Portable gas heaters have changed the way people approach heating solutions. They are compact heating devices suitable for warming both indoor and outdoor areas. That’s why people in the construction, agriculture and hospitality industries use portable propane heaters frequently for temporary heating.
They are easy to move. You can use them in your immediate vicinity or carry them to a different location. These easy-to-move and easy-to-use features are why calor gas heaters provide instant warmth in remote locations.
5 Ways to Improve Portable Gas Heater Output
- Don’t Turn On & Off the Heater Too Much
- Keep the Heating Unit Clean
- Use the Right Temperature Control System
- Add More Fans to Blow Air Around the Heater
- Use a Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive (PSA) Layer
Choose the Right Portable Gas Heater
The ladder to efficiency starts from making the right buying choice. And to make the right decision, you have to be certain of your requirements. First of all, determine your needs:
- Do you need a heater for indoors or outdoors?
- What are your airflow requirements?
- Do you wish to move it often?
Once you get answers to these questions, the next step is understanding the common features. Therefore, look out for the following features in your next portable gas heater purchase:
Heating Capacity (BTuH Output and Heating Area)
The heating capacity of a portable propane heater determines whether it will suit larger areas or small commercial spaces. For instance, if someone wishes to install one at their warehouse, they would rather choose higher BTuH ratings.
A heater with a higher BtuH output and heating area coverage will provide adequate warmth distribution. Moreover, heaters with higher heating capacity maintain consistent temperatures in larger spaces. This is important for applications where it is essential to precisely control temperature, such as manufacturing processes or climate-controlled environments.
The common heating capacities of portable gas heaters vary depending on their size and intended use. They often range from a few thousand BtuH for small, portable heaters to several hundred thousand BtuH for larger industrial units.
Common heating capacities for portable gas heaters can range from 10,000 BtuH to 300,000 BtuH or more.
The appropriate heating capacity for your application will depend on factors, such as the size of the space to be heated, the desired rate of heating and the specific environmental requirements. Here are some examples of recommended heating capacities for different applications:
- For smaller enclosed spaces, like workshops or garages, a portable gas heater with a heating capacity of 10,000 to 50,000 BtuH may provide adequate warmth.
- People involved in larger industrial environments, such as warehouses or manufacturing facilities, usually prefer heaters with higher heating capacities ranging from 100,000 to 300,000 BtuH or above. They effectively heat expansive areas.
- In outdoor settings or temporary work sites, portable gas heaters with moderate heating capacities of 50,000 to 150,000 BtuH are often used to provide warmth for workers or event attendees.
Fuel Type and Rate (Gas Type and Fuel Consumption)
The choice of gas depends on the availability of fuel sources. It has a significant impact on your operating expenses as well. Propane (LP) and natural gas (NG) are the two most commonly available options. Each has its pros and cons. Therefore, it can be confusing to determine which one to use.
Propane heaters come in handy during outdoor events, construction sites and workshops. Basically, any place that does not have direct access to natural gas pipelines can rely on portable propane heaters.
Check out Dayton propane gas heaters to heat ventilated spaces like construction and job sites.
Natural gas heaters, on the other hand, are ideal for oil refineries or places equipped with sufficient gas pipelines. In addition, if you need a portable solution to continuous heating, a natural gas heater would be a wiser option.
Check out Dayton NG portable gas heaters suitable for heating small areas.
Safety Features (Overheat Limit, Air Switch, Flame Sensor)
While having a product that plays with fire, safety becomes a concern. So, to prevent accidents and ensure safe operation, here are some common safety features to watch out for:
- Before getting a portable heater, check whether it has an overheat limit switch. This safety feature automatically shuts off the heater if it reaches a certain temperature threshold. As a result, the gas heater does not overheat and potential fire hazards are limited.
- Also, ensure that the heater unit has an air switch that detects sufficient airflow for combustion and automatically shuts off the heater if airflow is insufficient. The switch prevents the buildup of hazardous gases like carbon monoxide.
- Some units also come factory-installed with a flame sensor. The sensor detects the presence of a flame within the heater’s combustion chamber and shuts off the gas supply if the flame extinguishes unexpectedly. This feature can avoid gas leaks and potential explosions.
