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hvac:heating [2024/10/17 10:48]
frater_secessus [Non-ventilated Propane Heaters] |
hvac:heating [2024/11/22 19:38] (current)
frater_secessus [Non-ventilated Propane Heaters] |
| ==== Non-ventilated Propane Heaters ==== | ==== Non-ventilated Propane Heaters ==== |
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| Burning propane doesn't produce the poisonous exhaust that diesel and gasoline does, and therefor can //sort of// safely be run indoors without ventilating the exhaust products. There are a couple of things to remember about this method though: | Note: these are called //non-ventilated// heaters because there is no external exhaust for the heater. |
| * Burning propane **generates water vapor** which will increase the humidity in your vehicle. You may require additional ventilation or [[hvac:dehumidifier|dehumidification]]. | |
| * Burning propane **generates carbon dioxide.** Even clean-burning, low CO2 emission heaters **generate much more CO in low oxygen levels**. This is the reason you are supposed to ventilate. | * **Ventilation of the heated space is still required**. (ie the heater isn't vented but your living space must be) |
| | * the primary outputs of propane combustion/catalysis are **water vapor** and **CO2**. This means running an unvented propane heater will increase the humidity in your vehicle. You may require additional ventilation or [[hvac:dehumidifier|dehumidification]] unless you are in an area with very low humidity. |
| | * **if O2 levels are too low** (due to insufficient ventilation) the reaction gives off **increasingly-deadly amounts of CO**((carbon *mon*oxide)). This is the same culprit as deaths from folks running generators indoors, vehicles in the garage, etc. So we keep O2 levels normal by ventilating the space. |
| * Any forced air heater will require electrical power to run the fan. | * Any forced air heater will require electrical power to run the fan. |
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| Although Chinese Diesel Heaters are becoming more popular, traditionally [[http://amzn.to/2gRq7qB|{{ https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51Fp5yqOMpL._AC_US160_.jpg}}]] | Although Chinese Diesel Heaters are becoming more popular, traditionally [[http://amzn.to/2gRq7qB|{{ https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51Fp5yqOMpL._AC_US160_.jpg}}]] |
| the most common way to heat vehicles off-grid has been with open flame propane. The most common non-OEM propane heater for RVers is the [[http://amzn.to/2gE6pB7|Mr.Heater Buddy]] series. | the most common way to heat vehicles off-grid has been with open flame propane. The most common non-OEM propane heater for RVers is the [[http://amzn.to/2gE6pB7|Mr.Heater Buddy]] series. They use direct flame to heat a ceramic matrix like the old gas heater at your grandparent's house. |
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| * [[http://amzn.to/2pPW7C1|Little Buddy]] - 3800btu.((1113w equivalent)) A small round unit that mounts directly to a 1# propane bottle. It's rather tall -- compare the size of the 1# propane bottle it sits on. | * [[http://amzn.to/2pPW7C1|Little Buddy]] - 3800btu.((1113w equivalent)) A small round unit that mounts directly to a 1# propane bottle. It's rather tall -- compare the size of the 1# propane bottle it sits on. |
| * [[http://amzn.to/2qdlzCO|Buddy]] - 4000btu((1172w equivalent)), 9000btu((2677w equivalent)). This is the most common Buddy heater. Sometimes called Portable Buddy by the manufacturer.((http://amzn.to/2pnEXZS)) | * [[http://amzn.to/2qdlzCO|Buddy]] - 4000btu((1172w equivalent)), 9000btu((2677w equivalent)). This is the most common Buddy heater. Sometimes called Portable Buddy by the manufacturer.((http://amzn.to/2pnEXZS)) |
| * [[http://amzn.to/2p9A6zk|Big Buddy]] - 400btu, 9000btu, 18,000btu. Oversized for most camper applications. | * [[http://amzn.to/2p9A6zk|Big Buddy]] - 4000btu, 9000btu, 18,000btu. Oversized for most camper applications. |
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| Tip: you can turn the Buddy down //below// the LOW setting by depressing the gas knob like you are turning it off, then //slowly// easing the setting back to the desired level. The flames will "flutter" a bit if set too low -- increase slightly from that point. Check your CO detector to make sure your CO output isn't increased. | Tip: you can turn the Buddy down //below// the LOW setting by depressing the gas knob like you are turning it off, then //slowly// easing the setting back to the desired level. The flames will "flutter" a bit if set too low -- increase slightly from that point. Check your CO detector to make sure your CO output isn't increased. |
