Types of gas heaters:
Gas heaters come in two varieties. They may be either portable unflued (un-vented) gas heaters or flued gas heaters. Unflued gas heaters are highly portable and fit into a wall-mounted bayonet fitting. The advantage of this design is that you can move the heater from one room to another as per your heating requirement. These models are very energy efficient as they vent all the heat back into the room. These heaters are, however, not suitable for heating bedrooms. These heaters come with installed blowers that blow warm air into the room.
The second type of gas heaters is the flued model. These models vent out the products of combustion outside the room. These heaters are therefore safer and can be kept on for longer periods, translating into a larger heating capacity. The common types of gases that are used to power these heaters are natural gas and propane.
Things to look for in a space heater:
When choosing a gas space heater, select a thermostat-controlled machine. This will help to ensure that the room does not get overheated and energy is not wasted in the process. The heater's size and heating capacity need to be taken into consideration. An oversized heater for a small room will merely lead to unwanted heating and energy loss. Gas space heaters should be equipped with an oxygen depletion sensor that will shut down the appliance if there is an accumulation of carbon monoxide. These heaters need to be vented properly to prevent the accumulation of carbon monoxide.
Ensuring that your space heater operates effectively:
To ensure that the heaters remain energy efficient, vented space heaters should be professionally inspected once a year. Problems with the vent such as blockage, rust, or corrosion can lead to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. The vent pipes need to be checked for cracks on a regular basis. When using an unventilated gas space heater, it is advisable to keep a window slightly open to allow for proper ventilation. When lighting the gas heater, ensure that you light the match first to prevent any accumulation of gas. Gas space heaters should never be placed in an area where there are highly inflammable substances.
