What is the best air forced heater? In general the air forced heaters are designed for the quick heating of the spaces where the central heating is not available or unreasonable. For instance, these devices would be highly needed at the production and construction sites or any non-residential premises, when it is too cold outside. The hot air blowers will ensure the comfortable conditions for work and maintain the desired temperature inside. They are offered with multiple features and characteristics which help to take unwanted chill out anytime and anywhere. This task will be successfully solved by the DYNA-GLO DELUX RMC-FA60DGD easily.
What have I chosen this model? This Dyna-Glo Delux propane-powered air heater is capable of generating 60,000 BTU. This value allows heating up to 1,350 sq.ft. areas. This model becomes a rapid and efficient heating solution due to its freedom from the power outlet or the gas line. The bottled propane available will do its job perfectly! Besides, this unit has an easy startup due to the continuous electronic ignition system. Also, this unit is CSA certified, thus it features all indispensable quality and safety features. The device itself and all its components are made of durable materials which can withstand even the heavy-duty and extended operation.
CONTENT
- 1 Air forced heaters | Closer Look
- 2 What are the main advantages of the forced air heaters?
- 3 Types of forced air heaters
- 4 Top-5 forced air heaters
- 5 10 Best Forced air heaters Comparison Table
Air forced heaters | Closer Look
If you need to heat up large spaces rapidly or to dry any premises like garages, basements, or workshops, a forced air heater would become an awesome option to deal with the above-mentioned challenges. The forced air heaters are offered for both professional and residential purposes. The latter are less powerful and commonly refer to as the fan heaters. In this guide we are going to focus on the extra powerful models which may demonstrate a perfect combination of the performance and efficiency. So let’s proceed with the types and features to be considered when looking for a worthy alternative in its class. But first, you will find out why and when you need a forced air heater.
What are the main advantages of the forced air heaters?
As I’ve mentioned before, the air forced heaters are considered to be the quickest options to heat up the ambient air. Even if any premises or room weren’t heated for a long time, with the help of these devices it would be possible to bring the temperature up, thus creating the comfortable environment for a person.
All forced air heaters feature a number of advantages depending on the energy source they run on (I will describe each of them in more details further down). In particular, with the help of the advanced models you will get a comfortable heating; that is no oxygen is burnt during its operation (in case of the electric and propane options). An integrated thermostat maintains the required temperature with a high setting accuracy. During the summer time, you can use the force air heater as a substitution of a fan, as it is designed to run without heating. More than that, almost all blowers, even the industrial-grade alternatives, are quite compact, thus you may take them wherever you need. Durability is another distinctive feature of the force air heaters, as the majority of them are built from the reliable and robust materials which are capable to withstand the long-lasting heavy-duty operation.
Types of forced air heaters
All forced air heaters are divided into different types depending on the energy source for heat generation - electricity, gas and liquid fuel. The latter, in its turn, differs by the principles of operation which can be with direct and indirect heat extraction.
Electrical forced air heaters
The average power of the electric blowing heaters varies from 1.5kW up to 35kW. The 5kW heaters and less powerful units can be connected to a regular one-phase 120V circuit. If the power is higher, the three phases of 240V will be more suitable. Such heaters are widely used for domestic and professional purposes. Ability of an appropriate power outlet is the only obligatory condition.
The housing of an electric corded model is made of a high grade metal which allows preventing corrosion, overheating, and any other damages that may occur during transportation or handling. Most commonly the air forced heaters are equipped with the tubular heating elements which prevent air burning and serve quite long. Besides, the genius environmental-friendliness (no noxious emissions) is the main advantageous feature of the electric-powered units which differs them from the fuel-operated counterparts.
All models of this type are equipped with an electrical fan. Its operation comprises forced air supply to the heater. The temperature of the incoming air is increasing uniformly while passing through a heating element, and the hot air is fed to the space to be heated. Thermostat is another additional user-friendly feature of the electric corded air forced heater which prevents overheating.
Gas | Propane
The gas, being an energy source for the air forced heater, is burnt completely ensuring its high efficiency. When a heater is capable of connection to the gas line it will classified as a stationary model. Such devices are mostly demanded at the production sites and agricultural premises.
Also, the gas-powered forced air heaters can run on a bottled liquid gas like propane or butane. In this case, they may be moved from one location to another with no hassle. However, in case of propane-type operation, you should primarily pay attention to the gas consumption rate of your device, to evaluate its running time per tank of propane (basing on the size of a tank, of course).
For instance, the Mr. Heater MH125QFAV is a bright example of the modern propane operated forced air heaters which are capable of dealing with the heavy-duty applications in a portable sturdy design. In general, the Mr. Heater's lineup comprises various models featuring from 38,000 BTU up to 170,000 BTU output.
