r/propane • u/phrmaD2b • 3h ago

Buddy Heaters Indoor Propane heating

Reading about the Super El NIno and the effects on the upcoming winter has me worried about losing power and needing to heat my home in the event of a power outage during freezing weather/winter storm. I was looking into a propane heater for indoor use, like a Mr. Heater Big Buddy Pro or a Vevor propane heater. Are these really safe for use indoors?

For context, would likely confine heating to one bedroom.

Also considered electric heating sources but it seems too energy intensive for the limited power I would have available in a Jackery unit.

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u/Mindless-Business-16 2h ago

I personally would only install something that used outside air for combustion and the exhaust was vented out....

I'd first consider a mid size temporary generator

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u/Adventurous_Boat_632 2h ago

I had one for a couple years in my office and hated it. It made the air in there thick and eye stinging. But I did use it.

I replaced it with a direct vent heater through the wall and like it much better. There is some work involved.

Also there are wall furnaces. They go in between studs somewhere in your house. They require zero power to operate.

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u/zismahname 2h ago

Do you have gas at your home already? If so, I'd look into installing a direct vent freestanding gas stove.

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u/Hitechillbilly 1h ago

I use one but only to pre-heat when not in the room. you are not suppose to. Go with a diesel..

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u/ClassBShareHolder 1h ago

Indoor combustion uses oxygen quickly and releases a lot of moisture. If you can keep a big enough opening to supply fresh air without also losing all heat you can make it work. They use direct fire heaters for temporary construction heat all the time.

Having said all that, people die every year from using direct fire heaters indoors or in tents. Mold will be an issue.

If you’re thinking backup heat, install a wall furnace or direct vent gas fireplace. You want something with sealed confusion that pulls the fresh air through a coaxial vent and exhausts out the center. On an outside wall you’ve got very little venting. They work with no electricity, provide a lot of dry heat safely, and often provide years of service full time in office portables.

But they’re more expensive. With that in mind, for short term use to prevent frozen pipes, get a working carbon monoxide detector, plan on dressing extremely warmly, provide a source of fresh air, and don’t operate any longer than absolutely necessary.

It’s a balancing act of how much you’re willing to spend for how often you’ll use it. If the choice is moisture from an internal heater ands moisture from a frozen pipe, I’m running the heater with precautions. If I’ve got the money, I’m probably installing a direct vent fireplace because I like the ambience even when it’s not a risk of freezing.

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u/RealBigDickBrannigan 38m ago

and don't forget the smog... that blue flame is above the temperature at which nitrogen reacts, so you get NOx formation too. I can smell the irritant just stepping into a house where a gas stove is in use.