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Choosing The Best Gas Heater
You are probably thinking of buying a gas heater but having trouble coming to an informed decision as to what type best suits your household. If that's the case, it is entirely understandable. Buying a gas heater could be hectic as gas heaters come in different sizes and designs, and many new brands are coming out in the market every day. For this reason, you need to do your research beforehand in order to find a gas heater that suits your needs the best.
In this article, you will find a compilation of some of the best gas heaters available on the market. Each heater is different in its own ways, so you have to understand how each works and then choose the one you like.
What Is A Gas Heater?
Gas heaters are appliances used to heat indoor spaces through burning natural gas, liquefied petroleum, or butane. Before the current technological advancements, every house used to have permanently installed heaters, but now there are several portable versions to choose from.
As time passes, gas heaters continue to evolve. Currently, you can find various types of gas heaters on the market; one such brand is Omega Altise. Keep in mind that a gas heater’s mode of operation depends on its type. Here are a few common gas heater types:
Catalytic Heaters
A catalytic gas heater is a flameless heater that relies on catalysed chemical reactions to break down molecules in order to produce heat. It works efficiently with the help of a catalyst that combines natural gas and oxygen to create heat without any flame. Until the source of fuel runs out, this process continues. It is straightforward to control the amount of heat of these heaters due to the way they work.
Forced Air Heaters
As the name states, this type of heater uses forced air in order to distribute heat around your house. The gas used here is mixed with oxygen which produces heat. The forced air created is then distributed in your entire space to keep it warm. This creates a flame as the heat is produced in a furnace that houses the air mixture. A blower then distributes hot air around a particular space that forces cold air through an exchanger.
Radiant Heaters
These types of heaters use electromagnetic radiation to distribute heat in your home. The heat is produced through a reaction between gas and oxygen. After being ignited, the heater uses filaments, a ceramic heat exchanger, or tubes with a combination of reflectors to direct the produced heat.
Gas Heaters Vs. Electric Heaters
You might be very confused about whether to go for a natural gas heater or an electric heater, especially if you have never bought one. Electric heaters are more popular these days because of how portable and less costly they run. They offer a more hassle-free experience than gas-powered ones, as all you need to do is purchase and plug it into a power outlet.
The cool thing about electric heaters is that they come with many automatic features that would only be available on high-end heaters. But one of the mentionable cons of these portable gas heaters is that they drastically fall short in their heat generation capacity.
After the brief introduction to electric heaters, you might be thinking of this as the most enticing option to go for. However, when it comes to heating a large area, electric heaters lag in the game. Even though gas heaters look like their archaic older brothers, they produce the highest amount of heat, making them convenient for large rooms. These heaters are used in the old fashion way by connecting them to gas tanks as their source of fuel.
Flued Gas Heaters Vs. Unflued Gas Heaters
There are gas heaters that are made for indoor and outdoor purposes. Unflued gas heaters burn gas to produce heat but do not have a flue to carry the exhaust gases away. So, these kinds of heaters are much more suitable for outdoors than indoors. The reason why they are so attractive to people is because of their low price. However, they are disadvantageous as they do not have a flue to discharge the dangerous combustion materials from your living spaces.
As you may have guessed by the name, flued gas heaters have a flue that directs the exhaust gases away from the fireplace. These types of heaters use both natural gas and LPG. They are suitable for children and animals as the flue can eject dangerous gases out of your living space.
Qualities To Look For In A Gas Heater
You can't just look at a heater and buy it based solely on its looks. But there are some features that you need to look for in order to ascertain whether the heater is suitable for you or not. Below are some specific features that you should look for in a gas heater:
Portability
It is vital to consider the portability of a gas heater before buying it. These days portable gas heaters are all the rage as you can move them from one room to another. People are shying away from standard heaters because portable gas heaters allow them to heat just the space needed without wasting energy. So, always pick a heater that you can easily carry around your home to keep where needed.
Safety Features
Safety always comes first, no matter what it is that you are buying. It is much more critical in the case of a gas heater because of the fact that natural gas is dangerous when mixed with oxygen.
So, it is crucial to buy one with good safety features to ensure your safety and avoid catastrophes, such as fires. While buying a gas heater, check that it has a provision for automatic shut-down and make sure that the gas chamber is strong enough.
Heat Output
It is vital to look for the heat output rating in a heater and see if it matches the amount of heat you want. Heaters that have high ratings cost quite a lot, and the cheaper ones are insufficient.
So, it is crucial to find a balance and get the right one so that you do not have to overspend or settle for a heater that cannot meet your heating needs. Ask an expert to determine a suitable rating for you by assessing the space you want to be heated.
