Gas heaters are a great choice for a range of home owners because they’re affordable and efficient. They’re also safe to use and can contribute to reducing greenhouse emissions.
There are many types of gas heaters to choose from, so it’s important to understand how they work and what spaces they’re best suited for. This will help you find the perfect one for your home.
Cost
A gas heater can be an economical option for heating your home. They use natural gas or liquid propane and are often more efficient than electric heaters.
The cost of a new heater depends on the size and type you choose. You should also consider the efficiency of your heating system and the energy-efficiency ratings on the units you are considering.
One factor that can increase the cost of a new gas heater is the cost of installation. Installers will need to extend your gas line to your home and install a flue pipe and chimney to safely transport the combustion gases out of your house.
Another factor that can increase the cost of a gas heater is labor costs. This is because a licensed furnace installer needs to remove your old furnace and install a new one.
Efficiency
Gas Heaters are highly efficient, and they can provide heat to large areas of a home quickly. This is important because they can be used to heat bigger homes and in colder climates.
These heaters also use less gas than electric heaters because they can convert almost all the energy they use into heat. This is important because heating your home can account for a significant amount of your energy bill.
The efficiency of your gas heater depends on both the number of MegaJoules (MJ) of energy it uses per hour, and the size of the space you need to heat. For example, a heater that uses 13-15 MJ/h is ideal for small rooms such as bedrooms, while one that uses more than 22 MJ/h could provide heating for several different rooms at the same time.
It’s also important to remember that any gas heater can leak carbon monoxide, a toxic byproduct of the combustion process. The safest way to avoid this is to ensure you have adequate ventilation.
Safety
When using a gas heater, it’s important to follow safety guidelines. This will help to prevent fires and carbon monoxide poisoning from occurring, and ensure the safe use of your heating appliance.
The first step is to ensure your gas heater is installed and serviced by a licenced gasfitter. They can perform a comprehensive service, testing for leakage of CO and any other safety concerns.
You can also ask them to check that the room where the gas heater is installed has adequate ventilation. If not, a licensed gas fitter will recommend you have it installed in an alternative room that is well ventilated.
Leaving your gas heater on unattended can be dangerous, so always turn it off before going to bed and leaving the house. If you need to move it, be sure to carefully lift and transport it and place it in the correct location before you use it again.
Installation
When installing a gas heater, you should obtain a permit and follow all safety procedures. This is especially important if you’re replacing an existing gas water heater.
You should also take the time to check the vents in the room you’re heating. If they’re obstructed, you should open them up to allow the air to move in and out of the room.
Once you’ve gotten the heater into place, it’s time to install its vent pipe. It’s best to use a kit with a pre-cut, threaded pipe for the job, but you can also purchase one and cut it to size yourself.
Before you cut the pipe, clean the pipe with a sanding cloth. This will make it easier for you to solder the new connection later.
