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When the cooler season kicks in, it helps to have a reliable tool that can keep your indoor space cozy and warm to give you a comfortable feeling while inside your home. Perhaps, you have come across some people talking about best forced air heaters and how it helps maintain the favourable temperature indoors.
With this heating system, heat is distributed evenly throughout the area by using air. Then, the heated air travels through a duct system, which is then expelled to the different rooms and sections in your home as per the vent design.
So, if you are planning on buying this tool for your home, then the best-forced air heaters in 2020 reviews and buyer’s guide we have for you today can assist you in making the right purchasing decision for your needs.
Best Forced Air Heaters – Complete Guide
What’s good about a forced air heater, anyway? For the most part, this system comes with a chamber that heats up the air. Afterwards, the blowers pull the hot air in the heating device and pass through the filter.
From there, hot air travels through several ducts and vents expel the air out to keep your home warm and comfortable. With the aid of a thermostat, you can set the temperature according to your preference. A forced air heater can both function as a cooling and heating tool since you can also use it as your home’s central AC system once the warmer months occur.
It is also easy to maintain a forced-air heating system as it only requires a full service when the cooler season begins and another before the warm month’s approach. As long as the motor is properly lubricated and the system remains clean, these should suffice in ensuring the long lifespan of the unit. In fact, you can expect the heating system to last for up to 20 years if the components are well-maintained.
Thus, you can get the best value for your money because of long years of using the unit for your heating and cooling needs.
Top 10 List of Best Forced Air Heaters
Here, we feature the 10 best forced air heaters available in stores today. Find out more about the benefits and limitations of each, so you can determine the right product worth your investment.
Last update on 2020-02-19 / Affiliate links / Price / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
10. DeWalt Forced Air Heater Kerosene DXH190HD
Made with a heavy-duty exterior, this forced air heater uses kerosene in keeping your indoor space comfortable and toasty. The unit has a sturdy roll cage and rubber tires that are highly durable and flat-free. Since cleaning the heater is crucial to maintaining its excellent performance, this unit makes it easy for you to clean with the help of the 2-piece rugged split barrel design.
You will have no problem maintaining and cleaning the heater in a safe, efficient, and quick manner.
To help you move the unit from one place to another, this comes with an ergonomic handle for ease of transportation. There are also recessed controls, as well as a thermostat control with a smart design to prevent you from causing damages to the valves or knobs of the unit.
Lastly, there is no issue with fuels collecting and pooling since there is a continuous electronic ignition design for the unburned fuel in the unit.
When it comes to assembly and getting started with this unit, you will love how effortless it is to get it going. It works as expected with the loud tolerable enough to ensure your comfort.
You can get a 28-foot high barn with a length and width of 73feet and 22 feet (respectively) in a snap, and you may even turn the unit off after 15 minutes because the ideal temperature would have been achieved by then. But if there is one thing that is quite a deal-breaker about this unit is the smoke it emits once you shut the heater off.
Other than this issue, this product works just as expected.
- The design makes it easy to clean and maintain to keep it in outstanding condition.
- Transporting the unit is a breeze because of the ergonomic handle.
- It can heat up a large space quickly in as little as 15 minutes.
- The noise level is tolerable, but may be a little loud for those with sensitive hearing.
- There is the smoke emitted after turning the unit off, which makes it a bit of a disappointment for some users.
9. Dura Heat 50,000 BTU Forced Air Portable Heater DFA50
This forced air heating system from Dura Heat uses kerosene to get it working and to ensure the optimal temperature in your home.
It comes with impressive features such as the ignitor made from heavy-duty ceramic, an electrical system that is fuse-protected, and ignition with an electronic-start design you can operate with just a single touch.
Checking the fuel level is also easy as there is a fuel gauge, plus the fan motor is well-sealed to maintain the superior quality performance of the unit.
Whenever you need temporary heating for your home, or you have some DIY projects or garage work to be done, you can count on this forced air heater to give you the result you need. Just be sure to use a 120-volt grounded outlet to keep it working without a problem.
Overall, this is a spectacular heater that works in heating up a big space such as 2 car garages. Right out of the box, you can easily start using this unit. Just put the handle on and pull the unit out, then be sure to fill the tank up with fuel before you turn the whole thing on.
