Sylvie Willis
Diesel heaters are a cost-effective and energy-saving way of heating enclosed spaces, such as campervans, trucks, and RVs. They are also used in chicken farms and vegetable barns. Diesel heaters are ideal for cold environments, as they can provide rapid warming of a vehicle's interior. They are also durable, requiring minimal maintenance and fuel. The heaters work by burning diesel fuel to heat a heat exchanger, which then warms the air blown into the vehicle. They are generally safe to use, as they feature auto-shutoff functions that prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, fire hazards, and oxygen deprivation. However, they may produce loud noises and vibrations, and there are potential dangers associated with improper installation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Primary fuel source | Diesel |
| Cost-effectiveness | Diesel heaters are cost-effective as diesel is cheaper than regular car gas. |
| Safety | Diesel heaters are safe as they expel waste outside through an exhaust pipe. Some models also have safety features like auto-shutoff. |
| Fuel efficiency | Diesel heaters are fuel-efficient and consume less fuel to maintain a comfortable temperature. |
| Installation | Diesel heaters require professional installation and a drilled connection to the vehicle's fuel tank and an external exhaust. |
| Noise | Diesel heaters make more noise than LPG heaters, especially during startup. |
| Temperature range | Diesel heaters can operate in a temperature range of -40°C to 80°C. |
| Applications | Diesel heaters are suitable for vehicles, outdoor camping, chicken farms, vegetable barns, and truckers. |
| Maintenance | Diesel heaters require minimal maintenance and are durable. |
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What You'll Learn
How diesel fuel heaters work
Diesel heaters are reliable, cost-effective, and energy-saving devices that provide consistent heat to the interior of a vehicle or marine vessel. They are especially useful in very cold temperatures and can be easily connected to the existing fuel system of a diesel-operated vessel.
A diesel heater works by drawing in air from the external environment and mixing it with diesel fuel. This air-fuel mixture is then ignited to warm up the interior of the vehicle. The blower fan plays an integral role in this process by sucking in air from the outside and pushing it through the system. The working principle revolves around cold air entering the system and hot air leaving it simultaneously.
The actual amount of fuel and energy consumed by a diesel heater depends on several factors. Firstly, the model of the heater will determine its fuel consumption levels. Secondly, the temperature that the heater needs to withstand will impact fuel usage, as lower temperatures will require more fuel to produce the desired level of warmth. Thirdly, altitude is a factor, as higher altitudes will result in increased fuel consumption.
Compared to other types of heaters, diesel heaters are considered safer as they confine the diesel within a furnace section, preventing the escape of dangerous fumes or burning diesel. They also have automatic shutdown mechanisms to prevent damage from overheating. Additionally, diesel heaters are highly fuel-efficient, providing superior heating performance even in extremely cold conditions while consuming relatively less fuel.
Diesel heaters are commonly used in cars and trucks to heat the diesel fuel when starting the engine and to maintain a certain temperature during engine operation. They can be installed in various locations within the fuel system, such as before the fine filter in the fuel line or as fuel inlet warmers.
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Pros and cons of diesel fuel heaters
Diesel heaters are a popular choice for vehicle owners due to their reliability and cost-effectiveness. They are safe to use and provide warmth quickly, even in low temperatures, without consuming too much fuel or energy. However, there are some potential drawbacks to consider, such as the initial cost of the heater and the need for regular servicing and maintenance.
Pros:
- Diesel heaters are reliable as they run on diesel, which is a readily available and prominent fuel. This means you can easily find fuel and not worry about running out.
- They are cost-effective and energy-saving. Diesel is a cheap fuel compared to regular car gas, and once the desired temperature is reached, diesel heaters require very little fuel to maintain it.
- Diesel heaters are safe to use. The combustion process expels waste outside through an external exhaust, leaving the air inside the vehicle cabin safe to breathe. Many diesel heaters also have additional safety features, such as automatic shut-off in case of overheating or fuel supply issues.
