What is a Monitor Heater?

Monitor heaters manufactured by Monitor Products, Incorporated operate on a gravity flow system eliminating the need for a pump to operate the fuel supply. Designed to use K1, these wall mounted heaters claim to use only 1 gallon of fuel a day to heat a 2000 square foot area, making them extremely economical to operate. Safety features eliminate the concerns of carbon monoxide emissions or accidental explosions that can occur with propane or natural gas heaters.

Features

Monitor heaters feature automatic temperature controls that allow users to set temperatures for specific periods. Four separate settings allow users to target different levels of heat throughout the day without the worry or bother of adjusting controls before bedtime or before leaving for work. A fan forced heat system provides a steady flow of warm air to warm the living area throughout the day without the fluctuations common to other forms of heat. It features a contained combustion system that eliminates kerosene fumes and improves efficiency. The monitor draws outside air for combustion and exhausts to the outside. Electricity operates the fan and temperature controls.

Installation

Monitor heaters installed on outside walls require a simple flue that consists of two pipes in one. The outer pipe serves to draw outside air into the heater and the inner pipe exhausts air to the outside. The design of the pipe allows incoming air to preheat as it passes the exhaust. Stove installation requires one person and takes approximately 2 hours to complete. Tank installation requires two people and takes another 2 hours to complete. Professional installation is available, but not necessary.

Backup System

The Monitor 422 system features a backup system powered by RV batteries and an inverter to power the heater during loss of electricity for up to 5 1/2 hours. The heater automatically transfers to the battery backup with no interruption in service should electricity fail. The system is not available for earlier models.

Heat Output

Monitor heaters provide direct that does not rely on duct work to move heat to the desired area. Duct work is responsible for up to 45% loss of heat in traditional systems. Monitor heaters avoid this heat loss and claim to be 93% efficient. The Monitor 2400 heats a 2200 square foot area and produces 43,000 BTUs. The monitor 2200 covers a 1400 square foot area with 22,000 BTUs. Both use a 220 gallon outside fuel tank.

Cost

The monitor 2200 sells for approximately $1500 and the 2400 sells for a little under $2000. Total associated costs of a fuel tank and plumbing kit bring the totals to about $2100 and $ 2600, respectively.

Fuel Use

Due to the efficiency of the heater, fuel consumption is projected to be considerably less than traditional oil furnaces or electric heat. Money saved on fuel costs quickly pay for the cost of the heater.