is mr. buddy safe indoors

Many fear anything burning gas is like running a generator indoors that can kill you in 10 minutes. Staying alive is important, but these burn gas much like gas stoves burn gas for heating food in about 1/2 the houses across the country. No one dies from heating food on them (do they?), so these burn clean enough to be labeled "OK for indoors". There are cautions to beware of like gas leaks, fire hazards, etc, but used in a reasonable manor can work out fine. They do suggest having a window cracked for ventilation, but some argue "That lets your heat out and seems stupid". I ran the Buddy for 24 hours myself with a CO alarm nearby, but it never went off. Not sure long term use beyond that is the best idea, but it works. Doing your own experiments for heating the area you want may be the only way to find out what works for you.

What is the deal with the "filters" some hoses require them, some don't. Even the quick connect hoses seem to be a yes or no to the filter?

If you look at the reviews on the filters or at the OEM Q & A, they say that the filters are needed with most hoses carrying unregulated (high pressure) propane gas to the heater. If you are connecting unregulated gas to this heater, you must connect it to the "Disposable tank" connections so the built in regulators reduce the pressure internally. The reason for the filters are to trap oils that get "squeezed" out of most hoses under that high pressure and enter the gas stream. The one hose they say doesn't need a filter is their F273704 hose that is made "oil free", but is harder to flex as a result.If you are using the quick disconnect port on this heater, you MUST have a regulator on the gas supply. If you have a regulator directly on the tank you're connecting to, then all of the gas will be at low pressure and you don't need the filter (since the hoses are not "squeezed" much at all to make them lose the oils).If considering getting this heater and how you want to plumb it, I'd lean towards one of the options that eliminates the need for the filter. The F273704 hose may cost a bit more than others, but it's a 1 time cost and gets rid of another connection/possible leak point. Same with the regulator & QD.

How long do the canisters last?

Honestly, I've never used the canisters. I've only used the 20 lb. tank. There is a smaller tank and I think it's a 5 lb. tank that I intend on purchasing. One of the two tanks I just mentioned will be your best out. They can be refilled. The small canister are a waste. I've seen them used and they don't last long at all. They will frost up when they get to a certain level and no longer puts the propane through and the heater is useless. So just get the 5 or 20 lb. tank and you will be happy.

Will it run continuously without electricity or battery power?

As others indicate, the heater will run as long as there's fuel available. The Ignition is a Piezo / hammer type spark generator.and does not use the battery at all The battery operates ONLY the fan. In my opinion - you won't need the fan. It works very well without it.

Brand	Mr. Heater
Model Number	F274800
Color	Black,red
Product Dimensions	46.99 x 45.72 x 28.96 cm; 6.4 kg
Material	Propane
Auto Shutoff	Yes
Number of Speeds	3
Special Features	Lightweight, Portable, Tip Over Protection
Item Weight	6.4 Kilograms

Mr Heater MH18B Portable"Big Buddy" Heater [Kitchen & Home] [Kitchen & Home]

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