Welcome to Air Conditioner Lab dot com.
Our website and YouTube channel review a variety of products and recommend only the best HVAC
brands.
We spend hours researching and testing this equipment so that you can purchase with confidence.
In this video, we focus on the top three portable car heaters.
Each model has some unique features that we have highlighted and explained.
Let's get started!
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Our third-place pick is the Mr. Heater Buddy.
This is a portable propane heater that doesn't require an electrical outlet and is rated
safe for indoor use.
The clean burning heater will warm areas up to 225 square feet and work great in RVs,
campers, trucks, and cars alike.
This model has a variable thermostat to select the power output from 4000 to 9000 BTUs on
high.
If you are warming your car or defrosting windows, it is suggested you turn the unit
on high for about 15 minutes, then dial the heat back to a comfortable temperature.
The unit has plenty of safety features, too.
You will find a thermal overload shut off that keeps the internal parts, valves, and
hoses safe from overheating.
It also features a tip-over auto shut off that will turn the unit off immediately if
it tips more than 30 degrees.
The other automatic shut off features include a low oxygen sensor and pilot light extinguisher.
If the car isn't vented enough or oxygen levels drop below 18.5%, or if the pilot light goes
out, the machine will turn off immediately.
You will also find the fold-down handle and swivel-out regulator great for storage and
convenience.
While it is designed for the disposable 1-pound propane cylinders, it will also fit 20 and
30-pound tanks with a regulator valve and external hose connection; unfortunately, all
sold separately.
If you're looking for an electrical model, stay tuned for our top picks or visit our
web page for an additional six car heater reviews.
............. Today's runner-up is the Zerostart Interior
Car Warmer.
If you enjoy getting into your car on a cold morning with a warm interior and fully defrosted
windows, then this model from Zerostart is for you.
This 120-volt electrical heater pushes 900 watts of heat into your car.
The box is a bit bulky, but it won't be much of an issue once you find a place to mount
it.
You will need to run the plug through the firewall to the front of the car.
This can be a DIY project with some patience.
Once attached you can then use an extension cord to plug the heater into an outlet.
While the unit does need to be plugged in to work, many owners place it on a timer outlet
or use WiFi controlled outlets to turn the heater on while they are getting ready in
the morning.
By the time you head out to your car, just unplug the heater, and you are good to drive
away.
Unfortunately, Zerostart is difficult to get a hold of in case of a problem, and they don't
offer a manufacturer's warranty.
However, depending on where you purchase, you may be able to get a warranty from the
retailer for at least a year or two.
I didn't find any issues during testing that would require a warranty claim, but it does
give the user peace of mind.
A couple of downsides here is the fact that you have to install it through the firewall
and plug it into an outlet.
If you're looking for a simpler portable heater, you can visit our web page for more car heater
reviews.
............. Our top pick for the best portable heater
for your car goes to the Bestauto 8KW Diesel Air Heater.
This 8000-watt heater is the best diesel option on the market.
This unit comes with everything you need to install the heater in your car, truck, SUV,
or RV.
It can also be installed almost anywhere you need heat on a 12-volt circuit.
Installation will appear quite daunting.
You will need to find a mounting spot for the heater and the fuel tank.
You need to drill holes and attach mounting plates.
You also need to run hoses, cables, and wiring.
All in all, though, if you are patient and follow the step-by-step instructions, it will
only take a couple of hours to complete.
Once installed, this system works on its own, using its own diesel fuel tank.
That means you can install it in any automobile, whether the car uses diesel or not.
The LCD touch screen will control the heater, including all of the various settings, error
codes, temperature, and mode settings.
As far as these diesel heaters go, this model is one of the quietest out there.
When installed correctly, you don't need to worry about fumes or exhaust.
The entire unit is self-contained, and the exhaust hose vents directly outside the cab.
One thing to note, though, is that the exhaust hose gets extremely hot.
There isn't any heat shielding on this line, so you will need to purchase some.
Exhaust tape is fairly cheap, and a roll of the tape will cover the entire hose, protecting
your paint, interior, and bottom side of your car from heat damage.
............. There you have it!
Our favorite portable car heaters to keep you warm while driving in the winter.
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Also check out the information in the description box below.
This includes a link to our most up to date article on air conditioner lab dot com where
we review several more portable car heater brands.
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