Gas Heaters

Advantages of Gas Heaters

With the cost of electricity skyrocketing in many areas, some consumers are looking for an alternative to forced-air heating that would help save them money in the cold winter months. Those with electric furnaces may also be seeking a more efficient and rapid means of heating their homes. There are many advantages of gas heaters to keep in mind.

Many Models Operate During Power Outages

Some models have a built-in fan to help circulate the air. While this is useful in helping to heat a room more efficiently, these models often require electricity. Some models are built with an optional fan or without a fan, allowing the heater to operate even when electricity is unavailable. These models might be an excellent option for somebody who lives in an area where winter storms frequently cause downed power lines, or for use in a remote cabin or vacation home where electricity is unavailable.

Excellent Way to Heat Outdoor Areas

The lower-priced gas heaters are designed for use in outdoor areas or well-ventilated areas. They can be an excellent solution for heating an outdoor patio, an unheated garage, or an unheated workshop area. Gas heaters do produce much greater heat than electric heaters and are an excellent solution for un-insulated areas that can get extremely cold in the winter.

Can Choose Between Natural Gas or Propane (LP)

Gas heaters are designed to work with either natural gas or propane, but many models are available in either option. This allows for permanent installation in homes with either natural gas or propane. One of the advantages of gas heaters is that propane models can sometimes be used with a propane tank, allowing for temporary installation in outdoor areas or other areas where connection to a house's fuel supply is infeasible.

More Efficient than Electric Heaters

Natural gas or propane are both more efficient heat sources than electricity, making gas heaters far more efficient than electric heaters. Additionally, the cost of natural gas or propane is less than the amount of electricity that would be required to effectively heat the same area. Gas heaters also provide more rapid heating, allowing the room to be heated quickly; this saves on fuel, as gas heaters can quickly be turned completely off when not in use.

Increase Home's Resale Value

Depending on the model selected, some gas heaters can increase the resale value of a home. By making the home more energy-efficient, the resale value of the home improves. While the gas heaters may be more challenging to install, they provide a permanent solution to space and room heating when installed into indoor areas of the home. When used outdoors, they can help to create a comfortable outdoor living space, which can also increase a home's resale value.

Gas heaters are far more efficient and effective at keeping a space warm than electric heaters, and newer models are much safer than the older gas heaters that were in use in earlier years. Improved technology allows more modern gas heaters to safely ventilate gases and fumes, and the modern use of fans to circulate heat allows less heat to be lost. In short, there are many advantages of gas heaters which makes them a worthwhile consideration in your quest for home heat.

Disadvantages of Gas Heaters

Homeowners seeking an energy-efficient way to heat their homes may consider purchasing a gas space heater. These heaters can be designed for indoor or outdoor use, for natural gas or propane, and with a variety of other options. While these models can be very energy-efficient, there are several disadvantages of gas heaters.

Purchase Price

Most gas heaters are usually very expensive when compared to electric space heaters. While electric space heaters can range in price from about $15 to $200, natural gas and propane heaters can be priced between $600 and $3,000. Even smaller models are usually priced at $200 and up. Additionally, because most gas heaters are not portable, separate units will need to be purchased for each room that requires one; portable electric units can be moved from room to room as needs dictate.

Indoor Use Can Be Dangerous

Most models of gas heater cannot be used indoors in a sealed environment. Some models are designed for use in indoor spaces, and these models each ventilate gas and fumes in different ways. Some units are permanently installed into a home and ventilated to the outdoors by a flue. Other units are called "Vent Free" heaters, and these units do not require ventilation, but some customers report that they can smell an odor when using these units inside their homes, leading many to believe that gases are being released into the room. This is one of the disadvantages of gas heaters to carefully consider before purchasing one.

Some Models Require Professional Installation

Gas heaters that are direct-vent heaters will often require professional installation. These units are designed to be installed into a wall and require adequate ventilation to the outside. Units intended to be connected to a home's natural gas or propane supply will require professional installation in order to ensure that the units are installed safely and correctly. Homeowners should account for the cost of installation when determining whether to purchase a gas space heater.

Some Models are Unsafe

One of the disadvantages of gas heaters to consider is that many models can become extremely hot, causing accidental burns. Small children and the elderly may be susceptible to burns caused by sitting or standing too close to the unit, and several models become hot to the touch on the outside of the unit while it is in operation. Freestanding gas heaters often lack the safety features prevalent in electric models, including an automatic shut-off if the unit is tipped over. Some models do have a feature that will turn off the unit if the oxygen levels in the home fall below a certain level, but not all models include an oxygen sensor.

May Not be Legal in All Jurisdictions

Not all gas heaters are legal in all jurisdictions. Several models are prohibited for sale or installation within the state of California, and the state of New York has strict requirements and regulations governing the sale and labeling of unvented gas heaters. The state of New York also prohibits unvented heaters being used as a primary heat source. Property owners who wish to use a gas space heater in a rental property or place of business should check local regulations prior to purchasing a unit.

While they can be highly efficient (especially for patio or outdoor heating), there are some disadvantages of gas space heaters that property owners must consider prior to selecting a gas model for installation or use.