Just purchased my Mr Heater

[UK4X4]

remember too that as they are a low pressure fire, they are limited to 7500ft elevation operation

One of the reasons the Olympian ones are so expencive is they work at higher elevations.

 

[pappawheely]

We're talking about fire, a controlled fire. As such, all propane heaters are catalytic in nature. Yes they all require some maintenance and inspection to function correctly. All of which is clearly outlined in the owners manual. Good information is your friend.

Any technical questions? Have at it, here is the manual. http://www.mrheater.com/upload/newsletter/MH9BX_2009_US.pdf

It's hard to determine "tone" on the internet but your post seems a little condescending. I am simply inquiring, I don't own one so I don't have an owner's manual. If they can be fouled by dust it makes it less attractive to some people like me who spend time in the desert.

"If the pad gets dirty, it is not easy to clean. A replacement pad ($100) is available as long as the model is still being manufactured. If not, you may have to change the whole unit. When not in use, it is a good idea to cover the heater so no dust or dirt collects on the pad. Never try to clean the pad; it will leave marks and damage the active platinum on the surface. If there is dirt on the pad, it is probably already cooked into it. If you smell propane while the heater is on or if the unit does not stay lit or if the heat drops substantially, this means that the pad is likely poisoned and you need a new one."

http://www.rv-travel-lifestyle.com/radiant-heater.html

 

[Crom]

It's hard to determine "tone" on the internet but your post seems a little condescending. I am simply inquiring, I don't own one so I don't have an owner's manual. If they can be fouled by dust it makes it less attractive to some people like me who spend time in the desert.

"If the pad gets dirty, it is not easy to clean. A replacement pad ($100) is available as long as the model is still being manufactured. If not, you may have to change the whole unit. When not in use, it is a good idea to cover the heater so no dust or dirt collects on the pad. Never try to clean the pad; it will leave marks and damage the active platinum on the surface. If there is dirt on the pad, it is probably already cooked into it. If you smell propane while the heater is on or if the unit does not stay lit or if the heat drops substantially, this means that the pad is likely poisoned and you need a new one."

http://www.rv-travel-lifestyle.com/radiant-heater.html

The Mr. Heater Buddy heater is a catalytic heater with the ceramic plate which radiates heat out. It works fine in the desert, just don't expose it to a blowing sandstorm or fine dust, in fact don't even use it outside! The Mr. Heater Buddy heater does NOT work well with wind, this is because it has a pilot light at the bottom. If the pilot light goes out the whole system shuts down and stops the flow of propane. This is not a design defect, rather it's part of one of the safety systems which make it acceptable for indoor use. I've used it outside and the wind made it a pain to the point of we just put it away and used something else. With calm weather conditions prevailing though it can and will work outside just fine. Mr. Heater and other companies have other heaters which work better for locations exposed to the wind like the tank top mounted heater model: MH15C. I've got one of those too and it works pretty well.

My advice is before you spend any money read the manual for whatever product your considering. It can be revealing.

Good luck with whatever you decide to get.

 

[pappawheely]

I was hoping to hear some first hand experiences. You can't beat the efficiency for the price but the fine dust issue kills it for me. The manual does not mention this.

 

[bob91yj]

I've had the larger model for several years. I've not taken any extra measures to protect mine. It's usually bouncing around in my 24' enclosed trailer. Our's has worked whenever we've needed it. Just an FYI, we have a curtain that divides the interior of our uninsulated 24' enclosed car hauler...cheap Walmart/Target curtains. Using the curtain as a divider, the heater will keep a 12x12 section of the trailer warm. I keep thinking we used ours while camped in Silverton, CO at +/- 10,000 feet with no issues. I'm old, my doc says I'm fat and my memory may be slipping, so don't hold me to that one.


They may not be perfect or have bling factor, but if you need heat indoors, I'm not sure you'll find anything that has more bang for the buck.

 

[UK4X4]

From the buddy heater website



Question:
Why is the Buddy not recommended for above 7000 feet altitude?

Answer:
The Portable Buddy uses an Oxygen Depletion System (ODS) which is a safety device used to light the heater as well as shut it off if Oxygen levels drop to between 18% and 19%. The Buddy should operate without any problems up to 7000 FT above sea level. At higher altitudes, the ODS may cut-off prematurely resulting in what we call a nuisance shut-off. Also, if you have a change in weather and the barometric pressure drops, this could also cause the heater to shut down prematurely.

The ODS is set at the factory and not adjustable. Make sure you have proper ventilation to provide fresh air for the combustion and ODS system.

 

[Crom]

Even though they don't recommend it (and the owners manual says more on the matter) it still works above 7K feet.

Me and my son used our little buddy at 9,500ft with no problems 2 weeks ago. Having on med in the lower annex made for a great nights sleep.

 

[bob91yj]

I actually commend them for using what might be a conservative altitude number to keep near 100% operating capability. I asked my wife about the Colorado trip and she is certain that we had the heater working when she got up in the morning.

 

[warejn]

I live at about 8900 and I have used it quite a bit in my pop up TC. It keeps my leaky old camper warm all night on med. I keep a window open and I actually have 2 CO detectors ( I am a bit paranoid).

They are great.