- They are efficient at generating heat. The inherent energy-rich composition of diesel fuel and the effective combustion process maximise heat production while minimising energy loss.
- Diesel heaters are suitable for use in cold conditions and can provide warmth quickly, making them ideal for large vans or campervans in sub-zero temperatures.
Cons:
- Poor quality or cheap diesel heaters may require frequent servicing and maintenance. Common issues include loud noises, heavy vibrations, and dangerous fumes.
- The initial cost of a high-quality diesel heater can be expensive, and there may be additional costs for installation, especially if you hire a professional.
- Diesel heaters may not be environmentally friendly due to the potential for higher emissions compared to LPG or other low-emission fuels.
- They require a drilled connection to the vehicle's fuel tank and an external exhaust, which can be more complex than other heater installation processes.
- Some users have reported issues with diesel heaters in extremely cold conditions, where diesel can gel or wax and cause problems with the fuel pipe or engine.
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Installation and safety
Before installing a diesel heater, ensure you have all the necessary tools and materials, including installation kits, a screwdriver, scissors, pliers, a wrench, and an electric drill for drilling holes. Familiarize yourself with the location of the vehicle’s fuel tank, battery, and the positioning of the heater’s air outlet or water pipes. It is critical that the fuel lines are not installed near the engine or other heat sources.
When choosing the installation location, ensure the spot is dry and safe, avoiding any areas where moisture or potential damage could occur. Opt for a flat surface to mount the heater, which will help maintain its stability and efficiency. Choose a location that accommodates the length of the exhaust pipe, ensuring that the exhaust outlet points downwards to avoid hazards. The exhaust pipe can become very hot, so make sure there are no flammable materials or fuel lines nearby.
The fuel standpipe is a crucial component of the diesel heater’s fuel system. Ensure that the opening or fuel tank cap used for installation is of the correct size, with smooth, flat edges. The bottom end of the standpipe should be positioned 25 to 30 millimeters from the bottom of the fuel tank to ensure sufficient fuel draw and prevent the intake of impurities. A correctly installed standpipe can reduce fuel shortages and excessive pressure problems caused by air leaks.
When installing the oil pump inlet, ensure it is not facing downwards. If it is, the heater will not work evenly, creating noise and carbon accumulation in the heater combustion chamber. The fuel inlet should be facing upwards to allow the fuel to burn completely. The distance between the fuel pump and the central unit should be 60-100 cm to avoid uneven combustion sounds and carbon buildup.
To prevent air in the fuel delivery system, once you finish installing the heater, unplug the fuel line from the diesel heater inlet, and start the heater in “auto pump mode.” This will remove excess air inside the system. Once you see the fuel coming out of the fuel line, connect it back to the heater inlet and start the diesel heater.
Additionally, ensure that the heater is at least 20 cm away from a wall to allow proper air circulation.
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Fuel consumption and cost
Diesel heaters are cost-effective and energy-saving, as diesel itself is a relatively cheap fuel compared to regular car gas. However, the actual amount of fuel and energy a diesel heater consumes depends on several factors. Firstly, the model of the heater will determine its fuel consumption levels. More powerful heaters, such as a 5kW heater, will be able to achieve higher temperatures in a shorter amount of time but will consume more fuel. Less powerful heaters will need to be run for longer to achieve the same results, but they will consume less fuel overall.
Secondly, the temperature you need the heater to withstand will affect fuel consumption. The lower the temperature, the more fuel the heater will need to combust to produce warmth. Once a comfortable temperature is reached, however, the heater will require less energy to maintain that temperature. This makes diesel heaters particularly suitable for maintaining warmth in vehicles in low temperatures, without using up too much fuel or energy.
Thirdly, altitude is a factor that influences fuel consumption. The higher the altitude, the more fuel will be consumed. This is an important consideration for those planning to use diesel heaters in high-altitude locations.
In general, a diesel heater will consume about 0.15–0.5 litres of fuel per hour, depending on the size of the tank and the efficiency of the heater. Most standard-sized diesel heaters can operate for 5-10 hours at full capacity before needing to cool down or refuel.
