| Mr. Heater MH25NG 25,000-BTU Natural-Gas Radiant Heater |
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Overall Rating: |
| Retail Price: $299.99 |
| Amazon Price: $299.99 |
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.
| Kozy World KWN191 18,000-BTU Vent-Free Natural-Gas Infrared Wall Heater |
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Overall Rating: |
| Retail Price: $149.00 |
| Amazon Price: $133.83 |
Model Types
The type of gas space heater you need depend on the space you need to heat. For example, you may need a to heat a room or a small space. The four types of gas space heaters are: radiant heaters, forced-air convection heaters, natural convection heaters, and radiators. A radiant heater heats the area in immediate proximity of the heater, but does not heat an entire room. Radiant heaters release infrared radiation that warms the area directly in front of the unit and do not quickly heat a room. They are, however, quiet and efficient. Both types of convection heaters use metal or ceramic heating elements to warm the air and then release it into the room. The forced-air convection type uses a fan to blow the warm are into the room, while a natural convection unit uses the natural flow of air to release it upward. The difference between the two is really whether you want the room heated quickly or not and whether the sound of the fan will bother you. Finally, a radiator space heater heats oil in an enclosed reservoir and gradually heats a room. Like a natural convection unit, a radiator does not heat a room quickly, but is quiet.
How Powerful
When selecting a gas space heater, you should also consider how much heat you need. British Thermal Units, or BTU, are used to rate gas space heaters. A BTU equals the amount of heat required to heat a pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. To calculate how many BTU you require, fist determine the volume of the space. Do this by multiplying the square footage by the height of the space. Second, consider the insulation of the room. A well-insulated space would be rated four, while a space with less insulation would be three, and a poorly-insulated space would be two. Take the insulation rating and multiply it by the volume of the room. The result is the number of BTU you need. Or, if you know the wattage of an electric heat source for the same space, multiply the wattage by 3.4 to determine the equivalent BTUs. As a general rule, a 10,000 BTU unit will produce the same amount of heat as an electric heater of 2,900 watts.
Fuel Types
Another factor to consider is the fuel type. Generally, gas space heaters use propane, kerosene, or natural gas. In addition to cost and availability, you want to consider how the fuel burns. For example, propane burns clean and odorless, while kerosene produces an odor. Burning fuel produces carbon monoxide, so be sure to use a gas space heater with a ventilation system and never use one in a small, enclosed area. If you will use the gas space heater in your home, be sure to install a carbon monoxide detector.
Safety Concerns
To truly benefit from a gas space heater, make sure that you use it safely. It must be installed at least three feet from anything flammable and the heating element should be enclosed. Some models include safety functions such as an automatic shutoff that turns the unit off if it is overturned. All space heaters should be out of reach of children and pets and should not be left running unattended. Nor should space heaters be used when sleeping. Finally, always closely follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding installation and use.