There are no issues with the smell or noise, and it works just as expected.
But some people complain about the slight noise produced by the fan, although it may be tolerable for other individuals. If you have a poorly- ventilated area in your home, this product is not recommended.
- The ignitor is well-made, and the fuse-protected feature for the electrical system is impressive.
- You can check the fuel level by observing the fuel gauge.
- There is no problem with the smell, which makes it comfortable to use at home.
- A bit of an issue with the fan noise.
- Not suitable for unvented areas.
8. Enerco Heatstar Forced Air Heater Kerosene with Thermostat F170375
Generating as much as 175,000 BTU per hour, this forced air heater is ideal for use with diesel 1 and 2, JP-8, home-heating oil, or kerosene 1 and 2. Once it has reached its full heating capacity, it should be able to heat an area with a maximum size of 4250 square feet. Start it on a full tank, and this unit should be able to give you superb heating performance that goes up to 10 hours.
It is an excellent heater that warms up a large space quickly without any hassle. You can also ease your worries whenever you use this heater since there is a safety shutdown feature once overheating is detected.
Initially, you may notice it emitting a bit of a smokeproof upon starting. If you are bothered by this issue, you may point the unit out to the door or any ventilation for the first minute.
Wait for it to glow, which means it is already hot at this point. By then, you can always spin the heater around and close the door to further warm the room.
Just remember that this product is a direct-fired heater, which means combustion by-products may build up if it is operated for an extended period in a room without any vent.
- Can generate a massive amount of heat at 175,000 BTU.
- The overheating sensor causes the unit to shut down right away to ensure your safety once an excess heat level is detected.
- Works continuously for 10 hours max on a full tank.
- Building up of combustion by-products is expected from this unit because of its design.
- Some smoke is emitted during the first minute of starting the off.
7.Dyna-Glo Deluxe 150,000 BTU Natural Gas Portable Forced Air Heater
If what you look for in a good amount of heat generated by a heating system for your home or any indoor space, then this product from Dyna-Glo is a suitable option to consider.
It has a maximum output of 150,000 BTU, so that should suffice in heating up an area with a maximum size of 5,900 square feet. You can control the heat in your room as this unit has an adjustable heat angle design for your convenience, along with a thermostat.
To protect you from safety risks, there is an auto shut-off feature once overheating is detected. With a carrying handle included, it is never a problem to transport this unit from one spot to another. Just make it a point to use an 11-inch water column supply of natural gas for this heater.
In terms of durability, you will be amazed by what this product has to offer as it comes with a permanent split type capacitor motor. As compared with the disposable shaded pole motor found in other heaters, this product is much better-performing and can stay in excellent working condition for a longer time.
Since there is a thermostat included, you can set it to your desired temperature for fuel-efficiency.
The heater even goes into a standby mode and stops running upon the increase of the ambient temperature to what you prefer. But keep in mind that this unit is not the most silent forced air heater when it comes to how it operates.
It is also not ideal to use with kerosene and propane, and it is important to have space in front of the unit to keep the entire area warm.
- Has an auto shut off the design to prevent the unit from overheating
- Comes with an excellent heat output of 150,000 BTU/
- Easy to transport with the use of a carrying handle built into the unit.
- Operates with a medium level of noise, which can be disturbing for some.
- Ideal only for use with natural gas.
6. Mr. Heater Forced Air Heater Propane, 38,000 BTU F271350
Heavy duty and capable of handling the toughest conditions, the Mr Heater propane forced air heater features a 10-foot hose and a regulator, so you can use it right out of the box. It can generate as much as 38,000 BTU, which is enough to heat up a place with a maximum total area of 950 square feet.
With Quiet Burner Technology, this unit can operate without producing a massive noise level. This is why you can expect this to be 50 percent quieter than the average forced air heater due to the patented feature incorporated into it.
For safety purposes, this unit comes with a thermoelectric safety valve and a high limit switch. Your protection is guaranteed each time you use this appliance to heat up your home, job site, garage, and other similar areas.
