Electric heaters, wood stoves, and gas heaters are currently available as ways to heat a home. This is a type of heating device that uses propane or natural gas to generate heat. A pilot light on these heaters warms an internal heat exchange unit. This unit heats the air before it circulates it throughout the house.
History of the Gas Heater
Pettit and Smith Company sold the first commercial indoor gas heater in 1856. This company developed a gas heater similar to a Bunsen burner. This type of heater warms the air locally with the gas flame and then distributes it throughout an area with a fan.
A gas heater heats the air to a higher temperature than other types of heaters. Because the flame is instantly hot, this is typically considered a faster method of warming a home. Natural gas heaters and liquefied petroleum ones are the two basic types, although there are many more based on different categories of compartments and features.
Today, these devices are used in both residential and commercial settings. They are considered a safe and efficient way to heat any space. Whether you want to get an indoor gas heater for your home or office or an outdoor one to warm a patio or deck, there are many options available on the market.
The Modern Natural Gas Heater for Your Home
Natural indoor gas heaters are typically found in more developed neighbourhoods or cities and require a pipeline infrastructure. This type of fuel isn’t always available in rural areas. These underground pipelines are designed in the same way that most cities’ water systems are, with a detailed infrastructure for the production company that reaches multiple households.
The owners of these devices should install carbon monoxide detectors in their homes. A propane heater works similarly to a natural one, but it requires a fuel storage tank. The sizes of these tanks start at around 946 litres. The tank is usually located near the house. The underground tanks necessitate the exposure of a small dome above the surface, which houses the tanks, regulators, and filling ports.
Different Types of Gas Heaters
The fuel type distinguishes gas heaters from their counterparts, as the name implies. While some options use natural gas or liquid propane, others use electricity or a combination of the two. Even within this category, there are numerous subcategories to choose from. The following are some of the most popular models you have at your disposal:
Vented Heaters
Vented heaters are dynamic machines that can run on natural gas or liquid propane fuel and are typically used inside the home to heat medium to large spaces. While they are more expensive, vented heaters are frequently a one-and-done solution. They are available in various configurations, such as wall or space heaters.
Wall Furnaces
Wall furnaces are a type of vented heater that is installed between the studs of the wall and the drywall in a room. They function by drawing cool air from the bottom, heating it, and then expelling it from the top. Wall furnaces are frequently used in apartments and smaller homes.
Vent-Free Heaters
Do you have a sunroom or another space that needs some extra heating attention? Vent-free gas heaters are excellent auxiliary heat sources because they provide both blue flame and infrared or radiant heat. Ventless heaters are typically available in gas, liquid propane, or dual fuel configurations.
Blue Flame
A blue flame heater works by eventually warming the air in the room where it is installed rather than the objects. Blue flame heaters, which are ideal for insulated spaces, may take a little longer to heat up but are a more energy-efficient option. These low-cost units typically operate at 99.9% efficiency. These units usually have a blower to help distribute the warm air throughout the room.
Radiant or Infrared
Infrared heaters, as opposed to blue flame heaters, use electromagnetic radiation to heat objects in the home. This means that heat is transferred directly, allowing for much faster warmth. However, for the same reason, infrared heaters necessitate some additional safety precautions, such as keeping furniture, clothing, and children a reasonable distance away from the heater itself, especially in the event of a malfunction.
Pros and Cons
As a homeowner, keep in mind that gas heater does emit some pollution. Carbon monoxide is the poisonous exhaust produced when burning natural gas. Fire departments recommend that people use carbon monoxide detectors in homes with these devices because fumes may leak into the home and carbon monoxide is completely odourless.
However, the number one advantage of indoor gas heaters is that the heat generated by your gas system is generally hotter than that produced by electric furnaces. This means your home will be warmer in less time, making this form of temperature maintenance perfect for colder climates since it uses less energy.
They can also be used to heat the water inside your home. The heater is an extremely efficient way to quickly heat water throughout the house. A small chamber within the water heater tank is filled with water and heated by natural gas or liquid petroleum flame.
