What Is a Monitor Heater?

Experience the efficiency of modern heating with a monitor heater, an innovative oil-fueled system designed for optimal warmth distribution. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, homes utilizing oil-based heating systems can enjoy a high energy content of about 138,690 BTUs per gallon. 

Unlike traditional heaters, the monitor heater is strategically placed at the lower levels of your home, leveraging the natural tendency of heat to rise, thus providing consistent and cost-effective temperature control. With its sleek design, it defies the stereotype of bulky heating units. The integrated control panel offers user-friendly access to digital temperature settings and scheduling, ensuring your comfort around the clock. 

By choosing a monitor heater, you're selecting a system that combines aesthetics with practicality, promising a warm and inviting atmosphere in your living space.

It's important to place monitor heaters against an outer wall, allowing a hose at the back to draw in outside air for combustion. It heats the cold air on its way in through the hose. This is the most efficient means of home heating because the heater does not re-use warm air in the home. The only ventilation hole is the small opening (about 2 inches or 5 cm in diameter) where air is sucked in.

Monitor heaters are fueled with kerosene oil, which is far less expensive than electric heat and other fuel oils. The only source of fuel that is slightly less expensive than using the monitor heater is wood, but wood is messy, takes up a lot of space, and the stove must be attended regularly. Monitor heaters draw in oil from an oil tank and can be left unattended for months. These heaters are one of the safest modes of home heating. They do not present the fire hazard of wood stoves, or the carbon monoxide concern of natural gas.

A monitor heater heats up to about 2000 square feet of space (186 sq. meters), regardless of the style of home. It forces warm air into the room where it sits, and it makes use of vents in the ceiling, as well as door ways and staircases, where the heat rises to the next level of the home.

Installing a monitor heater requires the proper tools. Depending on the model, you may need both hand and power tools. Check your owner's manual for specifics, but make sure you should have some basics on hand:

Along with these essentials, you may need two special accessories: a hole saw attachment and a long drill bit. Review the manual for other required parts such as flue pipes, extensions and lifter pumps. This may also depend on where you plan to install the unit — into thicker walls or through a window, for instance.

When placing your heater, make sure the area is free of obstacles and debris. Pay attention to recommended clearance distances in your owner's manual. Watch out for foliage, plant debris, flammable objects and fuel storage near the outside area where the pipes will be placed.

Avoid unsafe areas when installing the unit. Do not put it inside a fireplace or in a wall that has plumbing pipes, studs, electrical wiring or air ducts. Also, you should place the heater near a wall outlet where it can plug in directly: Using extension cords with a monitor heater is unsafe.

The owner's manual for your monitor heater will have specific instructions to help you install it. However, knowing some general principles can prepare you for the installation process. First, you must cut a hole through the wall to hold the flue pipes. You'll need to pull out any insulation around this hole. An outer flange should be placed around the hole through which the flue pipe will run.

Before situating the heater itself, you should ensure that it's on a level surface. After confirming this, you'll set up the heater, install the air damper and connect the joint pipe to the heater's exhaust port. You'll then place the flue pipe holder. The flue pipe should connect to the air supply hose and the air damper. Lastly, you'll clamp the heater into place and double-check for flammable hazards.

Because monitor heaters use budget-friendly kerosene oil, they're usually less expensive to operate than other heaters. Fuel consumption can vary depending on your comfort preferences and climate. This can range between two and four gallons per day during cold weather.

Some monitor heaters are capable of running on diesel fuel. However, diesel should be considered for emergency use only. It can power your unit to provide essential heat until you are able to receive a kerosene oil delivery.

Fortunately, kerosene oil is widely available. You can typically find it at hardware and home improvement stores. Don't forget to check out farm supply stores and gas stations. Before putting diesel in your monitor heater, check your owner's manual. Follow recommended safety protocols, including refilling tanks outdoors.

It's easy to keep your monitor heater clean, but you should remember to include this task in your housekeeping and maintenance schedule. Be sure to clean the heater's exterior, interior and fuel strainer, plus empty the fuel tank. It's also important to keep the unit free from soot.

Experts recommend dusting the outer cabinet at least once per week. You'll want to use a microfiber cloth, which you can lightly dampen to remove any extra dirt. While you can use an all-purpose cleaner, you must only spray it onto your cleaning cloth. Do not use abrasive or flammable substances to clean your heater. Grills and glass panels should be washed in hot soapy water and completely dried before reinstalling them.

You must empty your unit's fuel tank to clean the fuel strainer. This task should be done at least once per year. To pour out the kerosene, you'll need a bottle and a funnel. After the fuel is out of the tank, remove the strainer and clean off any debris with fresh kerosene. Never use water or other cleaners on your heater's fuel strainer.

Soot can be vacuumed out of your heater by using a hose attachment. Afterward, mix a solution of one tablespoon of cleaner with a gallon of water. Use the solution and a sponge or cloth to clean interior surfaces. Depending on the level of soot, you may need to scrub.

A monitor heater is a type of direct vent heating system that runs on fuel such as kerosene or propane. It operates by drawing in air from outside for combustion and then venting the exhaust back out, ensuring clean air inside the home. The heater's electronic control monitors room temperature and adjusts the flame to maintain consistent warmth, making it an efficient option for heating.

Monitor heaters are known for their high efficiency, often operating at 80-90% efficiency rates. This is due to their direct vent technology and precise temperature control, which minimizes fuel waste. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, direct vent systems can be much more efficient than traditional indoor heating systems, which can have efficiency rates as low as 60%.

Yes, a monitor heater can serve as a primary heating source, especially in smaller homes or specific areas of larger homes. Its ability to maintain consistent temperatures and operate efficiently makes it suitable for full-time use during colder months. However, for larger spaces or extremely cold climates, additional heating sources may be necessary to ensure complete comfort.

Monitor heaters typically use kerosene or propane as fuel. The frequency of refueling depends on the heater's usage and the tank size. For example, a heater running continuously at maximum capacity will require more frequent refueling than one operating intermittently. On average, a moderate-sized tank might need refueling every few weeks during peak winter months.

While monitor heaters are generally safe when installed and maintained correctly, there are safety concerns to be aware of. Proper ventilation is crucial to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. It's also important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for installation and clearance around the heater. Regular maintenance checks are recommended to ensure the unit is functioning safely and efficiently.