Backup Heat - Indoor Propane Wall Heater

[benjamming]

I would like to install a backup heater for the house. Current HVAC is dual fuel with a 1000-gal propane tank buried in the back yard. Concern is not power outage as we have a 16kW propane generator, but rather equipment failure and long wiat for replacement parts. What are some decent options? My first inclination is a propane wall heater. Are any of these wall heaters made in the US? Are they going to be available again? Ha!
Mr. Heater 30,000 BTU Vent Free Blue Flame Propane Heater

 

[Kruse]

I actually have a heater similar to the one you have posted, just a different brand. I’m sure you know his, but it has no exterior vent, so you will be breathing the fumes. Make sure your CO detector is working properly. Also, these heaters are not legal in all municipalities.

 

[benjamming]

Yeah I particularly want one that isn't vented. I grew up with this type heater. What brand is it that you have?
It's certainly legal here as there are no issues with anything except the septic tank, no permits, etc.

 

[Snagglefoot]

I also have dual fuel, electric heat pump and propane. In my living room I have a Regancy propane fireplace that can run without power but the fan would not come on.

 

[benjamming]

I was hoping for something ventless. Regency doesn't have that. Although they look like a pretty good company. Perhaps I should also consider direct vent. Does that work well w/o power?

 

[nomas]

Why would you want unvented ? I understand you don't want to cut holes in your wall but you got to be breathing some bad stuff .

 

[benjamming]

I lived quite a few years with this type of heat source and no noticeable ill effects. Perhaps I'm missing something though...

 

[4WD]

I actually have a heater similar to the one you have posted, just a different brand. I’m sure you know his, but it has no exterior vent, so you will be breathing the fumes. Make sure your CO detector is working properly. Also, these heaters are not legal in all municipalities.

Yes, and the detectors are needed for many gas fireplaces …
We have a DynaGlo ceramic in the utility room and the shop …
(put a sheet of aluminum behind them just for grins) …

 

[Quattro Pete]

From the description of the above heater:

Not for use in bathrooms, bedrooms, or recreational vehicles.

So if not there, then where can you use it?

 

[4WD]

I lived quite a few years with this type of heat source and no noticeable ill effects. Perhaps I'm missing something though...

Mine put out so much heat that an 1/8” window gap will not phase them …
(of course we see more 40’s than 30’s or less) …

 

[benjamming]

From the description of the above heater:

So if not there, then where can you use it?

Living room/family room whatever you may call it.

 

[benjamming]

Empire BF30WLP (propane version) is made in USA and can be had for under $500 plus a optional blower is available for $100 or so. And it is in stock unlike Mr. Heater.

 

[dlundblad]

Can you add a wood stove? We typically run it on the weekends or whenever it’s below 20*F or so. Used only 250 gallons of propane last winter.

 

[Snagglefoot]

From the description of the above heater:

So if not there, then where can you use it?

Not in the bathroom due to propellants in shaving cream etc and not in the bedroom due to Archie Bunker’s “gastritis”.

 

[Kruse]

Yeah I particularly want one that isn't vented. I grew up with this type heater. What brand is it that you have?
It's certainly legal here as there are no issues with anything except the septic tank, no permits, etc.

I have a Pro-Com ML250HPA. I must've had it for 10+ years.

 

[benjamming]

Why would you want unvented ? I understand you don't want to cut holes in your wall but you got to be breathing some bad stuff .

They're 99.9% efficient emitting 8ppm CO over a 3-hr period which is better than a gas range.

 

[Rand]

if you have 16kw gen.. electric backup heat seems doable for Alabama.

 

[manicrodder]

They're 99.9% efficient emitting 8ppm CO over a 3-hr period which is better than a gas range.

They are catalytic.

 

[Andrew1972]

Electric baseboard is cheap and maintenance free.

 

[Fitter30]

Had two of those heaters when i bought my house. Scared the he!! out of me even with no kids. Got the wall extremely hot and in front of it. Purchased a ventless cast iron stove / fireplace instead.

https://www.usstove.com/product/1000-sq-ft-vent-free-cast-iron-liquid-propane-gas-stove-black/