Heating can be a dull topic. Sure, until the temperature plummets and your home transforms from a sanctuary into something resembling a walk-in refrigerator with shelves. Then all of a sudden you’re pondering these questions: Do we need something bigger? Something cheaper to run? Something that won’t dry the house out or smell funny when firing up?
It’d be nice to think gas heating is loved and appreciated in most homes. Something that’s not forgotten about until it stops working. Unfortunately, it mostly isn’t.
And that’s okay. That’s where heater shops come in.
No, not the bling-sheet-metal-lighting-fanplaces. Real heater shops. They may not stop you from grabbing the latest shiny gadget online, but they should stop you buying the wrong heater for your needs. Here’s how:
Why do you keep buying gas heaters anyway…
Electric heaters have had plenty of hype thrown their way lately. But for quick heating throughout the colder months, gas doesn’t have many better competitors. They heat faster. Tend to handle larger spaces better. And if you already have a gas line running to your house, it will probably save you money in the long term.
Granted, not all gas heaters are created equally. The heater for a small lounge is going to have wildly different specifications to an open-plan wall-mounted unit looking after multiple rooms. And that’s usually where people start tripping up.
They get gas. They get heaters. Squares fit in squares, sort of thing.
It’s all the variations in between that causes issues.
Gas heaters don’t have too many opponents when you keep things broad. It’s when you start asking specific questions people run into trouble. Too much output and your place will feel like Death Valley. Not enough and you’re wrapping yourself in blankets all night.
Your friendly neighbourhood heater shop should be able to help parse your wish list into something achievable. Want cheaper running costs? Nice warm glow when heating up? Quiet operation so you don’t keep waking up your kids?
That all helps them narrow down what you need. So do things like the size of the space, door location and whether insulation is just something your house tells you it has.
Trust me, I’ve seen people make some pretty silly heating mistakes by failing to ask these questions. Purchase a heater that “wasn’t too bad a price” or “looked sort of cool”, throw it in the lounge. Then wonder why the thing barely warms them up.
Hopefully taking a bit of time at a proper heater shop will slow you down enough to avoid that trap. Help turn “I just want the house to be warmer” into something actionable. Heater output. Venting requirements. Safety concerns. Placement. That last one’s often overlooked, but it can make a huge difference in some situations.
Hell, they might even talk you out of buying a heater at all. Best heater shops will.
Helping you help yourself
Beyond the tips above, there are some other advantages of having a bit of one-on-one with a heater shop. Particularly if they’re been around a while and have some staff with actual experience.
Matching the right heater to how you live in your home
An older couple spending their evenings cozying up in front of the TV has heating needs that’ll differ drastically to someone bouncing between multiple rooms throughout the day.
Your heater shop has almost definitely seen it all before. Meaning they can recommend:
- Portable heaters for focused heating
- Wall units for ambient heat
- Flued models if indoor air quality is a concern
Yada yada yada, none of that is particularly difficult advice to figure out. It just helps to have some context, which is why online shopping relies so heavily on ‘It fits’ desks…
Gas specific installations and safety
Gas heaters aren’t instantaneous like some of their electrical cousins. They need ventilation, clearances, and will usually attract a whole book of local regulations.
The best heater shops will make sure you know about installation professionals (and refer you to ones they trust), explain what not doing so is going to cause and patiently explain why carbon monoxide alarms are a great idea.
It can feel like overkill when you’re just wanting to get out and buy a heater. Trust me, down the track it won’t.
Support down the track
Ok, hear me out on this one. When you buy a heater from a big-name, no-local-staffed hardware depot you’re basically guaranteed… well, nothing. Manufacturers change recommended parts, models change, or you might just change addresses.
Somewhere down the track you’ll have a question about your heater. It may only be “how do I get this serviced?” or “stockists of (brand) parts near me?”
Local businesses (or at least specialist ones) are easier toGoogle when this happens. Which is nice.
Key Takeaways
- Gas heaters aren’t going anywhere. They heat rooms faster than most alternatives.
- Heaters come in different sizes for different reasons. Make sure you get advice to match your space and needs.
- Heater shops are great because you can talk to someone about your exact situation (no beginners explained stuff!)
- Gas heaters need some specific things considered. Ventilation and installation for starters.
- Support after your purchase doesn’t hurt either.
FAQs
Are gas heaters more efficient than electric ones?
Depends on the space and length of use. But over larger areas or extended periods gas wins out every time when it comes to bang-for-buck.
Do gas heaters need to be vented?
In most cases, yes! There are flued models and non-flued models. Ask at your heater shop what’s suitable for your home without having to guess.
Can I install a gas heater myself?
No and no. While things like electric heaters can sometimes get away with basic Do It Yourself installation, gas heaters usually need certified people to work on them. For your safety.
How big of a heater do I need?
Depends on your room. Ceiling height? Insulation? Do you keep your door open? Heater shops help people work this out everyday.
Are gas heaters safe to use indoors?
Yes! With proper ventilation, regular maintenance, and servicing they’re perfectly safe.
How long will my gas heater last?
Forever? Probably not. But if you keep on top of your yearly maintenance and don’t rough them about it they should last a very long time.
Conclusion
Humans have a funny relationship with their gas heaters. We ignore them until the seasons change and then it’s checking everything out’ time. If you can avoid that scramble by having a chat at your local heater shop (or doing your own research) you’ll not only find the right heater. You’ll know how to use it correctly.
