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A propane heater is one of the best heaters you should consider installing in your home during winter. However, you can also have a propane heater in your garage to keep it warm if you’re not for insulating it. These heaters are cheaper than the electric garage heaters and easy to install. But does a propane garage heater need to be vented?
Yes. You need to vent your garage propane heater for it to work effectively. Remember, this heater requires oxygen to run. So, if you don’t vent it, you’ll have to share oxygen with it, which can be challenging. Additionally, a non-vented propane heater will produce more carbon monoxide into the space where you are. And as you know, this is a dangerous gas which can harm you.
Read on and understand more about this in this informative article. We’ll show you how to vent a propane garage heater and safety measures when using it in a closed garage.
Should You Vent a Propane Garage Heater?
Yes. You should vent a propane garage heater to enable you to work in there with fewer challenges. Remember to bring in a heater in this space it means you regularly use it for various projects. But if you don’t vent it, you’ll have to share oxygen with the heater as propane uses this gas to burn. In this case, you’ll struggle to get enough oxygen to enable you to stay in the garage.
The heater will also release carbon monoxide into the air. Your body oxygen level will reduce when you inhale air with a high carbon monoxide concentration. This will affect your organs like the heart or brain, which need this gas to function well.
You’ll also be dizzy, confused, or become unconscious when working in the garage with a non-vented propane heater. In worst scenarios, carbon monoxide can lead to your death. For this reason, you need to vent the garage to boost the oxygen supply. Ventilation will also help disperse carbon monoxide from the garage, allowing you to stay in there without fear.
Read Also: A Step-To-Step Guide on How to Insulate Garage Ceiling That Is Finished
Understanding How Propane Heaters Work
It’s in order to understand how a propane heater works to know why you need to ventilate it. First, you need to know that a propane heater uses propane gas to burn. It also uses propylene and butane, which are all dangerous compounds.
You need to ignite the heater through a piezoelectric igniter. The igniter strikes a spring-loaded hammer to spark and bring forth flame. The heater also requires the element to enable it to produce enough heat in the room. The propane heater uses porcelain in heat distribution.
As it works, it produces carbon monoxide, which can be poisonous, especially when using it in a closed area. It also consumes oxygen to burn the propane as it produces heat. The propane can also leak on the floor when not carefully handled and lead to fire or explosion.
So, you need to be cautious for your safety sake. You, in this case, have to vent the propane heater. But if there’s any leakage, stop using the heater and open all the doors for the gas to escape. However, some propane heaters are safe for use indoors.
Is It Possible to Run a Propane Heater in A Closed Garage?
It’s advisable not to use a propane heater in a closed garage. This is because there’s no ventilation in such space that allows for free airflow. Remember propane heater uses oxygen and releases carbon monoxide into the air.
Less oxygen supply in the garage means you’ll suffer while in there. On the other hand, carbon monoxide full in the air will endanger your life and make you have complications. So, you need to use a vented propane heater in the garage. But if you must use a propane heater in a closed garage, ensure you attend to it well.
However, you can use the mountable propane heater. This type of heater allows you to stay safe while in the garage because its tank is placed outside. But if you opt to mount this type of propane heater in a closed garage, be ready to dig deeper into your pockets as they’re expensive.
Can You Use Indoor Propane Heater in A Closed Garage?
Yes. When you use this type of propane gas heater in a closed garage, you’ll not experience major challenges. The portable device has a carbon monoxide detector, making it safe to use indoors. But you need to look for better ways to increase oxygen supply in the garage as propane uses oxygen as it burns. Ventilate the room to prevent running low on oxygen.
How To Vent a Propane Garage Heater?
You should learn how to vent a propane heater to be safe when using it in the garage. The indoor propane heaters have to overheat protection, auto-shutoff features, and a low oxygen sensor. Venting makes the propane heater a bit safer to use.
But it’s wise to place the heater near a window and put it on a flat surface away from flammable objects. Then put in facing where you’ll mostly sit to benefit from the heat. Also, open the door to allow more oxygen to get in the garage.
How Much Ventilation Is Enough for A Propane Garage Heater?
As you plan to ventilate the propane garage heater to use it without running out of oxygen, you’ve got to the extent to which you should do this. Knowing how much ventilation is required for this space will help prevent the effects of low oxygen, like feeling clumsy or suffering from a high heart rate.
Enough ventilation for the propane garage heater should meet the demands of the room. This means the size of the garage dictates how much ventilation is required in the room. With this, you’ll be able to get enough airflow and exit carbon monoxide.
But don’t forget the amount of heat supply needed will also affect the ventilation. The more heat produced by the propane heater, the more ventilation is required as it will consume oxygen in the process.
Apart from that, you need to mind your safety while in the garage. In relation to this, you’ll have to bring in carbon monoxide detectors and regularly inspect how the propane heater is working.
If you see a yellow flame on the burner that shows there’s a problem, the heater will produce more carbon monoxide. You also need to open a window or door to allow enough air in the garage while the heater heats the space.
If you don’t detect this on time, you might suffer from the effects of inhaling carbon monoxide. So, you need to look at the user manual to guide you through this keenly. Alternatively, you can work with a professional to help vent your propane heater in the garage.
At The End
Venting a garage with a propane heater is a necessary precautionary measure for those who like staying in this space. A vented propane garage heater will ensure you get enough oxygen supply as you work in this room. It will also protect you from the adverse effects of carbon monoxide produced by the heater as it burns propane.
When venting the heater, follow the user manual to avoid messing up. Also, don’t forget to regularly check the propane heater to ensure there’s no leakage as propane is harmful when inhaled. Propane is also prone to cause fires or explode, which can cost you your valuables.
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