Natural Gas Space Heater Reviews: Best Natural Gas Space Heaters

Whether you need a natural gas space heater as an emergency heat source or a supplemental heat source, it can be an affordable way to heat to almost any space. When purchasing a natural gas heater, you should consider where you need the heat, how much you need, and be aware of safety concerns related to burning natural gas.

Natural gas space heaters are larger than other gas heater models, however they require an expert to install and connect gas piping. Unlike other models that burn gas, most natural gas space heaters include ventilation systems that release odors and carbon monoxide outside, minimizing the risk of carbon monoxide build up indoors. The ventilation system does, however, reduce the unit’s efficiency. Another disadvantage of natural gas heaters is that they are not very portable. Unlike small electric units or wall mounted propane units, once in place, a natural gas heater cannot be moved. Another thing to consider is the changing cost of natural gas. As the cost of natural gas rises, depending on where you live, there may not be much difference in running a natural gas versus an electric heater.

Model Types
The type of gas space heater you need depend on the space you need to heat. For example, you may need to heat a room or a small space. The three methods by which natural gas space heaters heat air are: radiant and convection heaters. The radiant method, which is used in radiant heaters and radiators, heat the objects and people in immediate proximity of the heater, then heats the air. Because these units release heat to a small area, they should be used with caution and be clear of anything flammable. In addition, these units do not heat a room quickly but are quiet and efficient. A radiator s heats oil in an enclosed reservoir and gradually heats a room. Although is does not heat a room quickly, a radiator is quiet. Convection heaters, whether forced air or natural, heat the air directly and release it into a room. Once the air is heated, a forced-air convection unit blows air into the room using a fan. A natural convection heater uses the natural flow of air to release warm air upward and out of the heater. When decided between a forced-air and natural convection unit, consider whether you want the room heated quickly and whether the sound of the fan may be bothersome.

How Powerful
Because a natural gas heater cannot be removed once it is installed, be sure to select one that meets your needs. Rather than wattage, British Thermal Units, or BTU, are used to rate natural gas space heaters. A BTU is the amount of heat required to heat a pound (16 ounces) of water by a single degree Fahrenheit. You can calculate how many BTU you need by determining the volume of the space and rating the insulation of the space. Multiply the square footage by the height of the room to determine the volume. Then, assess the insulation of the space. For a well-insulated room, multiply the volume by four. For a poorly-insulated space, multiply the volume by two. The resulting number is the amount of BTU you need to heat the space.

Safety Concerns
In addition to concerns about the release of carbon monoxide, you should keep your natural gas unit clear of objects that might burn – at least three feet. Consider mounting your unit on a wall to ensure it cannot be reached by children or pets and will not be bumped or cluttered. Finally, always closely follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding installation and use.