How do diesel heaters perform in cold climates?

​Over a cold winter area require reliable and efficient heating that can withstand the freezing temperatures, and this is something that diesel heaters will help ensure; so long as they are designed for cold-weather use. Lavaner is an ISO 9001 and CE-certified company for harsh-environment heaters, which develops their diesel fired ones to be a reliable solution in cold weather conditions that has been field tested over many years and comes with unique features. Here, below, we analyze them in terms of real cold weather performance–based on both Lavaner’s product specs and on how they work out in the field. ​

In actual use, what temperature range can diesel heaters maintain in extremely cold climates (e.g., -20°C to 0°C)? ​

In a nutshell, Lavaner’s diesel heaters are good old reliable way to keep the home, workshop or off-grid cabin warm in colder parts (-20°C ~ 0°C). For smaller spaces (up to 10㎡), the LAVA Max Alpine 2KW provides warmth and steady temperatures even between 16–20°C if it drops down to -20°C outside. Helping to uphold this performance is Lavaner’s most efficient airflow design yet: precise outlets dispense heat where it is needed most, to prevent cold spots. In workshop environments with less insulation, the 5KW model’s higher output keeps temperatures from dropping below freezing to save tools and supplies from frigid temperature damage. ​

How quickly do diesel heaters start in cold weather? What precautions can be taken to prevent cold start failures? ​

The LAVA Max Alpine Series heaters also enjoy fast starts in cold weather, with the LAVA Max series’ Kyocera silicon nitride glow plugs ensuring quick firing at -20 degrees C—taking 30-60 seconds to start (vs.post by Glow Plugs these are a more efficient and faster-starting replacement for the slower-to-warm glow plug). To avoid cold start failure Lavaner suggests two important steps to be first maintenance of winter grade diesel fuels in fuel tanks (to prevent any gelling or blockage of the fuel lines) and second, proper condition of a fuel filter. Also, Lavaner heaters are equipped with a cold-start protection of its own, that heats the glow plugs several seconds longer when the temperature falls below -15C as a result we have very few start problems. 

Based on actual test data, how does cold weather affect the fuel combustion efficiency of diesel heaters? ​

Internal test data from Lavaner shows that Fuel combustion efficiency is less affected by cold-weather (up to -20°C). As an example, the LAVA Max Alpine 5KW still achieves a combustion efficiency higher than 90% at down to -20C only 3-5% drop from mild temperatures (10–20°C). This level of stability is achieved with thanks to Lavaner’s precision fuel delivery system: the whisper-quiet fuel pump meter flow of fuel between 0 and 20,000 BTU based on ambient temperatures, maintaining a perfect tool-to-air ration in order to support a full burning process. Laboratory tests also detect that the 5KW model consumes only small quantities of diesel 0.3–0.5L/h at -20°C to maintain a 20°C indoor temperature an efficiency level which ensures running costs remain low during extended periods of cold weather. ​ 

How do wind and insulation around the heating area affect the performance of diesel heaters in cold climates? ​

The wind and insulation will play a direct role in how well Lavaner’s diesel heaters hold heat, but the incredible designs from this brand do make up for these factors. Strong winds (15–25 km/h) can bring in cold air to poorly insulated areas, causing the heater to work harder but Lavaner’s heaters changes their output automatically: for example, volume of heat produced by a 5KW model grows by 10-15% while compensating the loss of warm due to wind. On insulation, well insulated home/workshops by 15-20% decrease fuel use with the heater maintaining target temperatures. Mr. Lavaner also suggests that users pair its heaters with easy insulation updates (such as sealing gaps around doors) for maximum efficiency particularly in workshops, where there may be over-size doors allowing cold air to enter. There is also an increase in the heater’s output in poorly insulated areas so that temperature levels over freezing can be regulated but fuel consumption might be a little higher.

The Lanvaner diesel heaters are well built so as to work in the cold being extremely quality fast starting, instant heat and the ability to handle wind and insulation problems. If you live somewhere cold, and need a dependable heater that works properly, then they are right choice for you.