Low profile heaters fit tight spaces, mount to ceilings, sit discreetly on floors, or integrate into RV rooftops. This guide compares versatile low profile options for bathrooms, workspaces, small rooms, and mobile living, summarizing key features to help you match product type to application.
| Product | Type | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Caframo True North Heater | Portable Low-Profile Electric | Adjustable thermostat, anti-freeze mode |
| Broan-NuTone 157 Ceiling Heater | Ceiling-Mounted Fan-Forced | 1250W enclosed sheath element |
| Femotic 157 Bathroom Ceiling Heater | Ceiling-Mounted Fan-Forced | PTC ceramic heating, overheat protection |
| outequip 10000 BTU RV AC (w/heater) | Rooftop AC With Supplemental Heater | 10k BTU cooling, 4,500 BTU PTC heater |
| TURBRO 13.5K Inverter Low-Profile Rooftop | Inverter RV Rooftop Heat Pump | Thin 10″ profile, inverter compressor, heat pump |
Content Navigation
- Caframo True North Low Profile Heater
- Broan-NuTone 157 Low-Profile Ceiling Heater
- Femotic 157 Bathroom Ceiling Heater
- outequip 10000 BTU Low Profile RV AC (With Heater)
- TURBRO 13.5K Inverter Low-Profile Rooftop Unit
- Buying Guide: How To Choose A Low Profile Heater
- 1. Application Type And Mounting
- 2. Heat Output And Intended Coverage
- 3. Energy Efficiency And Operation Mode
- 4. Safety Features And Certifications
- 5. Installation And Space Constraints
- 6. Noise And User Comfort
- 7. Durability And Weather Resistance
- 8. Maintenance And Serviceability
- 9. Comparison Perspectives
- 10. Final Selection Checklist
Caframo True North Low Profile Heater
The Caframo True North is a compact electric heater with a low profile steel housing and three heat plus two fan settings for adjustable circulation. It is designed for portability and storage in tight spaces while providing steady heat up to a higher output setting for faster warming.
Key features referenced from the listing include an adjustable thermostat, an anti-freeze setting that automatically engages at about 38°F (3°C), and a rugged construction for durability. The anti-freeze feature is useful for preventing freezing temperatures in storage rooms, garages, or seasonal spaces.
Use cases: small rooms, workspaces, garages, or as a supplemental source in areas where a compact footprint and quiet operation matter. Installation is plug-and-play; no hardwiring required.
Broan-NuTone 157 Low-Profile Ceiling Heater
Call 888-896-7031 for Free Local HVAC Quotes – Compare and Save Today!
The Broan-NuTone 157 is a ceiling-mounted, fan-forced heater intended as an energy-saving supplemental heat source for bathrooms, kitchens, and other small rooms. It operates at 1250W and 120VAC and uses an enclosed metal sheath element for reliable heating.
Design highlights include a low profile housing that minimizes visual bulk in ceilings and a satin aluminum grille that integrates with standard fixtures. The enclosed element improves longevity and reduces exposure to moisture in bath environments.
Ideal applications: bathrooms and small interior areas where ceiling-mounted heating reduces floor clutter. Requires electrical wiring and ceiling cavity space for installation; compatibility with existing junction boxes should be verified prior to purchase.
Femotic 157 Bathroom Ceiling Heater
The Femotic 157 ceiling heater is a low-profile alternative compatible with Broan-NuTone 157 installations. It features PTC ceramic heating technology for rapid, efficient warmth and a thin shell design to match modern decor.
Manufacturer-listed safety features include an advanced overheat protection system that disconnects power if overheating is detected. The product description also emphasizes low noise operation suitable for bathrooms and small living spaces.
Call 888-896-7031 for Free Local HVAC Quotes – Compare and Save Today!
Installation considerations mirror other ceiling units: electrical connection and adequate ceiling cavity depth are required. The product is positioned as a drop-in option for 157-style housings with attention to quiet, fast heating.
outequip 10000 BTU Low Profile RV AC (With Heater)
This outequip rooftop unit is a low profile RV air conditioner that includes a supplementary PTC heater rated at 4,500 BTU. The product pairs efficient cooling (10,000 BTU) with a modest heating capability intended for mild conditions and small interior spaces.
Construction features listed include UV-stabilized ABS materials, EPDM gaskets, and a zinc-coated condenser for weather resistance. The heating element is described as a supplementary source rather than a primary heater for extreme cold or large spaces.
Consider this option when you need a combined cooling and low-profile heating solution for vans, campers, or small RVs where rooftop height and aerodynamic drag are concerns.
TURBRO 13.5K Inverter Low-Profile Rooftop Unit
The TURBRO rooftop unit is an inverter-style non-ducted low-profile rooftop HVAC offering up to 13,500 BTU cooling and a heat pump for heating. The inverter compressor increases efficiency and reduces noise compared with traditional fixed-speed units.
