Forced air propane heaters are incredibly effective at heating medium to large rooms, including garages and commercial buildings.
However, since these heaters use a fan to circulate warm air through your space, they often produce a loud blowing sound, which can be uncomfortable, especially if put in smaller spaces.
The truth is that most of these units are loud, and you’re going to have to compromise on the noise to keep your space warm as you work on your project in the winter.
But that doesn’t mean you have to pick the loudest unit – you can still find a quiet forced air propane heater for tiny rooms. And we have reviewed some of them in this article.
Quietest Forced Air Propane Heater
What is a Forced Air Propane Heater?
A forced air propane heater comprises an ignition system, a fan, and a combustion mechanism. A source of propane gas is connected to the heater via the hose. The hose is fitted with a regulator that you can use to control the amount of propane that gets into the heater.
When the pilot ignition system is set off, the propane is burned to produce heat and other products. The fan forces the heated air out of the heater into the environment.
As the hot air is forced out of the heater, it spreads across the room. The air then rises in the form of convection currents. This process of movement of air is repeated as long as the propane heater is running.
Learn more about forced-air heating
Are Forced Air Propane Heaters Safe Indoors?
Generally, forced air propane heaters are designed to warm garages, workshops, and other spaces. There are many better alternatives to forced air heaters that you can use indoors.
Nevertheless, should you decide to use a forced-air propane heater indoors, you will have to take several precautions.
Since you can get carbon monoxide poisoning from propane, it will be necessary to install a carbon monoxide detector. You will also have to ensure that there is enough ventilation in the indoor space in which you intend to use the forced air propane heater.
Do Forced Air Propane Heaters Smell?
When functioning correctly, forced air propane heaters do not smell at all. Propane itself is an odorless gas. However, when there is a leak, you will detect a foul smell. The smell is not from propane gas but a special additive to the product called Ethyl Mercaptan.
Because propane leaks are quite dangerous, you must detect a leak as fast as it starts. The use of the foul-smelling additive does the trick.
Once you detect the additive’s foul and rotten smell, then it means that there is a leakage of propane gas either from the tank or along with the hose that connects the tank to the heater.
Here is propane heaters troubleshooting tips especially if won’t stay lit
1. Mr. Heater 125,000 BTU Forced Air Propane Heater F271390
- Quiet Burner Technology-50% Quieter than a standard propane heater
- 10ft hose & regulator
- High-Temperature limit switch
- Heavy-duty handle
- Split barrel design for easy maintenance
If you are looking for a forced air propane heater that is perfectly designed for heavy-duty work at job sites and workshops, then you should consider the Mr. Heater F271390.
It has a massive heating capacity of 125,000 BTUs and a 10ft-long hose and regulator, connecting the heater to a 20lb propane tank.
Thanks to these features, you will enjoy the convenience of using this heater to warm large workspaces for a long time. Moreover, you can quickly move it to the desired spot to carry out zonal heating when it is necessary.
Maintaining this heater is a breeze. The split barrel technology makes the process of inspecting the heater for possible faults relatively easy. You will hardly need an HVAC technician’s services unless there is a severe problem with your heater.
The only drawback of using this heater worth mentioning relates to the temperature of its surface. You will have to keep it away from combustible materials because the temperature rises considerably. Also, avoid touching the surface of Mr. Heater F271390 when it is running.
Pros
- Highly portable because of the heavy-duty handle
- The split barrel design makes maintaining the heater very easy
- Massive heating capacity of 125,000 BTUs
Cons
- The surface of the heater gets quite hot after a while
2. Mr. Heater Hero 35000BTU Cordless Propane Heater
- No electricity required
- Accidental tip-over safety shutoff
- Flame safety shutoff
- CSA certified
- Runs on a 20lb. lp cylinder
One of the most outstanding features of Mr. Heater Hero relates to the safety features. the heater has several inbuilt safety features, including tip-over protection and flame safety shut off and CSA certification.
The tip-over protection feature prevents the outbreaks of fires if the heater accidentally falls over. The flame safety shutoff feature cuts the supply of fuel to avert the risk of a fire. Given that the heater is ideal for use in harsh outdoor environments like worksites, having such safety features can greatly benefit users.
The heater has an exceptionally sturdy look that complements its strong base and a heavy-duty handle. When placed on a flat surface, the heater hardly falls over even when knocked. The handle makes it easy to move the heater from one place to another.
Turning the Mr. Heater Hero is a complex process. You have to gradually open the propane valve and hold onto the switch for a while after the flame is ignited. This procedure may be frustrating, mainly when you are short of time.
