A gas heater is an effective and efficient way to warm your home. It can be less expensive to run than electric heaters and it’s also a cleaner heat source.
To get the most out of your gas heater, it’s important to choose one that is the correct size for your space. Luckily, most gas heater manufacturers provide sizing charts based on climate zone maps.
Cost
As the cold weather comes around, many people start to think about ways to keep their homes warm. One of the most common ways to do this is by using a heater.
Whether you are looking for a primary heating option for your home or an additional source of heat in other rooms, gas heaters are a great way to get the job done. These heaters are available in a variety of sizes and fuel types, such as natural gas and liquid propane.
Costwise, a gas heater will typically be less expensive than an electric heater. However, it is important to consider upfront costs and installation costs when making a decision between the two.
While gas heaters are cheaper to run, they are also more likely to break down and need repairs. This can lead to costly maintenance fees and a larger upfront investment. Consequently, they are not recommended for all homes.
Efficiency
Gas Heaters are highly energy efficient and use very little fuel to produce the amount of heat required. This means they save you money on heating bills and also help the environment by reducing emissions of greenhouse gases.
Gas heaters can be used for room or outdoor area heating and can be fuelled by natural gas, LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) or biogas. Indoor types include unflued portable gas heaters, flued gas heaters and radiant gas heaters.
They can also be used in conjunction with a central gas heating system. However, a gas heating system is not a cheap option and requires regular maintenance and servicing.
These systems require a system of ducts to distribute heat throughout the house, and they have vents that let dangerous carbon monoxide gas safely escape to the outside. This is why they’re considered safer than electric heaters, although a digital display carbon monoxide detector should be installed in all rooms.
Safety
Gas heaters can provide a source of warmth and comfort in cold weather, but they also have the potential to be dangerous if not used safely. They can cause fires and release carbon monoxide.
All types of gas heaters, including central heating units, space heaters, wall furnaces and decorative appliances such as decorative log fires, must be serviced by a licensed gasfitter at least every 2 years and tested for spillage of carbon monoxide.
Ensure your home is properly ventilated when you use a gas heater, particularly in a closed room. This can be achieved by keeping a door or window open and using a range hood that exhausts combustion pollutants outdoors.
In some homes with open flued gas heaters, running a bathroom fan can draw carbon monoxide from the chimney back into the living area. These open flued heaters are currently subject to a safety alert from Energy Safe Victoria, so check whether you have one before using it.
Installation
Natural gas is the cleanest type of fossil fuel and a great choice for heating a home. But, as with any heating system, gas heaters have their risks, including the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning.
For this reason, a licensed gas fitter should install your gas heater for you in accordance with local regulations. They’ll also inspect and test it for CO leaks.
To install a gas heater, first decide what type you want to use (flued or unflued). Flued heaters need to be installed with a chimney so that all the emissions are extracted from the air and deposited outside the building.
Non-flued heaters can be used in a room that has proper ventilation. They may be a good option for small rooms that don’t need much heating.
To connect the heater, install a pipe in your garage roof or wall, then attach metallic roof flashing or a vent cap to keep water from leaking into your house. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for sizing and installation.