Temperature Control
These days, gas heaters are made so that they are easy to use. While heating a room, the temperature will keep changing as the heater runs, so buy one with automatic temperature control. A gas heater with this feature will effectively maintain the room at optimal temperature.
Cylinder Capacity
You will need to refill your gas heaters from time to time as they need natural gas to produce heat. So, before settling for a gas heater, look at the size of its cylinder. This is to ascertain that it fulfils your needs.
Warranty
Heaters are pretty expensive, with the smallest one retailing at about $100. Since you will be paying in excess for a single heater, it is safer to go for the one that comes with a warranty just to be on the safe side.
Types Of Gas Heater Ignition
The fact that there are many types of gas heaters on the market now also means that there are different ways of igniting the natural gas and oxygen mixture. The two most common ones are electronic and piezoelectric forms of ignition. Electric ignition uses a current, which ignites the mixture to generate a spark.
On the other hand, piezoelectric igniters depend on the piezoelectric effect that uses pressure instead of current to ignite the mixture. The pro of piezo ignition is that, unlike electronic ignitions, it doesn't require an electric signal. However, it does have a relatively more minor lifespan than its electric counterparts.
Best Gas Heaters On The Market
Dyna-Glo 30,000 BTU Natural Gas Blue Flame Vent Free Heater
There are very few gas heaters available on the market that can compete with this gas heater when it comes to raw power. It can generate more heat than required with its high heating capacity. Its mountable option and no power source are what sets it apart from others.
Pros
• Its convection heating process enables a faster impact.
• Has a high heat output capacity.
• Lower energy bill as it does not require electricity.
• Allows for optional fan purchase for better heat circulation.
• Built-in ODS for auto-shutoff.
• It has a battery-assisted igniter that is easy to use.
• Uses blue flame technology for ventless operation.
Cons
• No thermostat.
• It could overheat.
• The external surface can burn you if touched.
• Has no warranty.
Mr. Heater 30,000 BTU Natural Gas Blue Flame Vent Free Heater
It is one of the best gas heaters that is known for its quality. It can generate enough heat for a large space with its maximum heat capacity of 30,000 BTU. The thing that makes it very handy is the fact that it does not require electricity to operate.
Pros
• High heat generation capacity.
• Able to serve large areas up to 1000 sq. ft.
• Has ODS safety shutoff, wall, and floor mounting options.
• Can run without electricity.
• Conventional type for heating which warms the air in a room directly.
• Has electronic ignition.
• Comes with a warranty of 3 years.
Cons
• Unable to function above 4500 feet elevation.
Procom MG30TBF Ventless Dual Blue Flame Heater
This heater has a very stylish design that makes it chic enough to fit into most house settings. The thing that makes this heater stand out is that it is safety compliant as well as ANSI certified. Its adaptability feature with two types of gases makes it even more special.
Pros
• It has a high heat output.
• It can be utilised with either liquid propane or natural gas.
• Has a thermostat control for heat regulation.
• It has a safety shutoff ODS sensor.
• No extra electricity bills as it uses natural gas or liquid propane.
• Has a push-button piezo ignition.
• It is very gas efficient.
Cons
• At times, the flames can extend from the protective screen.
• Has a limited warranty of a year.
Mr. Heater Corporation Vent Free 20,000 BTU Radiant Natural Gas Heater
This heater comes with all the necessary accessories, such as wall fitting accessories, which is impressive. However, whether you like it or not depends on your choice and requirements. Overheating is never a problem with this heater as it comes with thermostat features.
Pros
• It has a vent-free design.
• 20,000 BTU heat generation.
• Has an auto-shutoff ODS system.
• Comes equipped with a thermostat for precise temperature control.
• Has wall fitting accessories.
• No increments on your energy bill.
• Has a three-year warranty.
Cons
• It cannot function over 4500 ft. altitude.
• Has a singular gas power source.
Procom Heating ML060HPA 6,000 BTU Liquid Propane Gas Infrared Heater
If you are working with limited expenditure or want a small-scaled heater, this is the one for you. It does a good job of producing up to 10,000 BTU which produces proper heating. It is very easy to use and comes with a thermostat, ODS, and more features.
Pros
• Has push-button piezo ignition for an easy start.
• Has a thermostat.
• It comes with a safety shutoff system.
• Has a 12-month warranty.
Cons
• Has poor durability.
• Very low heat output.
• Suitable for small areas only.
Buying A Gas Heater Is Worth The Investment
Gas heaters are very fuel-efficient, economical, and durable, and the perfect way to stay warm in cold weather. This is why even though they can be expensive; it is an investment worth the price. Gas heaters come in various types, so you can easily choose the one that best fits your needs. Moreover, you can enlist the services of a certified gas fitter to assist you with installation, saving you time, hassle, and money in the long haul.