Pros
- Excellent for heating areas as large as 850 square feet
- Inbuilt safety features, including flame safety shutoff and tip-over protection
- Highly durable because of its sturdy design
Cons
- Turning the heater on is a complicated process
3. Mr. Heater MH60QFAV 60,000 BTU Portable Propane Forced Air Heater
- QBT Technology - 50% Quieter than a standard propane heater
- 60,000 BTU Propane Forced-air Heater"
- Variable 30,000-60,000 BTU Output (Runs Up To 14 hrs on 20 lb. tank (low setting))
- Heats Up To 1,500 Sq.Ft.
- Continuous ignition
This heater is perfectly designed and built for the job site. It has a rugged outer covering, a stout handle, and a sturdy base for ease of use in the outdoor environment. The use of heavy-duty material protects the burner and other internal components from getting damaged if an object hits the heater.
The compact design and heavy-duty handle make it easy for one to transport the heater from one place to another.
You will enjoy a relatively quiet environment when using the Mr. Heater MH60QFAV. Thanks to Quiet Burner Technology, the heater produces up to 50% less noise than other forced air propane heaters with similar BTU ratings.
Although Mr. Heater MH60QFAV is designed for the typical job site, you still need to take the necessary precautions to avoid injury. Mainly, avoid touching the surface when the heater is running. After a while, the temperature rises high enough to cause injury if one touches the surface.
Pros
- The heater operates silently because of the use of Quiet Burner Technology
- Long runtime of up to 14 hours on a full tank
- It has multiple settings for regulating its heating and performance
Cons
- The surface of the heater becomes hot after a while
4. DeWalt F340715 DXH90FAV FALP Heater
- Includes 20' Hose and Regulator
- Typical uses Work shops, Barns, Job sites, Home Remodeling
- CSA certified
The DeWalt F340715 comes with a 20-feet long hose and regulator. This is a great benefit because most forced air propane heaters come with 10-feet long hose and regulator. You will enjoy the convenience of moving the heater to any spot in your area so that you can conduct zonal heating.
If you have a full 20lb propane tank and set the DeWalt F340715 on the low heat setting mode, the heater will serve you for up to 14 hours. If you set it on the high heating mode, the heater will run for about 7 hours.
Because of these relatively long runtimes, you can use the heater conveniently without having to think about getting an additional propane tank often.
The only notable drawback of using the DeWalt F340715 relates to its heating capacity. The CFM rating of 100 and BTU or 40,000 may be a limitation. If you have an area that exceeds 800 square feet, you may have to get a different model with a higher CFM and BTU rating.
Pros
- The 20-feet hose and regulator maximize the convenience of using the heater
- Long runtime of approximately 14 hours when running on the low mode
- Highly portable
Cons
- Limited heating capacity for areas that do not exceed 800 square feet
5. Ridgid Hybrid Forced Air Propane Portable Heater
The Ridgid Hybrid Forced Air Propane Portable Heater can be a great choice if you are looking for a quick heating solution.
It is compatible with the batteries and cords that are used in other versions of the Ridgid model. Thus, obtaining this hybrid heater can be the right thing to do if you are keen on keeping your heating costs down.
It is perfectly designed to be used in the outdoor environment. It has a uniquely designed stand that keeps the heater straight to ensure the effective dissipation of heated air. It also has a well-positioned handle for carrying it around the job site.
However, to keep your Hybrid Forced Air Propane Portable Heater in excellent working condition, you will often have to carry out extensive maintenance procedures.
Besides, using batteries from other heaters increases the risk of faults occurring when using your forced air propane heater.
Pros
- The two heat settings can be used to tailor the performance of the heater to your heating requirements
- The heater is compatible with any batteries and extension cables of the Ridgid brand
- Outstanding performance because of the use of brushless motor technology
Cons
- The heater requires heavy maintenance procedures
Propane Heater Safety Tips
Although propane heaters have inbuilt safety features, they can still pose a degree of danger when in use. Here are a few tips to enhance the level of safety when using a forced air propane heater.
- Keep combustible materials, including fabric and paper, away from the heater. Highly flammable materials can catch fire if they contact the hot surface of a propane heater.
- Always disconnect the heater from the storage tank after use. Whether you intend to keep the heater indoors or outdoors, always ensure that you disconnect it from the fuel tank after use and before storage.
- Place the heater on a level surface. If you place the heater on a bench or table, ensure that the surface is even, and the table or bench is strong enough to support the heater’s weight.
- Carry out routine inspections and maintenance. Let a certified HVAC technician carry out an extensive examination of your heater at least once per year. Also, check the heater for signs of damage before you use it.