Please consider the following when choosing a zone heating appliance.
- Fuel Availability
- What fuels are readily available in your area?
- Personal Taste
- Are you looking for cost savings that a Kerosene Heater or Gas Heating Appliance can deliver?
- Are you looking for the convenience of Electric Heating Appliances?
- Are you looking for the added ambiance of a Fireplace?
- Are you looking for something Portable?
- Are you looking for workspace or heat for non-living areas?
- Are you looking for camping or other sportsman's heaters?
- Conditions of use
- How big of an area do you want to zone heat?
- What types of heaters are permitted by your state and local codes?
- Do you prefer the added benefit of products that provide Emergency Back-up Heat should the power be out?
- How large of an area do you want to heat?
- As a general rule of thumb, you will need 5,000 BTU’s of heat output for every 200 sq. ft. of indoor space and approximately 8,000 BTU’s for every 200 sq. ft. of outdoor space. Many factors can influence the amount of heat output needed for your particular situation. These include outside temperatures, local climate factors, room layouts, insulation factors, ceiling heights, heating appliance features, heater type, etc. Some states have specific guidelines for heater sizing based on the fuel type that is used. Consult with your local retailer for complete details.
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INDOOR SIZING GUIDELINES (FOR REFERENCE ONLY) |
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|
Heating Area (sq. ft.) |
200 |
400 |
600 |
800 |
1,000 |
1,200 |
1,400 |
|
Heater Output Needed (BTU’s) |
5,000 |
10,000 |
15,000 |
20,000 |
25,000 |
30,000 |
35,000 |
|
Area is approximate and may be affected by the factors listed above. |
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OUTDOOR SIZING GUIDELINES (FOR REFERENCE ONLY) |
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|
Heating Area (sq. ft.) |
250 |
500 |
750 |
1,000 |
2,000 |
3,000 |
4,000 |
|
Heater Output Needed (BTU’s) |
10,000 |
20,000 |
30,000 |
40,000 |
80,000 |
120,000 |
160,000 |
|
Area is approximate and may be affected by the factors listed above. |
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- How much will it cost to operate?
- We often equate the cost of home heating fuels with its cost per unit, I.E: gallon, pound, kilowatt, etc. A more accurate comparison may be to consider the cost per BTU of heat provided into the room.
|
Fuel Type |
Unit |
Price Per Unit |
BTU Content Per Unit |
Efficiency Rating |
Cost Per 100K BTU’s |
Appliance Type |
|
Fuel Oil (#2) |
Gallon |
2.44 |
138,690 |
78% |
2.26 |
Furnace |
|
Electricity |
Kilowatt |
.125 |
3,412 |
100% |
3.66 |
Unvented Room Heater |
|
Natural Gas |
Therm |
1.02 |
100,000 |
100% |
1.02 |
Unvented Room Heater |
|
Propane (LP) |
Gallon |
2.99 |
91,333 |
100% |
3.27 |
Unvented Room Heater |
|
Kerosene |
Gallon |
2.25 |
135,000 |
100% |
1.67 |
Unvented Room Heater |
Reference: Energy Information Agency (October 2016).
Answering these questions first will help you to define the type of zone heating product most suited to your needs. After you determine the basic type that best meets your needs, you can browse our website or visit one of our local retailers to find the product. Following is a summary of the basic options available:
PORTABLE ELECTRIC HEATERS
Available in many styles, portable electric heaters offer a fast, simple, and convenient method to provide a relatively small amount of heat to a small area. Many homeowners purchase 2, 3, or more units.
Benefits: Inexpensive initial cost, small size, and portability. Limited maintenance required. No fuel to store or transport.
Heat Output: Up to 5,200 BTU’s/Hr. for standard electrical outlets in a home. Larger sizes available requiring specialty electrical outlets.
Efficiency: Varies by type. 90%-100%
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QUARTZ COMFORT FURNACES
These heaters typically utilize high efficiency quartz heating elements. Some heaters also include powerful heat circulating blowers to provide better “whole room” heating than traditional portable electric heaters. Many units include casters for easy room to room movement.
Benefits: Attractive wood cabinets, powerful heat circulating blowers, portable, limited maintenance requirements. No hot coils.
Heat Output: Up to 5,200 BTU’s/Hr.
Efficiency: Up to 100%
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ELECTRIC HEATING APPLIANCES
Typically combine an electric resistance heating element with a dancing decorative flame. Also available with upgraded quartz heating elements. Provides a comfort zone of heat. Flames can be enjoyed during warmer months without using the heat.
Benefits: Easy installation and operation. Adds a cozy, warm ambiance. Includes heat circulating blower. Available in stove, fireplace, and log set styling.
Heat Output: Up to 5,000 BTU’s.
Efficiency: Varies by type and model.
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PROPANE AND NATURAL GAS HEATING APPLIANCES
Gas heating appliances offer several benefits. They are available in numerous shapes, sizes, and heat outputs allowing great personalization of the area being heated. They provide a large heat output, which is often large enough to supply zone heat to several rooms. Most gas heating appliances can be operated without electricity, making them an excellent choice as a back-up heating source during winter emergencies.
Benefits: Large heat output, simple operation, can be operated unattended, back-up emergency heat, low cost of natural gas.
Heat Output: Up to 35,000 BTU’s.
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INDOOR KEROSENE HEATERS
Perhaps one of the most effective ways to reduce your total home heating costs. Indoor kerosene heaters offer the largest heat output of any portable, indoor, zone heating appliance. They are also a perfect source of heat during winter emergencies as they require no electricity for operation.
Benefits: Portable, operates without electricity, large heat output, readily available fuel, high efficiency, instant heat.
Heat Output: Up to 23,000 BTU’s with 99% fuel efficiency.
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DURA HEAT WORKSPACE HEATERS
Choosing the right equipment is important when you need to get the job done. That's why for over 35 years, our Dura Heat brand has earned a reputation for quality and dependability. Dura Heat workspace heaters are a perfect choice for construction sites, agricultural areas, equipment barns, concrete drying, warehouses, or anywhere efficient, temporary heat is needed for outdoor and construction applications. The electrical systems are fuse protected and our convenient “run time” fuel gauge on our kerosene forced air models tells you precisely when more fuel will be needed.
Benefits: Portable, large heat output, readily available fuel, high efficiency, instant heat.
Heat Output: Output ranges according to model with 99% fuel efficiency.
