It’s Heater Season – Propane vs Butane Heaters: What You Need to Know

As the evenings grow colder and autumn turns to winter, staying warm both indoors and outdoors becomes a priority. At Unit 42 Limited in Bracknell, we know many of our customers are now thinking about heating options – whether for the patio, the garage, or the home. Two popular choices are propane patio heaters and butane heaters. Both have their advantages, and the right option depends on how and where you plan to use them.

🔥 Propane Patio Heaters

Pros:

• Ideal for outdoors – Propane heaters are designed for patios, gardens, and open spaces. They work well even in very cold weather.
• High heat output – Excellent at heating larger areas, making them great for social gatherings outside.
• Versatile placement – Because they don’t need mains power, you can set them up wherever you need them.
• Long burn time – Larger propane cylinders can provide extended heating without frequent refilling.
  
  

Cons:

• Outdoor only – Propane heaters are unsafe for indoor use due to the risk of carbon monoxide and the need for strong ventilation.
• Heavy cylinders – Propane bottles are typically larger and heavier than butane, which can make handling and storage less convenient.
• Higher running costs – Depending on usage, propane can be more expensive over time than butane.
• Wind sensitivity – Outdoor propane heaters can lose efficiency if exposed to strong winds.
  
  

🔥 Butane Heaters

Pros:

• Perfect for indoors – Butane burns cleanly and efficiently, making it suitable for portable indoor heaters.
• Compact cylinders – Easier to carry, store, and connect compared to propane bottles.
• Economical – Butane often provides more energy per litre, making it efficient for moderate indoor heating.
• Convenient – Many butane heaters are portable, so you can move them between rooms.
  
  

Cons:

• Cold weather limitations – Butane can struggle to vaporise in freezing conditions, which means it’s less effective outdoors in winter.
• Lower heat output – Not as powerful as propane for very large or open spaces.
• Cylinder size – Smaller bottles mean you may need to replace or refill them more often if used regularly.
• Ventilation required – Even though butane heaters are designed for indoors, you still need proper airflow for safe use.
  
  

The Importance of Ventilation with Indoor Gas Heaters

If you’re using a butane heater indoors, it’s vital to ensure there is enough ventilation. Gas heaters consume oxygen and can produce carbon monoxide (CO), which is dangerous in enclosed spaces.

• Always use a butane heater in a well-ventilated room — for example, by keeping a window slightly open.
• Never use gas heaters in bedrooms, bathrooms, or unventilated spaces.
• Check regularly that the heater is working properly and that the flame burns blue (a yellow flame may indicate incomplete combustion).
  
  

👉 Good ventilation keeps you safe and ensures your heater runs more efficiently.

⚠️ Don’t Forget a Carbon Monoxide Alarm

Even with proper ventilation, we strongly recommend buying a carbon monoxide alarm when using any gas heater indoors. These small devices are inexpensive and can save lives by detecting dangerous CO levels early. At Unit 42 Limited, we stock carbon monoxide alarms alongside our range of heaters — so you can stay warm with peace of mind.

🔌 Electric Fan Heater Alternatives

We also understand that some customers prefer not to use gas heaters in their homes. That’s why Unit 42 Limited stocks and can source electric fan heaters as an alternative.

Benefits of electric heaters:

• No gas required – Simply plug in and go.
• Safe for all rooms – No fuel, fumes, or ventilation concerns.
• Portable and compact – Easy to move around the home.
• Instant heat – Quick to warm up small to medium-sized spaces.
  
  

Whether you’re looking for a gas solution or a plug-in electric option, we’ve got you covered.

✅ In Stock Now at Unit 42 Limited

We’re pleased to let our Bracknell customers know we currently have 4 x Superser H180 Radiant Butane Heaters in stock. These reliable, portable heaters are a fantastic choice for indoor use — perfect for keeping living spaces cosy during the colder months.

And here’s the best part:

👉 If you’re buying your first butane heater and cylinder, we’ll waive the cylinder deposit fee when you purchase a brand-new butane gas cylinder with your heater. That’s a saving straight away — and a warmer, safer home all season long.

🛒 Visit Unit 42 Limited in Bracknell

Whether you need a propane heater for outdoors, a butane heater for indoors, or a simple electric fan heater, we’ve got you covered with expert advice, stock on-site, and this special cylinder deposit offer.

📍 Find us at Unit 42, Longshot Lane, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 1RL

📞 Call us on 01344 861342

🌐 Or drop by to see our range of heaters, gas supplies, and safety products

Stay warm and stay safe this season with Unit 42 Limited – Bracknell’s trusted supplier for tools, hardware, and heating solutions.