All you need to do is to hook the 20-pound liquid propane tank up to the hose and regulator (included in the package) and plug the unit into a 110-volt outlet. Then, it is good to go to enhance your indoor temperature for your maximum comfort.
You will like how lightweight and compact this unit is, so it is easy to bring along to your desired location. It is also stable and well-made, so you can be sure that it can last for a long time with proper maintenance and care.
Just remember that this unit can be a bit costly to run, yet you can expect it to really heat up the area quickly. As a bonus, the packaging is eco-friendly, as it is wrapped in paper and cardboard only. A safety reminder, though – it is recommended that you use this unit in a well-ventilated room due to the carbon monoxide buildup.
- The Quiet Burner Technology minimizes the noise level of the unit while being used.
- Easy to use and install in just a few steps.
- Has an impressive heat output of 38,000 BTU to keep a 950 – square foot room warm.
- A little costly to run for several hours.
- Best to use in a well-ventilated area because of the buildup of carbon monoxide.
5. Dyna-Glo Forced Air Heater 180,000 BTUs Gray
This unit features a dual heat technology, which means you can choose to set it on high or low by using the switch included.
Because of this feature, you can expect to have greater fuel savings and comfort in your home while attaining the maximum heat control you can get from this unit. You may either select the setting for the heat output to 180,000 or go down to 140,000 BTU. What’s more, even if the heater is being used, switching the heat control back and forth is not a problem.
This forced air heater features a motor encased in aluminium, so it is more durable and much safer to use those other heaters in the same price range.
The enclosure keeps the unit protected from corrosion while providing a consistent amount of pressure due to the one-piece design.
Another good thing about this unit is the Sure Fire spark plug type of ignition, and this is regarded as more reliable as the hot-surface or the glow plug ignition. To maintain the pressure, there is a high-temperature composite nozzle adapter, so the hoses fit tightly.
Fuel savings are guaranteed with this unit because of the thermostat included that lets you set your preferred temperature. Upon going beyond the ambient temperature you want, the heater will immediately enter the standby mode and stop running. However, it will resume operation with the dropping of the ambient temperature.
This eliminates the extra effort needed to turn the unit on and off. Overall, this unit works well when it comes to heating your home or any indoor space.
But keep in mind that the noise level is a little high, which can be somewhat disturbing for some. It also tends to use up a lot of fuel, so you may want to maintain the setting at its lowest to save on fuel.
- Generates a high amount of heat up to 180,000 BTU.
- Comes with an aluminium enclosure to protect the unit from harsh external elements and corrosion.
- The ignition design is reliable and more preferable than the glow plug or even the hot-surface ones.
- The unit produces a loud amount of noise while in operation.
- It tends to use up too much fuel quickly, which makes it a bit expensive to use.
4. Forced Air Liquid Propane Heater 40,000 BTU GFA40/FA40DLX
If you have been struggling with the uncomfortable weather during the winter season, then it may help to invest in this forced air heater that can produce as much as 40,000 BTU to keep your home or work site warm and cozy.
It is a portable and powerful heater that gives you clean, fast, and a good amount of heat for a small to the mid-sized area. With its user-friendly and simple design, attaining the level of heat you need is possible without having to overextend your budget.
This unit runs on propane, and a 40-pound tank should suffice to heat up your home with this forced air heater. If there is one thing that you may not be too pleased about it, this would be the power cord.
The length is a bit short to most users’ liking as it only reaches 6 inches long. But this is not a deal-breaker since you can always use an extension cord to operate the unit even with a shorter cord such as what this heater has.
- The amount of heat generated by this unit is at 40,000 BTU that is good for a small space.
- It comes in a portable size that makes it easy to transport.
- A reasonably-priced forced air heater.
- The electric cord is too short, so an extension cord is necessary for you to use this unit.
3. Dyna-Glo Liquid Propane Forced Air Heater, 300,000 BTU
Whenever there is a vast area that you want to heat up, then this Dyna-Glo LP forced air heater should be perfect for your needs. It can warm property with a maximum size of 7000 square feet, as it has a heat output of 300,000 BTU.