The BTU stands for the British Thermal Units and used to measure the energy needed to heat up a certain space per hour. Most commonly, BTU is one of the most crucial factors determining the capacity of a heater. Thus, this value should be always taken into consideration when looking for a heater.
Most commonly, the gas or propane air forced heaters stand out from other types for the following characteristics:
- More uniform heat distribution
- Easy startup
- High performance
- Minimum electric energy consumption as it may be required only for ignition and fan running.
Diesel
Mainly these heaters are used during construction works or at the properly ventilated non-residential premises. Such heaters generate a big amount of heat within a short period of time. The diesel air forced heaters are offered in two options: with a direct and indirect heating. The first type creates hot air flow containing combustion products. Thus, it is necessary to ensure an adequate air ventilation on a constant basis. The forced air units of an indirect heating come with a special design which allows removing combustion products from a chamber by means of a duct which can be connected to a stack or a corrugated hose.
Besides, the diesel-running equipment is considered to be the most powerful in its class among other counterparts. At the same time, they still belong to the class of portable units which can be easily moved from one location to another.
Multi-fuel / hybrid forced air heater kerosene / diesel
Such air forced heaters can run on a liquid fuel like diesel, kerosene, or residue oil. They are mainly used during the coldest periods of the year indoors (providing that a proper ventilation is ensured) and outdoors.
The multi-fuel units of a direct heating feature 100% burning and thus showing the high performance. These blowers are capable of running up to 10-15 hours without any break (of course this feature mainly depends on a model and availability of a thermostat included). However, you should take into account that the direct heating models consume the ambient oxygen which is required during the burning process. Thus, exhaust fumes are discharged together with the heated air. So, the use of such options is restricted by the appropriate air supply. Also, the direct heating units are prohibited in the crowded places as they may cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
The multi-fuel blowers of an indirect heating usually come with a gas conduit. Due to this fact, the hot air output doesn’t contain any emissions. Such heaters are capable of 16 hours operation and usually limited only by the size of a fuel tank. Besides, the majority of modern models are equipped with a protection system against overheating, and burner flame control. These factors enhance safety and convenience of operation. These air forced heaters may be used in the crowded public places. Nevertheless, you should not forget that the oxygen is required to maintain the burning process. That is why the space to be heated should be also properly ventilated when using the indirect heating alternatives.
Top-5 forced air heaters
If you focus on the air blowing options to heat up various working spaces, you should look through the proposed list below of the advanced models till the end. Here you will find the hybrid heaters which can be efficiently used both indoors and outdoors like STANLEY ST-80T-KFA, the DYNA-GLO DELUX RMC-FA60DGD as the portable and still powerful alternative, and other worthy options.
1. DYNA-GLO DELUX RMC-FA60DGD
This forced air heater runs on propane thus suitable for indoor / outdoor constructions and multiple professional-grade applications. Featuring the heating capacity of 60,000 BTU maximum, this unit is capable of heating up to 1,350 sq. ft. Its variable BTU dial adjusts the temperature easily and accurately depending on the surrounding conditions. Besides, this unit is very convenient in use due to 1-hand piezo electric ignition, adjustable base and heating angle knob, and an ergonomic lift handle for easy transportation and handling.
For the safety reasons this model is equipped with the shutoff overheating protection and certified under CSA requirements.
Features
- Heat capacity (BTU): 60,000
- Type: Propane
- Area heated (ft.sq.): 1,350
- Weight (lbs): 13.7
- Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 8 x 20.3 x 13.5
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This model is reliably built and perfect for various applications both indoors and outdoors. Thus, you will never regret about this reasonable investment for the thorough heating.
Dyna-Glo Delux RMC-FA60DGD: Check the current price
2. DYNA-GLO DELUX RMC-FA150NGDGD
This extra powerful heater runs on natural gas and can deliver up to 150,000 BTU. This value ensures the highest heating output which will be enough to warm any location, at any outside ambient conditions. Thus, the large non-residential premises up to 3,500 sq. ft will be heated quickly and efficiently, as the performance of such models reaches almost 100% when burning.
In addition to the incredible capacity, this device also come with numerous user-friendly features like the interrupted spark ignition to ensure the stability of flame, the auto shut-off function to prevent overheating and necessary attachments for a simple and quick assembly. More than that, the heavy-duty design of the FA150NGDGD allows adjusting a heat angle depending on your needs.
