DeWalt Forced Air Electric Construction Heater

As someone who spends a lot of time on construction sites and in workshops, I've had the opportunity to test various heating solutions to keep the workspace comfortable during colder months. Recently, I had the chance to try out the DeWalt Forced Air Electric Construction Heater, model DXH165. Given DeWalt's reputation for rugged and reliable tools, I had high expectations for this heater. Here’s my detailed take on its performance, build quality, and overall usability.

Performance

The DeWalt construction heater operates at 1,500 watts and is designed to be plugged into a standard 120V outlet. With an output of 1.65 kW and a BTU rating of 5,630 BTU/HR, I expected it to deliver a decent amount of heat. However, my experience was somewhat mixed.

In small, enclosed spaces, such as a small bathroom or a compact workshop, the heater does a satisfactory job of maintaining a comfortable temperature. I tested it in a 9x14 office and found that it struggled to bring the room to a cozy warmth. The heater’s fan circulates air at 120 CFM, which is decent but not exceptional. This means it can take a while for the heater to make a noticeable difference in temperature, especially in larger or poorly insulated areas.

One of the heater’s key features is its thermostat, which ranges from 25°F to 95°F. It cycles the heating element on and off to maintain the set temperature. This feature works well for preventing the space from getting too hot, but it also means that the heater isn’t constantly blasting heat. If you’re looking for instant warmth, this might not be the right choice.

Build Quality

True to DeWalt’s reputation, the DXH165 is built like a tank. The housing is robust and feels durable, capable of withstanding the rough conditions of a construction site. The recessed controls are a thoughtful touch, as they protect the switches and knobs from accidental damage. The illuminated power switch with an LED fault indicator is a useful feature that lets you know the unit is powered on and if there are any issues.

However, I did encounter a couple of design flaws. The thermal overload protection feature is a great safety addition, but it seems to kick in too quickly, causing the heater to shut down prematurely. Additionally, accessing the reset button requires removing the cover, which involves unscrewing 14 screws. This is cumbersome and could have been designed more user-friendly.

Usability

Setting up and operating the DeWalt heater is straightforward. The controls are easy to understand, and the unit is relatively lightweight at 14 lbs, making it easy to move around. However, it’s worth noting that the heater performs best when plugged into a dedicated 15-amp breaker. Using it on a shared circuit can cause it to trip the breaker, which can be inconvenient.

One aspect that stands out is the heater’s safety certification for unattended use. This is particularly useful for keeping spaces warm overnight without having to worry about potential hazards. I left the heater running in a small bathroom for a week and it successfully maintained the temperature without any issues.

Heating Speed and Efficiency

When it comes to heating speed, the DeWalt heater is somewhat underwhelming. It doesn’t provide the immediate warmth that some other heaters offer. The fan moves air at a moderate speed, which means it takes longer to heat up a space. In my tests, it took over an hour to notice a significant temperature increase in a medium-sized room.

Comparing it to a $25 ceramic heater I also have, the ceramic heater seemed to provide quicker warmth, despite having the same wattage rating. This makes me question the efficiency of the heating element in the DeWalt unit. The heater’s performance might improve if used in a smaller, well-insulated space, but for larger areas, it falls short.

Portability and Size

The compact size of the DeWalt heater is a plus. It’s easy to transport and doesn’t take up much space, making it ideal for use in tight spots. The handle is ergonomic and comfortable to grip, which is helpful when moving the heater from one location to another. For someone who needs a portable heating solution that can be easily relocated, this heater ticks the box.

Final Thoughts

In summary, the DeWalt Forced Air Electric Construction Heater, model DXH165, is a mixed bag. It excels in build quality and safety features, making it a durable and reliable option for specific use cases. However, its heating performance leaves much to be desired, especially in larger or poorly insulated spaces. The heater is best suited for small, enclosed areas where it can maintain a consistent temperature over time.

Would I recommend this heater? If you need a portable, durable heater for small spaces and you value safety features like unattended use certification, then this heater could be a good fit. However, if you’re looking for a heater that provides quick and substantial warmth in larger areas, you might want to consider other options. The DeWalt heater is a solid choice for specific applications, but it doesn’t quite live up to the high standards set by other DeWalt products.