One thing we all have in common is the fact that we like to be warm when winter’s chill sets in. This usually means we have a heat source. However, it isn’t always practical to have electric or central heat, which can jack up a power bill quickly! This leads us to look toward other options that may be just as effective, if not more so, and a little easier on the pockets as well. To discover more about why you may enjoy turning to natural gas wall heaters, we put together a few benefits as well as how to buy natural gas heaters for the winter ahead.
Table of Contents
5 Benefits of having an Indoor Gas Heater
1. Gas Heaters are Cost-Effective
Admittedly, it may cost you a little to buy a wall heater and have it installed properly, with a ventilation system, but the overall cost savings of it will ensure it pays for itself quickly. In fact, if you look at the average cost comparison of natural gas vs electric power, you will see that natural gas prices are consistently two to three times lower than the price of electricity.
2. Gas Heating is Environmentally Friendly
In general, it is said that electricity is a “dirty” power source. Natural gas, on the other hand, produces less pollution and greenhouse gases than any other fuel source. The numbers speak for themselves since it produces 45%-less carbon dioxides than coal and 30% less than oil. It averages approximately 15% less than burning wood.
3. Gas Provides a Reliable Source of Heat
Natural gas wall heaters do provide one of the most reliable heat sources around. If you choose the right BTUs for your home or the room that you want to set it up in, and you have a system that is designed for the type of use you need it to provide, it can last years. Most are backed by a good warranty to ensure it meets your needs.
As a bonus, since these heaters are mounted on a wall, you do not have to worry about them being tipped over and posing a safety risk.
4. Gas Heaters are Great for Modern Homes
These units attach to the wall of your home. This ensures that they take up little space. Modern, or newer homes, are insulated so that the heat produced by these heaters will keep your home warmer than other heating options. We like that these heaters give you a “warm” spot in your home that allows you to get rid of the chill much more effectively than central heating.
5. There are Many Ways to Heat Your Home with Gas
When using natural gas, you have options. Even if you do not have the wall space available for wall-mounted heat, you can still use gas. You can install a furnace that uses natural gas, a boiler, a natural gas fireplace, and various space heaters that may resemble portable heaters or wood stoves.
Types of Gas
Before choosing a heater of any type, you have to decide which type of fuel you want it to use. The most common for wall heaters today is LPG gas/propane, or natural gas.
LPG Gas
Liquefied petroleum gas, or propane, is a flammable mix of hydrocarbon gases, generally made up of 50% butane, 48% propane, and 2% pentane. It is colorless and has low carbon emissions while being highly efficient. This fossil fuel is liquid and therefore must be stored in fuel tanks that are located at the person’s home.
Natural Gas
Natural gas is a clean-burning fuel that is efficient. In general, it is piped into a home, which eliminates the need for storing fuel. It is a fossil fuel that is made largely in the U.S.
Types of Gas Heaters
Vented Heaters
These heaters are designed to work well with natural gas or propane. The heat and all carbon dioxide is vented out. Most can be used for spaces that are 300sq ft and up.
Vent-Free Heaters
The vent-free heater is great for simply knocking out a little extra chill from any space. They can be used with propane or natural gas and warm areas that are typically between 200- and 1200-sq ft.
Wall Furnaces
These vented heaters are installed in the wall. Cool air goes in through the bottom, is heated, and then sent out of the top. They are ideal for room additions and small homes.
Blue Flame Heaters
Blue flame heating sources are designed to heat the room, not the items that are in that room. This does make them slower, but they are more energy-efficient. They have blowers on them that circulate the heat around that room.
Infrared or Radiant
These provide electromagnetic radiation to heat. Therefore, heat is directly transferred, which is faster than blue flame heat. The downside is, clothing and furniture, children and pets, should be kept away from it.
How to Use?
This depends on the heater that you get. You will have to make sure it is installed correctly, but from there, using them is easy. Most have a pilot light to ensure they are ready when you are. Set the thermostat and relax knowing you are going to have warmth when you want it.
How to Maintain Wall Heaters?
The biggest maintenance you will need to provide is keeping dust away from the inlet holes. When you first fire up your heater for the winter, and if the pilot light becomes hard to ignite, dust could be the problem. You can sometimes use a straw to blow out the air inlet, but you may want to use an air compressor for more air.
How to Install
Most wall-mounted heaters are simple to install, especially if you do not need to vent them. Mounting hardware is typically included with the heater. From there, you need to find a stud to support the weight of your heater.
Comparison: Which one is Best?
The Mr. Heaters Gas Heater checks off a lot of boxes that we enjoy. It has a thermostat, CSA certification, and an automatic low oxygen shut-off system to protect it. The downside is that it does not have a warranty that is easy to find.
- 30,000 BTU Natural Gas heater to heat spaces up to 1000 square feet
- Blue flame burner for even convection heat. Maximum Elevation (Ft)-4500. Fuel Consumption/Burn Rate (Gal/Hr)- .030 MCF
The Procom Heating Dual Fuel Heater is a unit that does not require you to vent it. This makes it easy to install. It can be used with either propane or natural gas, depending on your needs. The downside is that you cannot use it to heat large areas because it’s only rated for 1,000 sq ft. A slightly better option is the Kozy World, which can heat up to 1,200 sq ft.
- Infrared wall heater Uses 28,000 BTU and patented dual fuel technology
- Will heat up an area of up to 1,000 sq. Ft., warming People and objects in the room first