What Could Happen If You Ignore Safety with Portable Gas Heaters?
Without these safety features, portable gas heaters pose significant risks to both property and personnel. For instance:
- Without an overheat limit switch, heaters may continue to operate at dangerously high temperatures, leading to the risk of fire outbreaks.
- In the absence of an air switch, inadequate ventilation can lead to carbon monoxide buildup. It is a colourless and odourless gas that can cause illness or even death.
- Without a flame sensor, the heater may continue to release gas even if the flame extinguishes, leading to the risk of gas leaks and potential explosions.
Heat Wagon Portable Dual Gas Heater
- Heavy-duty Frame With Wheels and Lifting hook
- Switch to Natural Gas from Propane With Just a Valve Turn
- Comes With Flame Safeguard Control, Overheat Limit & Airflow Switch
- Produces Upto 4120 CFM Airflow & 400,000 BTuH
Power Requirements (Voltage, Hz, Plug Configuration)
While checking out portable gas heaters, the unit’s connectivity should also be considered. Evaluate whether your electrical wires can handle the power requirements of the heaters.
Portable gas heaters are designed to operate at 120 or 240V to ensure proper functionality and safety. Furthermore, in North America, the standard frequency for electrical power is 60 Hz, while in some other regions, it may be 50 Hz. The frequency of the power supply must match the heater’s specifications to ensure compatibility and proper operation.
NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) plug configurations define the shape and pin arrangement of electrical plugs and receptacles.
The plug configurations may vary based on the portable gas heater’s voltage and current ratings, ensuring compatibility and safety.
Common NEMA plug configurations for portable gas heaters include 5-15 (standard), 6-20 and L5-30, among others.
Which Size Portable Gas Heater Should You Choose?
Do you have a small working area? Or your heating needs aren’t continuous. If yes, then a smaller portable unit will make more sense. Small portable gas heaters will offer easy usage without expansive heating capacity. However, get a larger portable gas heater if you need to warm a bigger place quickly. With higher heating capacity and fuel efficiency, they are preferable for effective heating over an extended period.
Read More: Tube Heaters 101
How to Maximise Heating With Portable Gas Heaters?
Portable gas heaters are a great way to keep your workplace and workers warm during the colder months. But it is important to use them safely and effectively. So, here are five tips to help you improve heating and reduce energy waste with portable gas heaters without compromising safety:
1. Don’t Turn On & Off the Heater Too Much
Prevent excessive cycling. This way, you can save the resistance wires from getting damaged. When you systematically use the portable gas heater, the resistance wires are spared from rapid expansion and contraction. As a result, you avoid premature wear and potential damage.
2. Keep the Heating Unit Clean
Dirt reduces the airflow. These deposits act as insulators. They create a barrier between the heating element and the surrounding medium. Unfortunately, scale, coking and sludge accumulation can impact heat transfer efficiency. Therefore, keep your heating unit clean to maintain the airflow.
3. Use the Right Temperature Control System
Use a temperature controller unit that keeps the heater at the right temperature. It saves energy and makes the heater work better. When you use a control system, your heater operates at its peak efficient level while avoiding waste.
4. Add More Fans to Blow Air Around the Heater
Boosting airflow improves heat dissipation. When you provide a heat exchange with the surrounding environment, the need for frequent cycling to prevent overheating reduces.
5. Use a Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive (PSA) Layer
The PSA layer creates intimate contact between the heater and the surface to which it is applied. As a result, thermal resistance reduces and heat transfer efficiency improves. Additionally, the flexibility of the portable gas heaters allows them to conform to irregular surfaces. And you get a uniform distribution of heat, eliminating hot spots.
Check Out Various Adhesive Sealants and Tapes
Now that you know how to boost a portable gas heater’s output, get one for your workshop today. Raptor Supplies has over 2 million products, including Dayton portable gas tank-top heaters. We’re a worldwide supplier, serving customers in the UK & Ireland, Europe, GCC / Middle East, Africa as well as Asia. Reach out to us today! Contact us now! Also, see what our valued customers say about our service on our dedicated review page!
