How to Avoid Condensation From a Propane Tent Heater

Condensation is the transformation of water vapor from gas to liquid form. When placed under pressure in a tank, propane maintains a temperature of -44 degrees Fahrenheit, causing excessive water vapor in the surrounding air to collect on the outside of the tank. When you sleep in a small tent, exhaled moisture raises the air’s humidity level enough to cause condensation on the bottle of a portable tent heater. To avoid condensation on the bottle, moisture must be removed from the air or the bottle must be insulated.

Things You'll Need

  • Insulated aluminum foil tape
  • Scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Vent the tent. Leave the tent window and door open just enough to allow fresh air to circulate throughout the tent. This will also allow a little heat to escape, but it will reduce the amount of moisture trapped inside the tent. Experiment with the amount of ventilation needed to eliminate condensation on the propane bottle, while retaining as much heat as possible.

    • 2

      Insulate the propane bottle. Cut strips of insulated aluminum foil tape, with a pair of scissors, to fit around the circumference of the propane bottle.

    • 3

      Remove the tape backing and apply the tape strips horizontally around the outside surface of the bottle, wrapping each strip of tape so there are no gaps between the edges of the strips.

    • 4

      Trim the ends of the tape, with the scissors, so the ends are flush with each other. Don’t allow the ends of the tape to overlap, or the tank may not fit properly into some models of heaters.

    • 5

      Screw the tank firmly onto the heater.