A Reddy Heater 55, a portable forced-air heater rated near 55,000 BTU per hour, may cost about $100-$300 used when working, while comparable new heaters commonly run $200-$400. The final price depends on condition, included accessories, fuel type, local availability, and whether the specific Reddy model is still being sold.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Used Reddy Heater 55 | $100 | $200 | $300 | Working unit; condition and accessories vary |
| Comparable new 55,000-BTU heater | $200 | $300 | $400 | Current equivalent rather than necessarily a Reddy-branded model |
| Minor repair or tune-up | $40 | $100 | $200 | Parts and service availability affect the total |
| Fuel while operating | $1.60/hr | $2.00/hr | $2.40/hr | Approximate fuel expense at 0.4 gallon per hour |
What a 55,000-BTU Reddy Heater Usually Costs
For a used Reddy Heater 55 in operating condition, a realistic purchase budget is $100-$300, with roughly $200 a common midpoint. A unit with a clean fuel system, working thermostat, intact power cord, and accessories can command more than a heater sold untested or needing repair. Local supply can be limited because many Reddy models are older.
New comparable forced-air heaters rated around 55,000 BTU typically cost $200-$400 before tax. That range reflects basic portable models and does not guarantee the same brand, fuel compatibility, or construction as the Reddy unit. Assumptions: U.S. prices, standard portable heater, no delivery charge, and a used Reddy model that is complete.
For a used Reddy Heater 55, about $200 is a practical starting budget, not a guaranteed retail price.
How the Used-Heater Quote Breaks Down
Seller prices often cover the heater alone. A buyer may need to budget separately for fuel, a safe extension cord where permitted, service, or transport. Repair shops may decline older equipment if model-specific parts are difficult to source, so a low purchase price is not necessarily a low total cost.
| Quote item | Typical price | What changes the charge | Budget note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heater purchase | $100-$300 used | Tested status, condition, included accessories | Ask for a cold-start demonstration |
| Inspection or diagnosis | $40-$100 | Shop minimum and troubleshooting time | Confirm the fee before drop-off |
| Minor parts and tune-up | $40-$150 | Filter, nozzle, wiring, or cleaning needs | Parts may be unavailable for older models |
| Delivery or transport | $0-$75 | Distance and seller arrangement | Pickup avoids delivery charges |
| Fuel for operation | $4-$6 per gallon | Local kerosene price and fuel grade | Verify the manual’s approved fuel |
Service labor is commonly billed around $75-$125 per hour, plus parts, although a shop may charge a flat diagnostic minimum.
Fuel Choice and 55,000-BTU Output Change Running Cost
A heater in this capacity class may consume about 0.4 gallon of fuel per hour at full output, though the exact figure depends on model condition and operating setting. At $4-$6 per gallon, that works out to approximately $1.60-$2.40 per hour, or $13-$19 for an eight-hour day. Actual local fuel prices can move the total substantially.
Fuel compatibility is a model-specific issue. Forced-air heaters may be designed for kerosene, diesel, or other approved fuels, but using an unapproved fuel can affect performance, smoke, maintenance, and safety. Check the data plate and manual rather than assuming all fuels are interchangeable. A dirty filter or worn nozzle can also cause poor combustion and increase service needs.
At full output, fuel can cost as much as $19 per eight-hour workday at the upper end of this estimate.
Which Condition and Parts Issues Raise the Price?
Condition creates the widest spread in used-unit pricing. A heater that starts reliably, produces steady heat, and shuts down correctly is worth more than an untested unit. A seller’s brief demonstration does not replace inspection, but it can reveal hard starting, excessive smoke, unusual noise, or a damaged cord.
Parts availability is especially important for older Reddy models. A filter or nozzle replacement may be a modest repair, while a failed motor, control component, or fuel-system problem can push work toward $150-$300 or more if parts and labor are available. If repairs approach the price of a comparable new heater, replacement may be the lower-risk choice.
Budget extra when a 55,000-BTU unit is untested or lacks a clear model number and service history.
Regional Availability Makes Used Reddy Prices Uneven
Used prices can run about 10%-20% higher in cold-weather areas during fall and winter, when contractors and property owners are preparing for heating demand. In warmer regions or during spring and summer, sellers may accept less because fewer buyers are searching for portable jobsite heat. These are practical market tendencies, not fixed regional price rules.
Rural buyers may find fewer listings and pay more for transport, while larger metro areas often have more used equipment choices and competing sellers. However, local demand can still raise prices in construction markets. Comparing nearby listings with the cost of a new equivalent helps show whether an older heater is actually a bargain.
Timing and local supply can shift a used-unit quote by roughly $20-$60 on a $200 heater.
Used Reddy Heater 55 Versus a New Equivalent
A used Reddy can be the cheaper choice when it is tested, complete, and priced below about $200. A new 55,000-BTU equivalent may cost $200-$400 but generally offers current documentation, a seller or manufacturer warranty, and more predictable parts support. Exact warranty terms differ by brand and retailer.
For a heater needing $150 or more in repairs, compare the full repair total with a new unit before committing. A low-cost used heater can still make sense for occasional use if it passes inspection; frequent operation puts more value on dependable starting, service access, and warranty coverage.
Compare purchase price plus repairs against the new-unit price, rather than comparing sticker prices alone.
How to Keep the Reddy Heater Purchase Within Budget
Ask for the model number, fuel specification, and a demonstration before paying. Check the power cord, fuel cap, air intake, controls, and visible housing damage. Request a written list of included accessories and whether the seller has tested the heater with fuel, not just powered it on.
Compare at least three local listings with new comparable heaters, and set a repair limit before buying. Avoid paying a premium for accessories that are not needed, but do not cut corners on approved fuel or safe operating requirements. Follow the manufacturer’s ventilation and clearance instructions; portable combustion heaters can create carbon monoxide and should not be used in an enclosed space unless the equipment is specifically designed and approved for that use.
A demonstrated, complete unit priced near $150-$200 is generally easier to justify than an untested bargain with uncertain repair costs.