Key product attributes from the listing include a 10.0″ slim rooftop thickness, energy-saving operation with up to 30% better efficiency, and a heat pump capable of delivering heat in a broad temperature range. The heat pump provides greater heating output vs. resistive elements in similar rooftop units.
Suitable for RVs and mobile platforms where year-round climate control is desired and rooftop profile limits are strict. Installation requires rooftop preparation and electrical capacity planning typical of inverter HVAC systems.
Buying Guide: How To Choose A Low Profile Heater
Selecting a low profile heater depends on application, installation constraints, heating load, and energy source. The guide below outlines purchase considerations and comparison perspectives.
Tips for Getting the Best HVAC Prices
- Prioritize Quality Over Cost
The most critical factor in any HVAC project is the quality of the installation. Don’t compromise on contractor expertise just to save money. - Check for Rebates
Always research current rebates and incentives — they can significantly reduce your overall cost. - Compare Multiple Quotes
Request at least three estimates before making your choice. You can click here to get three free quotes from local professionals. These quotes include available rebates and tax credits and automatically exclude unqualified contractors. - Negotiate Smartly
Once you've chosen a contractor, use the proven strategies from our guide — How Homeowners Can Negotiate with HVAC Dealers — to get the best possible final price.
1. Application Type And Mounting
- Ceiling-Mounted Heaters: Best for bathrooms and small rooms to free floor space. Check ceiling cavity depth and wiring requirements.
- Portable Low-Profile Heaters: Ideal for temporary or mobile use (garages, workshops, under desks). Look for thermostats and anti-freeze modes for unattended spaces.
- Rooftop HVAC Units: Suited to RVs and campers. Choose inverter heat pumps for efficient year-round use or units with supplemental PTC heaters for mild heating.
2. Heat Output And Intended Coverage
- Match wattage/BTU to room size: ceiling fan-forced units at ~1250W suit small rooms; portable units vary by setting. Rooftop units list BTU ratings—use room volume and insulation to size appropriately.
- Rooftop heat pumps generally provide better heating per electrical input than small resistive heaters in mobile applications.
3. Energy Efficiency And Operation Mode
- Inverter Compressors (in rooftop units) adjust speed for efficiency and quieter operation.
- PTC Ceramic Elements offer fast warm-up and self-regulating behavior in some ceiling units.
- Consider thermostat control, multiple heat/fan settings, and programmable features to reduce runtime and energy use.
4. Safety Features And Certifications
- Look for overheat protection, sealed heating elements for moisture-prone areas, and relevant safety listings (UL/ETL) for electric heaters.
- Ceiling heaters should have an enclosed element or sheath to prevent direct contact and to handle humid environments.
5. Installation And Space Constraints
- Ceiling units require junction boxes and adequate plenum depth; verify compatibility with existing ceiling frameworks.
- Rooftop HVAC installations require structural mounting, electrical supply capacity, and sometimes professional installation to maintain vehicle roof integrity.
- Portable options need only a grounded outlet but consider ventilation and clearance for safe operation.
6. Noise And User Comfort
- Fan-forced heaters produce audible airflow; check manufacturer noise references if quiet operation is essential.
- Inverter rooftop units generally run quieter than older fixed-speed compressors and reduce perceived vibration.
7. Durability And Weather Resistance
- For exterior-facing rooftop units, choose UV-stabilized housings, corrosion-resistant condensers, and robust gaskets to resist water ingress and UV damage.
- Indoor ceiling and portable units should have durable grilles, steel housings, and finishes that suit bathroom or garage environments.
8. Maintenance And Serviceability
- Consider ease of accessing filters, fans, and heating elements for cleaning. Rooftop HVAC units require periodic condenser and coil maintenance.
- For plug-in portable heaters, simple cleaning and occasional thermostat calibration suffice for long-term operation.
9. Comparison Perspectives
- Performance vs. Footprint: Portable units like the Caframo deliver flexibility with minimal footprint, while ceiling units provide out-of-the-way heat with fixed installation.
- Efficiency vs. Cost: Inverter heat pumps (TURBRO) yield higher seasonal efficiency but require greater upfront investment and installation complexity compared to simple resistive heaters.
- Safety vs. Output: Ceiling heaters with enclosed sheath elements (Broan/Femotic) prioritize safe operation in humid rooms but are limited in coverage compared to rooftop BTU-rated systems.
10. Final Selection Checklist
- Confirm intended room size and insulation before selecting heat output.
- Match installation type (ceiling, portable, rooftop) to available space and wiring capability.
- Prioritize safety features for bathrooms and unattended locations.
- For RVs, evaluate electrical system capacity and whether a heat pump or resistive heater better fits cold-weather needs.