different types of space heaters?
- Radiant heaters emit infrared radiation that directly warms the objects in front of the heaters (rather than the surrounding air). If you only need heat by a desk or in a small section of a room, a radiant heater is quiet and will use very little power.
- Forced-air heaters use a fan to blow air that has been warmed by metal or ceramic heating elements. A forced-air heater is appropriate for quickly heating up a small- to medium-sized room, but can be noisy.
- Convection heaters draw cold air from the floor; the air is warmed by heating coils and emitted from the top of the heater. A convection heater is appropriate for quickly heating up a small- to medium-sized room, but also can be noisy.
- Radiators work by heating oil enclosed in a reservoir, gradually heating the surrounding air. If heating speed isn't an issue, you might want to opt for a radiator. These are extremely quiet and effective--perfect for bedrooms.
If you want a heater that will be available in emergencies, or that can heat areas larger than a single room, choose a "combustion" model--one that is powered by a gas or fuel like propane, kerosene, natural gas, or diesel. Which fuel type you choose depends largely on convenience and local availability. For example, diesel would be appropriate for a heater you take with you on long car trips.
How powerful a heater do I need?
Heaters are rated by BTU, which stands for British Thermal Unit (the amount of heat needed to heat one pound of water by 1 degree F). To find out how many BTU you need:
- Calculate the volume of the space to be heated by multiplying square footage by height.
- Multiply that number by 4 if your insulation is poor, 3 if it's average, or 2 if it's good.
As a general rule, electric space heaters are more expensive to use than combustion models. To ensure energy efficiency, a thermostat is a must-have feature for any heater. For radiant heaters, models with a 360 degree heating surface can heat larger spaces. If you need a forced-air heater, models with ceramic elements tend to be more efficient.
Are space heaters a fire hazard?
Space heaters are implicated in about 25,000 residential fires every year. To ensure proper safety, always follow the manufacturer's usage instructions and fill out the warranty card to receive informational updates from the manufacturer. Also, look for extra safety features such as an automatic shutoff switch that can shut down the unit if, for example, it gets upended. In addition, choose a model where the heating element is adequately enclosed within the unit."(Amazon Description)
Mr. Heater MRHF273400 Buddy Portable LP Gas Heater
Perfect for those chilly days in the home or at the office, this ceramic heater features easy manual controls, three settings, and an adjustable thermostat for personalized comfort. Wait for the heater to warm up before turning the thermostat knob from low to high. The second control knob allows for selecting a 1500-watt high setting (5118 BTUs), a 900-watt low setting (3070 BTUs), and a fan-only option, which produces general, no-heat air circulation. Other highlights include a self-regulating ceramic element, quiet operation, and automatic overheat protection for safety. The unit's smaller size ensures effective, consistent heating without getting in the way, while its convenient carrying handle makes it simple to transport from the floor to the table or room to room. The heater grill can be cleaned with the vacuum brush attachment of a vacuum cleaner, which will remove lint and dirt from the inside of the heater. Clean the body of the heater with a soft cloth as needed. The UL-listed ceramic heater measures 7-2/5 by 6-3/5 by 10 inches and carries a three-year warranty.(Amazon description)
