Do I Need a Double Regulator in a Propane Blue Flame Heater?

A propane blue flame heater is a popular choice for supplemental heating in homes, garages, and other indoor spaces. The decision to use a single or double regulator setup for your propane blue flame heater depends on several factors, including the location of the heater, the pressure of the propane supply, and the number of appliances sharing the same propane supply. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the technical details and considerations to help you determine the optimal regulator setup for your propane blue flame heater.

Understanding Propane Regulators

Propane regulators play a crucial role in controlling the pressure of propane gas as it flows from the source (typically a propane tank) to the appliance (in this case, the blue flame heater). The regulator reduces the high-pressure propane from the tank (typically around 250 PSIG) to the lower pressure required by the appliance, which is typically around 11 inches of water column (WC) for a propane blue flame heater.

Technical Specifications of Propane Blue Flame Heaters

Propane blue flame heaters are designed to operate within a specific range of input ratings and gas pressures. Typically, a propane blue flame heater has an input rating of around 30,000 to 40,000 BTUs per hour. The required propane gas pressure for these heaters is typically around 11 inches of water column (WC).

Single Regulator Setup

In a single regulator setup, the propane tank is connected to the blue flame heater using a single regulator. This regulator reduces the high-pressure propane from the tank (around 250 PSIG) to the required appliance pressure of 11 WC. This setup is suitable for most applications where the heater is located close to the propane tank and there are no other appliances sharing the same propane supply.

The advantages of a single regulator setup include:

Simplicity of installation and maintenance
Lower cost compared to a double regulator setup
Sufficient for most residential and small-scale applications

Double Regulator Setup

A double regulator setup consists of two regulators in series. The first regulator reduces the high-pressure propane from the tank to an intermediate pressure, and the second regulator further reduces the intermediate pressure to the required appliance pressure of 11 WC.

The double regulator setup is typically used in the following scenarios:

Heater Located Significant Distance from Propane Tank: When the blue flame heater is located a significant distance from the propane tank, the double regulator setup can help maintain a more stable pressure at the appliance, even with changes in the supply pressure.
Multiple Appliances Sharing the Same Propane Supply: If there are multiple appliances (e.g., a blue flame heater and a gas stove) sharing the same propane supply, the double regulator setup can help ensure a consistent pressure for each appliance, even when one appliance is in use and the other is not.

The advantages of a double regulator setup include:

Improved pressure stability at the appliance
Better performance and efficiency of the blue flame heater
Ability to accommodate multiple appliances on the same propane supply

Factors to Consider

When deciding between a single or double regulator setup for your propane blue flame heater, consider the following factors:

Distance from Propane Tank: If the heater is located a significant distance from the propane tank, a double regulator setup may be necessary to maintain a stable pressure at the appliance.
Number of Appliances: If there are multiple appliances sharing the same propane supply, a double regulator setup can help ensure consistent pressure for each appliance.
Pressure Fluctuations: If you experience significant pressure fluctuations in your propane supply, a double regulator setup can help stabilize the pressure at the appliance.
Budget: A double regulator setup may be more expensive than a single regulator setup, so consider your budget and the potential benefits of the additional regulator.

Conclusion

In summary, the decision to use a single or double regulator setup for your propane blue flame heater depends on the specific requirements of your application. By understanding the technical specifications of your heater and the role of regulators in propane systems, you can make an informed decision that ensures the optimal performance and safety of your propane blue flame heater.