It comes with a thermostat that lets you customize the heat setting, along with an auto shut off once overheating is detected for maximum protection. The 10-foot regulator hose is included in the package, and there is a continuous electronic ignition design for safety as this prevents the delayed ignition that can pose hazards.
When using the unit, it may help to have some understanding of effective tips you can implement to make the most out of it. For instance, you will have to allow the unit to get warm first prior to turning the gas on.
Then, point the unit to open space for proper ventilation, as long as there are no combustible materials around.
- Has an impressive heat output of 300,000 that is ideal for heating up a 7000-square foot area.
- Features auto shut off function when there is overheating detected.
- The thermostat lets you control the heat setting for your comfort and fuel savings.
- Best to use in properly-ventilated locations.
- Let the unit heat up initially before you turn the gas or fuel on.
2. Mr. Heater Portable Propane 60,000 BTU Forced Air Heater MH60QFAV
From now on, you no longer need to put up with an uncomfortable bitter-cold temperature in your home or Jobsite, as long as you have this portable forced air heater with you.
This is a rugged piece of equipment that is easy to use, as it only requires you to hook it up to the propane tank before you plug it into the 110-volt AC output. With this unit, you will need a 20-pound propane tank, and this should give you a maximum runtime of 14 hours on a full tank.
Plus, the unit operates quietly – about 50 percent less noise than your standard propane type of forced air heater. With a durable steel and rugged construction, this unit should be perfect to use in any type of condition. Among the other impressive features include the 10-foot hose, regulator, continuous ignition, and a high output heavy-duty fan.
The assembly and overall design of this unit are impressive.
There is not a problem with using it for the first time since everything is included in the package, although you will have to supply a propane tank for it.
But if there is one thing that is not very impressive about this unit, it would be the ticking sound that goes on constantly. Not exactly a problem at all, though, because the noise fades away into the background over time. But be sure to provide an extension cord since the plug is not very long.
- The total runtime is impressive at about 14 hours when you use this on a full tank.
- The continuous ignition offers a safe and convenient purpose for this unit.
- You will love the rugged and solid build of this heater.
- Some noise is generated by the unit while you use it.
- Be sure to use it with an extension cord as the power cord is quite short.
1. L.B. White 170N Portable Natural Gas Forced Air Heater (170,000 BTU)
This unit has a variable maximum output that ranges from 125,000 to as much as 155,000 BTU. Thus, the heat it can generate is good enough to warm an average-sized area without a problem. It comes with a design that allows for easy and stress-free maintenance and repair, so you can keep it in good running condition longer.
The exterior is also corrosion-resistant, so there should be no problem with maintaining its life span for a number of years. Lastly, it comes with an electronic spark ignition design that is reliable and safe to use.
For the most part, this unit works as expected. It has a good size with a decent heat output that you need to warm a large space. But be sure never to use this if the area has no ventilation since the build-up from the combustion can be uncomfortable to deal with.
- Can generate a good amount of heat with an output of 125,000 to 155,000 BTU.
- Has a corrosion-resistant exterior.
- User-friendly electronic spark ignition makes it an ever-reliable forced air heater.
- Not suitable for poorly-ventilated areas.
Forced Air Heaters – Buyer’s Guide
If the weather is much cooler than how you like it to be, you are probably hoping there is a way for you to turn your indoor temperature into something cozier and more comfortable than it is.
This is why if you have no fireplace at home, having a forced air heater to keep your home warmer is just about what you need. With a portable heater, you can get the benefit of having a toasty environment indoors without accumulating a high utility bill. It is only a matter of choosing the unit well to make sure it is perfect according to your needs.
When buying a forced air heater, the following factors may be worth looking for to help you find the right item for your needs.
Temperature Settings
It would be best if the unit comes with a thermostat that lets you control the temperature to meet your preference. Having access to the heat control is ideal since there is a specific temperature on your mind that you think is comfortable enough for you.
This also allows you to save on fuel by selecting the lowest setting as necessary instead of running the heater on high the whole time.
Heat Output
How much heat output do you think you need for your home? You can find units with a varied heat output that can go from 40,000 to even 300,000 BTU.
Naturally, the price depends on the amount of heat that the unit can generate, so you can check on this specification to prevent yourself from having to pay a high price.
