How Much Space Can a Polar Pal Diesel Heater Actually Heat

Heat Output

When it’s cold out, there’s a big difference between something that’s “warm enough” and something that actually throws heat. Polar Pal heaters put out about 27,000 BTU, or roughly 8,000 watts (8 kW) of heat — which is a lot for something this size. You can feel it almost right away. The air that comes out isn’t just warm; it’s hot, and it fills the space fast.

It’s also a dry heat, which makes a big difference compared to propane heaters. Propane gives off moisture as it burns, and that can make your tent or shack feel damp and clammy over time. The Polar Pal, on the other hand, keeps things dry and comfortable, which is especially nice when you’re trying to keep gear, sleeping bags, or clothes from getting wet inside.

A big part of heat they produce comes from the heat exchanger and fan — it moves air well, so you actually feel the heat spreading instead of sitting in one spot. It’s not magic, though. Like any heater, the amount of space you can heat still depends on things like insulation, outside temperature, and airflow.

How Much Space Can They Really Heat

In normal conditions, a Polar Pal heater can heat up to around 400 square feet — enough for a big wall tent, small shop, or ice shack. Of course, this is on the high end of the spectrum and completely depends on how cold it is outside and how well your space is insulated.

In a medium-small insulated space like an ice shack, cargo trailer, or roof-top-tent (RTT) or wall tent, you can get blazing hot, often too warm if the space is small and sealed up tight. This is why there is heat setting’s, so you can put lower the output.

In larger setups, you can get it nice and toasty during moderate climates, but  when temperatures drop to -20°C or below, and the space isn’t well insulated, it may not get overly warm, but it will help take edge off. For example, In a big wall tent, it’s perfect as an accessory heat source — something that keeps things comfortable through the night so you’re not up every couple of hours stoking the fire.

Ultimately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer — it really depends on your setup, insulation, and how cold it gets. The best thing you can do is run your heater in your space and see how it performs before relying on it in deep cold.

Still, one thing’s certain: once you’ve felt that steady, dry Polar Pal heat, it’s hard to go back to anything else.