Features
- Heat capacity (BTU): 150,000
- Type: Natural gas
- Area heated (ft.sq.): 3,500
- Weight (lbs): 17
- Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 25.6 x 11.8 x 16.1
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It takes just a few minutes for this blower to heat even the large spaces with no hassle. You only need the gas connection to create the comfortable conditions for any of your activities.
Dyna-Glo Delux RMC-FA150NGDGD: Check the current price
3. STANLEY ST-80T-KFA
This hybrid forced air heater kerosene / diesel along with other advanced models from the Stanley lineup which are equipped with a large size fuel tank. The latter allows heating a space for about 9 hours at 80,000 BTU output rate. The 2,000 sq. ft. area which can be covered by this heater refers it to the class of the professional-grade equipment.
However, the ability to accept more than one type of fuel is the main distinctive feature of this model. It can run on kerosene, diesel, and fuel oil. Nevertheless, the maximum rated performance may be achieved using kerosene. More than that, this model comes with the standard safety features like air pressure gauge and auto overheat protection, and CSA compliance.
The unit is built from the high grade steel. Besides, it has an ergonomic top handle for carrying. All these characteristics make it a reliable device which can be operated under hard ambient conditions for creating comfortable temperature.
Features
- Heat capacity (BTU): 80,000
- Type: Kerosene / diesel
- Area heated (ft.sq.): 2,000
- Weight (lbs): 28
- Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 13 x 30 x 15
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The STANLEY ST-80T-KFA is entitled here as the most versatile air forced heater. It will be suitable for multiple fields of applications due to the ability to run on several fuel types and heat both indoors and outdoors.
Stanley: Check the current price
4. DURA HEAT EUH4000
This electric air forced heater is designed to withstand the increased loads and warm up larger spaces. Its heating capacity reaches almost 13,000 BTU per hour which is a sufficient proof of the outstanding capabilities. However, such extra power requires an industrial-grade three-phase 240V outlet. Besides, this model is equipped with an automatic thermostat which allows temperature control with an ease. The built-in turbo fan can be functioning without heating this providing good ventilation of the space. The shut-off system of this unit serves as a protection against overheating.
Despite the robust design of the EUH4000, it still can be easily transferred from one job site to another. More than that, the tubular cabinet built maximizes air distribution, thus improving uniformity of the heat output. More than that, it can be both arranged on the floor, and mounted on the wall. The installation kit is provided in the package. Basing on the above-mentioned, it appears that this forced air heater is a perfect option for large job sites, garages, workshops, warehouses, etc.
Features
- Power output (watt): 3,750
- Type: Electric
- Weight (lbs): 8.8
- Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 10.7 x 8.7 x 11.7
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The DURA HEAT EUH4000 is a professional-grade heater which comes in a compact design and offers quick and uniform heating of any workspace at a reasonable price.
Dura Heat: Check the current price
5. COMFORT ZONE CZ285
This is the utmost compact and lightweight model among the reviewed above. However, this fact doesn’t diminish its performance characteristics. On the contrary, this ceramic unit is capable of delivering 1,500W power output which is enough to heat up to 1,000 sq. ft. The unit features 2 settings with an adjustable thermostat thus you can easily vary the air flow to get the desired temperature. Besides, you can use this model as a fan without heating activation.
You will always be on the safe side while using the CZ285 as it also features an overheat protection sensor, caution indicator lights, and durable metal frame with an adjustable heating angle.
Feature
- Power output (watt): 1,500
- Type: Electric
- Weight (lbs): 4.6
- Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 9 x 8.7 x 8.7
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This is the most compact and budget-friendly model in our review; however it has plenty of advanced and safety features which make its job really great!
Comfort Zone: Check the current price
10 Best Forced air heaters Comparison Table
30K-60K BTU LP Forced Air Propane Portable Heater150K BTU Forced Air Natural Gas Portable Heater 80,000 BTU Forced Air Kerosene / Diesel Space Heater 
Dura Heat EUH4000 4000W Electric Forced Air Heater, Length: 10.75in, Width: 8.35in, Height: 13in 1,500-Watt Portable Ceramic Utility Heater with Pivoting Cradle Base in Blue 
ProCom PCFA40 Magnum Forced Air Propane Heater-40,000, 40,000 BTU 
DAHTEC Electric Space Forced Air Heater with Thermostat Remote Control Mounting Bracket 240V 4800W, 17000BTU ， Large 
Pro-Temp Propane Heater, Red / Black 
PROWARM Industrial Electric Heater Liquid Propane Forced Air Heater with Over-heat Protection Large Area 50000-85000BTUs Output 
HeTR Portable Space Heater 1500 Watt Forced Air Heater with Ceramic Heater Element and Overheat Protection for Office Home Garage Workshop, ETL Listed 
