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When the temperature dips, there's nothing like the comfort and warmth that a gas heater provides. Yet, anyone who has spent any time shopping for one understands that not all heaters are created equally. You want a heater that's designed to fit your needs, look great in your space and work within your lifestyle. This isn't an investment to rush into. Before you shell out your money and install one in your home, read this guide to make sure you're getting the best gas heater for your needs.

Know If You Need a Gas Heater

You might think that a gas heater could work well in your space, but is the heater made for it? As you research your options, you'll soon realize that gas heaters are categorized by their heating capacities. This is true for older models, secondhand gas heaters and those you buy new. While this has much to do with the size of a room they're designed to warm, the rating also measures how quickly they emit heat. Some gas heaters, most notably portable and unflued ones, don't work in a particularly small space. The reason? They produce emissions that could be harmful if there isn't enough air circulating in the area. If it's quick heating you're looking for, you'll need as large of a model as possible, but you need to make sure the space is large enough to disperse any off gassing. Take an inventory of your space and determine if a gas heater is ideal for it. If so, you're ready to compare specifics.

Naturally, you want to get the biggest gas heater for your money, right? Not so fast. It's easy to spend a fortune on an oversized one, thinking it'll pump out hot air like a champ and work like a powerhorse. But don't forget the fact that it can also be a costly and unnecessary expense. Conversely, the opposite also holds true. In an effort to save a few bucks, you could opt for a model that's far too small for your needs. Peruse gas heater reviews and other resources to understand the kWh heat output rating of each model you're considering. As a rule of thumb, one kWh will heat a space of around 10 square meters. You'll also need to take into consideration the climate where you live, how tall your ceilings are, your home's current level of insulation and how much direct sunlight the area gets in order to understand what size of gas heater you require.

Choosing Between Flued or Portable

There are two main types of gas heaters you'll select between when choosing yours. One is a flued gas heater, and the other is a portable model. The former works via the installation of a flue that runs from your gas heater to the outdoors, allowing exhaust gas to travel outside of your home. While it can be an effective solution, it also requires construction, meaning that it's not ideal if you're renting or are in a space temporarily. As an alternative, you can go with a portable gas heater that's unflued. As implied, one benefit of this type is that you can move it from room to room, store it away when it's not in use and bring it with you when you move. Portable heaters also produce quicker, more direct heat than their flued counterparts. Moreover, though they may cost you more at the onset, they're cost-effective to run and can save you money on gas heater maintenance in the long-term. On the other hand, a flued gas heater is more efficient at removing harmful emissions. You can also use this type in spaces where portable models can't usually work, including bedrooms and bathrooms.

What to Look For in a Portable Heater

Whether you ultimately go with a flued option or a portable one is determined by your usage requirements. There are specific elements you should look for in each model. With a portable gas heater, look for one that operates via convection. These include a fan to speed up the movement of hot air and often come equipped with a remote control to help you regulate the temperature. The alternative is a radiant-convection model, which works in a similar manner but uses an exposed panel to emit heat in a room. These can be cheaper to buy but often don't have automated add-ons, such as thermostats.

What to Look For in a Flued Heater

If you're shopping for a flued gas heater, look for one that comes equipped with a thermostat, remote control, programmable timer and electronic ignition. These are often integrated with smart home apps to make them as effective and usable as possible. Depending on the model you select, you can expect to spend between $400 and $2,500 on your new gas heater. Take the time to research your options, understand your space limitations and engage the assistance of professional gas heater installation services as you move forward. Then, you'll be able to comfortably and confidently relax in your newly warm space.