What Are Some Common Problems With Mr. Buddy Heaters?
Common problems with Mr. Heater Big Buddy heaters include clogged regulator and control valves, noisy and weak fans, leaking hoses and fuel inefficiency, states TacticalIntelligence.net. The heaters can also not be repaired once damaged.
When using the Big Buddy Heater with the 20-pound tank, the regulator and control valve can get clogged by residue formed due to the high PSI from the propane tank. This can be avoided by turning off the tank first and allowing the fuel left in the hose to burn up completely, rather than just switching off the heater. Using a gas line filter also prevents this clogging. If user instructions are not followed and the valves and regulator become clogged, the heater is permanently damaged with no options for repair.
The Mr. Heater Big Buddy heater has a battery- or AC-powered fan to propel heat. This fan has a noisy motor, and has also been rated by users as not powerful enough to fan the heat around larger rooms.
Leaking hoses are a result of the chemical reaction between the rubber and gas, resulting in an oily residue. To avoid this problem, the hose can be replaced with one that has a pressure reducing regulator.
The Big Buddy Heater uses one- or two-pound propane tanks that need to be refilled constantly, making it fuel inefficient. The alternative 20-pound tank requires a well-maintained hose and regulator, with the tank preferably installed outdoors to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
