5 Things You Should Look For In a Gas Heater

Gas heaters are the most commonly used heating systems in Australian homes. While there are quite a number of options to choose from when it comes to home heating, a good gas heater has many advantages over the alternatives such as air conditioning systems, boilers, and furnaces. Among these, gas heaters are cheaper to procure, install, and maintain. Gas is also cheaper than other energy sources such as electricity. When choosing the right type of gas heater to install in your home or office premises, there are various important factors to consider. Below are 5 things you should look for in a gas heater.

Efficiency

Performance efficiency is a key consideration when buying any heating system. Efficiency is calculated by how much heater is able to convert gas into the heating energy, which is mostly measured as a percentage known as AFUE. The higher the number, then more efficient your gas heater will be. This means that the heater is able to generate more heat from a small amount of gas. This is what is also known as the Annual Fuel Utilisation Efficiency (AFUE) rating. More efficient gas heaters are environment-friendly as they generate fewer emissions. You can always check this on the energy rating label of the unit before buying one.

Reliability

The gas heater of your choice should have the ability to meet all your home heating needs regardless of the underlying factors. This means that you have no reasons whatsoever to lie awake at night just wondering if the oil tank is almost empty. This is because natural gas is directly pumped into your home. When properly maintained, a good gas heater can serve you for more than 20 years.

Size

Size is also important when choosing a gas heater. Choosing the right gas heater size allows you to spare quite a considerable amount of money on the running costs. The best gas heater should be properly sized according to the heating requirements of your home. While a small heater will not be able to adequately heat all the intended areas, a larger unit can be unsafe and more expensive to run. When sizing, the following are some important factors to consider:

The climatic zone that you are in

The volume of the area that needs heating

Physical features of the home; ceiling and wall insulations, carpeting and the window openings

Longevity

A durable heating unit should be able to last for at least 20 years of service. This, however, does not just come automatically. To ensure that this happens, proper maintenance should be ensured to minimize the risk of your heater giving up too soon. Proper maintenance will also ensure that the furnace not only has a longer lifespan but also that it retains its efficiency throughout its use.

Before buying your gas heater, be sure to do your research well to avoid paying too much. Compare the prices from different retail shops and vendors online. While you may receive a good deal, you may end up with extra costs of running the gas heater.