Mr. Heater MH55FAV Forced Air Propane Heater Review
Mr. Heater MH55FAV Forced Air Propane Heater Feature
- Offers variable output between 30,000 and 55,000 BTU's
- Constructed of rugged, durable steel and has a heavy-duty high output fan
- Provides instant heat that is economical, efficient
- Requires 20-pound propane tank (not included); 10-foot hose and regulator included
- Adequate combustion and ventilation air must be provided; 1-year limited warranty
What's in the Box
Heater (motor grille assembly, motor assembly, fan, outer shell, handle, clip handle mounting, male elbow-fitting, spark plug, high limit control assembly, thermocouple bracket and spacer, orifice assembly, middle cylinder assembly, spark plug nut, flame holder assembly, fuel tube assembly, 13-inch long thermocouple, bracket ignition/relay, terminal board, relay assembly, solid state ignitor, variable rate valve, thermoelectric valve, strain relief bushing, power cord assembly, POL excess flow 1/4 MPT, 28-inch regulator WC, hose assembly LP, bottom panel, control box assembly, elevation plate and knob), 10-foot hose, regulator, operating instructions and owner's manual
Five Tips for Buying a Heater
Choosing a space heater is a matter of sifting through a bewildering array of types, power ratings, and fuel sources. Let's break it down a little to make the process easier.
What are the different types of space heaters?
- Radiant heaters emit infrared radiation that directly warms the objects in front of the heaters (rather than the surrounding air). If you only need heat by a desk or in a small section of a room, a radiant heater is quiet and will use very little power.
- Forced-air heaters use a fan to blow air that has been warmed by metal or ceramic heating elements. A forced-air heater is appropriate for quickly heating up a small- to medium-sized room, but can be noisy.
- Convection heaters draw cold air from the floor; the air is warmed by heating coils and emitted from the top of the heater. A convection heater is appropriate for quickly heating up a small- to medium-sized room, but also can be noisy.
- Radiators work by heating oil enclosed in a reservoir, gradually heating the surrounding air. If heating speed isn't an issue, you might want to opt for a radiator. These are extremely quiet and effective--perfect for bedrooms.
Should I buy an electric or a combustion model?
If you want a heater that will be available in emergencies, or that can heat areas larger than a single room, choose a "combustion" model--one that is powered by a gas or fuel like propane, kerosene, natural gas, or diesel. Which fuel type you choose depends largely on convenience and local availability. For example, diesel would be appropriate for a heater you take with you on long car trips.
How powerful a heater do I need?
Heaters are rated by BTU, which stands for British Thermal Unit (the amount of heat needed to heat one pound of water by 1 degree F). To find out how many BTU you need:
- Calculate the volume of the space to be heated by multiplying square footage by height.
- Multiply that number by 4 if your insulation is poor, 3 if it's average, or 2 if it's good.
Do space heaters cost a lot to operate?
As a general rule, electric space heaters are more expensive to use than combustion models. To ensure energy efficiency, a thermostat is a must-have feature for any heater. For radiant heaters, models with a 360 degree heating surface can heat larger spaces. If you need a forced-air heater, models with ceramic elements tend to be more efficient.
Are space heaters a fire hazard?
Space heaters are implicated in about 25,000 residential fires every year. To ensure proper safety, always follow the manufacturer's usage instructions and fill out the warranty card to receive informational updates from the manufacturer. Also, look for extra safety features such as an automatic shutoff switch that can shut down the unit if, for example, it gets upended. In addition, choose a model where the heating element is adequately enclosed within the unit.
