Knowledge Builders

how does a propane heater work

by Darryl Bailey Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Many propane heaters employ a so-called piezoelectric igniter. A material, often quartz crystal, which has the property of developing an electrical potential when pressure is applied is housed in a mechanism that allows a spring-loaded hammer to strike. This action generates a spark, igniting the propane.

Full Answer

How does it cost to heat a home with propane?

  • Natural Gas in an 80% furnace: $1215
  • Natural Gas in a 92% furnace: $1095
  • Oil in a 70% furnace: $2185
  • Oil in an 80% furnace: $2004
  • Propane in an 80% furnace: $3143
  • Propane in a 92% furnace: $2632
  • Electric Baseboard: $2485
  • Heat Pump with 6.65 HSPF: $1284 (includes electric backup)
  • Heat Pump with 7.5 HSPF: $1135 (includes electric backup)

How efficient are propane heaters?

Propane heatersefficiency is usually between 70% and 80%; some are close to 100%. In short, ...

What to know when buying a home with propane heat?

  • Cost. Heating with propane can be cheaper than heating with electric. ...
  • Warm heat. An electric heat pump is designed to heat below body temperature. ...
  • Dependable. While you will always have access to your propane supply, a propane furnace will not produce heat without electricity. ...
  • Longevity. On average, propane heaters can last for 15 to 20 years.

What are the advantages of propane for home heating?

The Advantages of Propane for Your Home. Propane is one of the most commonly used fuels for heating and appliances because it’s clean, cost-efficient, environmentally friendly, and incredibly versatile. Propane is also one of the safest fuels you can use to heat your home, cook meals, and provide warm water for baths and showers.

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Introduction

A number of features are incorporated into a propane heater that direct the flame into a more efficient pattern for heating purposes and make the heater more convenient to use.

Fuel

Propane is a clean-burning and efficient heating fuel. It is normally a gas but is compressed into a liquid for use in heaters and grills. Commercial propane is a designation based on grades, and the fuel we call propane includes other compounds, like propylene and butane.

Igniter

Many propane heaters employ a so-called piezoelectric igniter. A material, often quartz crystal, that has the property of developing an electrical potential when pressure is applied is housed in a mechanism that allows a spring-loaded hammer to strike. This action generates a spark, igniting the propane.

Element

Propane heaters feature some sort of an element, often porcelain, that spreads the flame out in a pattern and helps to distribute the fuel’s heat.

Pilot

A pilot light is a small flame that uses very little fuel and is designed to burn more or less continuously. Its purpose is to be ready to light the main burner relatively quickly rather than having to light the heater from scratch with the igniter each time.

Control

Some means of regulating temperature is a desirable feature in a heater. An automatic thermostat is a standard way of achieving this and some of the more sophisticated heaters may have a thermostat while others may simply have a manual flame control of high and low with a range in between.

Safety

Burning propane—or other combustible materials for that matter—in small enclosed spaces can present a carbon monoxide hazard. Carbon monoxide is a product of incomplete combustion. It is odorless and it competes with oxygen in the blood, depriving the brain and other parts of the body of oxygen.

Pilot light

The pilot light is there to keep a small flame burning continuously, and it uses almost no fuel. Its purpose is to light your main burner fast instead of having to light your propane heater from scratch every time. Push down on the control knob.

The Spark

The spark is brought about by using a specific material, usually a quartz crystal. Because this quartz crystal carries the properties to develop electrical potential if pressure is applied; it is held in a device that will allow a spring-loaded hammer to hit it. The action will generate a spark, and ignite the propane.

The Thermostat

The thermostat on some of the models will sense the temperature of the room. There will be times your room might exceed the temperature you have set. If that is the case, your burner will shut off. The burner will cycle back later; once the room temperature falls below the temperature, you had set and kick to ‘on’ and begin heating your room.

Control Knob

Your control knob can be placed to any comfort level you desire between (5) “HIGH” and (1) “LOW.” For the manual valves, they will remain burning at the setting you placed until you manually turn them to OFF.

Flame Pattern

Be sure to check the pattern of your flame daily when you are using your propane heater and have your heater checked at least once a year by a qualified service agent.

Why use a fueled water heater?

This is because fuel takes significantly less time to heat up water within the water tank than electric-fueled tanks do. The source of fuel is right at the tank, ensuring consistently warm water frequently. The decision is ultimately up to you. However, take into consideration that electric water heaters just take longer to heat up water than propane water heaters do.

How does a propane water heater work?

Once the propane is utilized, there is a vent at the top of the tank that acts as a release of exhaust. Any excess gas or exhaust that is created during the fuel burning process comes out through this ventilation location.

image

Introduction

  • A number of features are incorporated into a propane heater that direct the flame into a more efficient pattern for heating purposes and make the heater more convenient to use.
See more on homesteady.com

Fuel

  • Propane is a clean-burning and efficient heating fuel. It is normally a gas but is compressed into a liquid for use in heaters and grills. Commercial propane is a designation based on grades, and the fuel we call propane includes other compounds, like propylene and butane. But the majority of the overall composition is propane, a hydrocarbon with a chemical formula of three carbon atoms a…
See more on homesteady.com

Igniter

  • Many propane heaters employ a so-called piezoelectric igniter. A material, often quartz crystal, that has the property of developing an electrical potential when pressure is applied is housed in a mechanism that allows a spring-loaded hammer to strike. This action generates a spark, igniting the propane.
See more on homesteady.com

Element

  • Propane heaters feature some sort of an element, often porcelain, that spreads the flame out in a pattern and helps to distribute the fuel’s heat.
See more on homesteady.com

Pilot

  • A pilot light is a small flame that uses very little fuel and is designed to burn more or less continuously. Its purpose is to be ready to light the main burner relatively quickly rather than having to light the heater from scratch with the igniter each time.
See more on homesteady.com

Control

  • Some means of regulating temperature is a desirable feature in a heater. An automatic thermostat is a standard way of achieving this and some of the more sophisticated heaters may have a thermostat while others may simply have a manual flame control of high and low with a range in between.
See more on homesteady.com

Safety

  • Burning propane—or other combustible materials for that matter—in small enclosed spaces can present a carbon monoxide hazard. Carbon monoxide is a product of incomplete combustion. It is odorless and it competes with oxygen in the blood, depriving the brain and other parts of the body of oxygen. Some propane heaters are approved for use inside a dwelling and some are not. In ad…
See more on homesteady.com

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