It is worth noting that while diesel heaters are generally safe to use, with features such as automatic shut-off to prevent overheating, there are some potential disadvantages. Poor-quality models may require constant servicing and maintenance, and there is a risk of dangerous fumes and exhaust if the heater is not properly installed. Therefore, it is important to consider the initial cost of a high-quality diesel heater as well as its ongoing maintenance costs.
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Diesel fuel heaters vs LPG heaters
Diesel fuel heaters and LPG heaters are both used to heat vehicles such as campervans, caravans, and motorhomes. They both use a heat exchange process to duct warm air into the living area of the vehicle. However, there are several differences between the two types of heaters in terms of fuel source, convenience, cost, safety, and installation.
One key difference between diesel fuel heaters and LPG heaters is the fuel source. Diesel fuel heaters run on diesel, which is a cheap and readily available fuel source. Diesel is widely available, making it a convenient option for vehicle owners. On the other hand, LPG heaters use liquefied petroleum gas, which is also widely available but can be harder to source and more costly to fill up. LPG heaters can be connected to the vehicle's internal LPG tank, while diesel heaters require a drilled connection to the vehicle's fuel tank or a separate auxiliary fuel tank.
Another difference between the two types of heaters is their performance in cold conditions. LPG heaters can struggle in cold conditions, with gas bottles having trouble with pressure as they empty out. In contrast, diesel is not affected by temperature in the same way, providing consistent burn performance and heat all year round. However, in very cold conditions, diesel may require the addition of kerosene or a winter fuel additive to prevent it from becoming gummy.
Cost is also a factor to consider when comparing diesel fuel heaters and LPG heaters. Diesel heaters are generally more cost-effective to run, with diesel being a cheaper fuel than LPG. However, the initial investment in a diesel heater can be higher, as high-quality models tend to be more expensive. LPG heaters may have lower upfront costs, but the ongoing fuel costs can add up over time.
Safety is another important consideration. Diesel heaters are generally safe to use, with the exhaust pipe expelling waste outside the vehicle, keeping the air inside the cabin safe to breathe. Modern diesel heaters also come equipped with safety features such as automatic shut-off in case of overheating or fuel supply problems. LPG heaters also have safety measures, such as the requirement for an exhaust flue to be fitted in the wall of the van.
When it comes to installation, LPG heaters may have a slight advantage due to their simpler installation process. Connecting an LPG heater to existing LPG lines is typically a straightforward job for a qualified gas fitter. Diesel heaters, on the other hand, can be more complex to install, especially when connecting to the vehicle's fuel tank. However, professional installation can ensure a safe and proper setup for both types of heaters.
In conclusion, both diesel fuel heaters and LPG heaters have their advantages and disadvantages. Diesel heaters offer superior performance in cold conditions, lower running costs, and convenient fuel availability. LPG heaters may be preferred for their simpler installation process and the convenience of a single fuel source for cooking and heating in caravans. It is essential to consider factors such as climate, fuel costs, safety, and installation requirements when deciding between a diesel fuel heater and an LPG heater for a vehicle heating system.
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Frequently asked questions
A diesel heater is a heating device that uses diesel as its primary fuel source. It is often used in vehicles, such as campervans, trucks and RVs, to provide warmth to the interior.
A diesel heater burns diesel fuel to heat a heat exchanger. The combustion process draws in fresh air and expels combustion gases through an exhaust. The heat exchanger then heats up the cold air, which is blown into the vehicle, providing warmth.
Diesel heaters are reliable, cost-effective, energy-saving and safe. They work well in low temperatures and don't use up too much fuel or energy. Diesel is also a prominent and cheap fuel that is easy to find.
Poor quality or old diesel heaters may require constant servicing and maintenance. They can also be noisy, with loud noises and heavy vibrations. They may also produce dangerous fumes and exhaust, although this is less likely with newer, high-quality models.
