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How often is the stock status updated on the web ? |
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Every week day before 9 AM eastern time unless nothing comes in or goes out of stock. Generally when things are out of stock they are marked as backordered and the date we expect to have them in stock is displayed. Ordering when something is marked as backorder ensures that you get your order as soon as it is back in stock.
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What is WC and PSI all about ? |
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WC and PSI are measurements of pressure. WC stands for Water column. WC is based on an inch wide tube of water with a hole in the side at the bottom, the taller the tube of water the higher the pressure on the stream of water coming out of the hole in the bottom.
The diameter of the gas line is not to be confused with the pressure of the gas inside it. When we say a 4" WC regulator, we mean the pressure, not the diameter of your gas line.
Our 4" WC regulators can take a pressure up to 14" WC and safely reduce the pressure to the required 4" WC amount - anything larger than a 14" WC pressure will cause our regulator to malfunction.
4" WC measurement is the same amount of pressure as a 4" high tube (or column). 28" WC is equivalent to 1 PSI, therefore 14" WC is 1/2 PSI and 56" WC is 2 PSI.
1" WC is equivalent to 0.578 ounces per sq inch.
4" WC and 9" WC are the typical pressures in residential areas, a heater the size of the 3500 FACNG requires commercial grade pressure.
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What is a BTU ? |
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BTU stands for British Thermal Unit. It is the industry standard unit of measurement for heat quantity. 1 BTU is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water at its maximum density by 1 degree Fahrenheit:
1 BTU is 0.293 watts (watts per hour) (0.29296875)
1 watt is 3.412 BTU
1 US gallon of propane provides 92,000 BTU
1 cubic foot of natural gas provides 1,000 BTU
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How many BTUs do I need ? / What size heater do I need ? |
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Use our BTU calculator to make things simpler. |
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I have a new style tank with outside threads, will my heater work with this ? |
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Yes, the new style tanks have inside threads also, through which our heater hoses will connect. |
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What Insulation type should I use for a greenhouse when using your BTU calculator ? |
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Greenhouse insulation surprises people, but.... A modern greenhouse in good condition can achieve average insulation but the majority of others can only be classed as poor. |
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How much space should I allow between an infrared or patio heater and the surrounding walls / ceiling ? |
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Surrounding walls are only a problem if they contain combustable materials (e.g. wood or drywall) or material that would melt (e.g. porch screening).
A safe guide is:
3 feet above
2 feet from the sides
2 feet from behind
6 feet in front
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Can I use an infrared heater inside ? |
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Yes and no. Outdoor models are designed for well ventilated places. Well ventilated does not mean you have a bit of a draft under a crack in the door. In a garage with a window or garage door open, yes you can safely use any of the 12-IR -> 24-IR range of heaters
Never use them in areas where people are sleeping.
Never in a house, tent or RV.
And always pay attention to the safe distances.
The DESA range of infra-red heaters is the way to go for indoor infra-red heat. These units are designed for indoor use and have safety mechanisms built in to protect you.
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Why do I need a 100 lb propane tank for the indoor gas heaters ? |
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With the exception of the outdoorsman model which can run from a 20 lb tank, the indoor gas heaters require a 100 lb because of the speed at which the gas flows to the heater. The faster the propane flow the colder the propane gets (experience this by blowing air gently from your mouth to your hands, then blow some air as hard as you can into your hands - the faster moving air is colder than the slower moving air). Hooking up these heaters to a 20 lb tank is okay for demonstration purposes but after a short while the flow of propane will freeze the 20 lb tank valve and the heater will shutdown due to gas starvation.
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What are the differences between all of the ignition types on the universal range of heaters ? |
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A piezoelectric switch (pronounced peezo) contains a crystal that exhibits piezoelectric properties. A piezoelectric crystal converts mechanical force into an electrical voltage, hence, you press the button and an electrical charge is used for ignition. If you have ever started a gas barbeque you have used a piezoelectric switch. |
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Continuous electronic ignition is a constant spark generated from an electrical source. It keeps sparking as long as the heater is on. |
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Automatic solid state ignition is where transistors are used to generate the spark. Our adjustable heaters utilise this sort of ignition so that the thermostat can be used to precisely control the fan starting and an 8 to 10 second ignition period. |
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Match light is as you might have guessed the oldest of starting systems. It is only used on a couple of our Infrared heaters. The 24-IR has even moved away from the old match based system to a piezoelectric switch. |
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