Safety
Aside from the convenience of using the heater, you need to make sure that it is safe and risk-free.
A stable base is essential since you want to make sure it will not tip over. If you can find a unit with an auto shut off when an overheating issue is detected, this is also great to prevent hazards during operation.
There are a few other safety features that forced air heaters to offer, and you just have to read the technical specs of the unit to learn more about it and check if these are relevant to your needs.
Noise Level:
As with any piece of equipment that heats up your home or indoor space, a forced air heater can be a bit noisy. As it operates, you can hear some ticking sound and a general kind of noise that may be uncomfortable to the ears. \
But if you find a unit with a special technology that minimizes the noise, then you are on the right track. It is worth checking out such features to make sure your comfort is not compromised while your indoor area gets cozy and more suitable for you.
Aesthetics
Although this is not much of a big issue among buyers, it can be a factor that may impact one’s decision of buying a heater. This is why you may want to compare various models and select one with a design and build that matches your taste.
But most importantly, choose a unit with a corrosion-resistant enclosure since not only does this add to the appearance of the heater, but it also helps prolong the lifespan of the equipment.
How Forced Air Heaters Work?
Forced-air heaters always manage to boast and brag optimal practicality and also maximum functionality. They are the name of displaying enhanced efficiency. Most importantly, in a forced-air system, you are going to see the presence of an air handler and ductwork. This ductwork delivers room air right to the heater and then send back the heated air to the room. Moreover, in this system, there is a thermostat for turning this heater on and off.
These forced air heaters have filters to clean and purify the air.
These filters register to direct as well as control the flow of air coming to your rooms. Most noteworthy, these Forced air systems make use of a furnace or heat pump. This feature heats the air and then it disperses that heat through the house with the help of ductwork and also in-room vents.
As soon as the temperature is going to set at the thermostat, then all of the cold air from the home is going to be pulled into the system. It will then passes through the air filter and removes allergens like that of pollen and dust.
It is through the air handler that this heater will be able to blow the air and spread to the home.
Important Characteristics of Forced Air Heaters
Let us talk about the important characteristics and factors of forced air heaters:
These heaters pull colder air right into the ductwork and then pushes it to the furnace. Furthermore, it heats up this cold air and gradually sends it through varied and different ductwork. It distributes this heat through the help and usage of air vents.
It is this forced-air heating system that fully and completely knows as to how to heat up ad warm up the home.
This whole process of communication is carried out with the thermostat.
As soon as the temperature in the home is going to get below the setting line on the thermostat, then this heater will kick on. And the minute it will reach to your desired set temperature, then it will be this thermostat that signals and hints the burners to shut off.
Main features of this heater system, they are Heat exchanger, Blower, Return ducts. These return ducts suck in cool air. Even more, this system is composed of Supply ducts that push warm air right into different rooms. Then this system is injected with Air plenum, fan limit switch.
Hence, these forced air heaters improve the air quality present in your home. It traps allergens and also airborne particles. Air heaters can also makes your breathing process hassle-free. It brings your home at a comfortable humidity level.
FAQ’s – Best Forced Air Heaters
Which is Safer Propane or Kerosene Heaters?
While using propane or kerosene heaters, you have to remain cautious. Like, if you are using a kerosene forced air heater, then note down that this heater is more powerful.
Kerosene is combustible and burns strongly. It gives out a strong amount of heat. On the other hand, propane marks and identifies itself as one of the cleaner-burning fuels.
It is much easier to find. Besides, both of the kerosene and propane heaters, they give out and emit carbon monoxide into the air.
It can turn out to be deadly for you upon ingesting it. So, it does not matter whatever kind of heater you are using, make sure that you always vent it properly.
Conclusion
When buying a forced air heater, there are numerous things to think about instead of going with one item that you randomly found on the market. By reading our reviews and buyer’s guide, you can have a sufficient amount of information that you need to prepare yourself as you go out to shop for a forced-air heater.
Then, you can make a practical and smart purchasing decision that you will never regret.
We hope that we were able to help you make a selection by presenting these top-rated items on the market today, along with the unique features, benefits, and some limitations of each.
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