Gas heaters: how they work, what they are + rating of the best

Here you will learn:

• Operating principle of gas heaters
• Types of gas heaters
• Tips for choosing gas heaters

A variety of heating devices have been developed for heating residential buildings, administrative, industrial, utility and many other premises. These include water heating batteries, various convectors, heat guns, infrared heaters and much more. A gas heater is another modern heating device that is optimally suited for heating any type of room and even open areas.

In this review we will look at:

• main types of gas heaters;
• principles of device operation;
• advice on choosing and purchasing such devices.

We will also tell you where and how to make the most profitable purchase.

Principle of operation

So, first you should understand what gas heaters are and how they work.

All models have common constituent parts, namely:

• frame;
• heat exchanger;
• heater;
• burner.

These elements are found in all gas heaters - from budget to the most modern.

More expensive models add convenience features such as a thermostat or automatic shutoff.

There is one more common point for all models - they run on gas, natural or liquefied. Using the device, fuel is converted into heat. Such a heater can be connected to both main gas and bottled gas.

How it works

The device circuit is simple and consists of:

• a metal case containing a gas cylinder inside;
• ceramic plates having a complex system of crater-type holes;
• gas burner.

All models of this type of heating equipment are necessarily equipped with:

• A gas control system that operates automatically, turning off the device if the flame goes out.
• A carbon dioxide content monitoring system, which also turns off the device when the CO concentration level is exceeded
• Power regulator.
• Piezoelectric ignition of the burner.
• Wheels for easy movement of the unit.

Gas heater design (diagram)

Varieties

All gas heaters are divided into portable and stationary.

The first ones are usually used temporarily, that is, from time to time. They are small in size and weight and are most often placed on the floor. Their productivity is, of course, less.

Such gas heaters are usually chosen for utility rooms or for summer cottages, as well as in the absence of a main gas supply. Such a unit will not withstand full and constant heating of a residential building.

The second (stationary) gas heaters are devices powered by main or bottled gas. These devices are installed only in a permanent place and will cope with winter heating of the house. Such heaters are large, powerful and require additional equipment such as a chimney.

Gas heaters are also divided according to their operating principle. There are three main categories:

• infrared;
• convection;
• catalytic.

1. The operating principle of infrared heaters. Inside the housing there are burners with emitters made of metal or ceramics. When heated, they begin to emit heat - infrared waves. Those, in turn, heat not the air, but objects located at a certain distance from the heat source. Depending on the power, such devices are capable of heating large rooms and even open spaces.
2. The operating principle of convection heaters. This is the simplest device. Roughly speaking, these are ordinary burners that burn gas. The resulting heat passes into special finned radiators. Thanks to convection and according to the laws of physics, heated air rises, and cold air takes its place, gradually warming up. If the correct power is selected for the room, the heat can be felt after just a couple of hours.
3. Operating principle of catalytic models. These are perhaps the most fireproof gas stoves. There is no combustion process involved here. Heat is released as a result of a chemical reaction - gas oxidation. The fuel enters the catalytic panel, where it is oxidized, generating heat. The heating itself occurs by infrared, convection or mixed type.

Execution options

In addition to the usual portable radiator panels, gas heaters are made in several original form factors.

For street use, specialists created special models of devices in the form of a lamppost. The range of such models is usually up to 7 meters, which is enough for a picnic or dinner on the open veranda even at low temperatures. All models are protected from external influences, so there is no fear of precipitation or strong winds.

Another original option is a mini-oven. This is a compact device with burner dimensions of about 15 by 15 cm and with a small cylinder, the resource of which is enough for several hours of operation. Of course, such a device will not be able to warm up a room of significant size, but it is used in other cases. If there is a possibility that the room will not be heated and it is impossible to take a full-fledged heat source with you, then this option will be the most suitable. In general, the heating area is usually 5-7 square meters. m.

Subtleties of choice

Based on the above data, you can make a choice in favor of a specific model, but first you should focus on several important details:

• The heater power should be in the proportion of 1 kW per 10 sq. m.;
• type of heating. There are two such types - direct and indirect. With direct fire, the possibility of combustion products entering the room - burning, smoke - cannot be ruled out. In this case, take care of good ventilation in the room;
• the presence of a timer and automation responsible for maintaining the temperature and turning off the gas in the event of an unusual situation;
• availability of a set of adapters for connecting different fuel sources to the heater.

Pros and cons of different types of gas heaters

The large selection of different models often simply leads to a stupor. Which heater will be better? Unfortunately, there is no definite answer; each type is bad in some ways and good in some ways. To choose the unit that is suitable for your needs, you need to familiarize yourself with their pros and cons.

We will not study the convection heater, since there are more modern and safer models. Instead, let's consider a new generation ceramic gas heater. Below are tables with the positive and negative characteristics of each type.

Catalytic

These devices are very effective. As stated above, heating can occur in three ways. Some models are additionally equipped with fans for uniform heat distribution.

Infrared

Ceramic

Safety precautions

Gas devices are devices that require unquestioning compliance with safety regulations:

1. Do not remove the safety grille while the appliance is in use.
2. Do not cover the device with rags or other things to dry clothes.
3. It is prohibited to direct IR rays at flammable objects: light curtains, curtains, tablecloths.
4. When the heater is turned on, it must be in a vertical position, unless another specific model requires a different position, as indicated in the instructions.
5. The room in which the device is installed must be well ventilated.

Armed with knowledge about infrared ceramic heaters, you can successfully use them, adding comfort and life-saving warmth to your life, which will keep you and your loved ones healthy!

What you need to know when choosing

And yet, how to choose a gas heater? First you need to know exactly the purpose of the heater.

So, for open areas (sites, etc.), a unit in the form of a high lantern is recommended. It will heat a circular area, such as a terrace, playground or pool area.

When choosing a gas heater for your dacha, you should pay attention to floor-standing models.

For residential premises, a device with a catalytic operating principle is more suitable. This is the safest option for others.

If possible, you should pay attention to stationary gas heaters. These are ideal for a year-round home.

What power should the heater have?

The best gas heaters

To help you at least a little with your choice, we present an overview of the best gas heaters in different categories.

The first place in the ranking of mobile heaters for summer cottages is occupied by the Timberk TGN 4200 SM1 .

Main characteristics:

• floor;
• heats up to 60 cubic meters. m;
• power 4.2 kW;
• closed;
• weight 7.4 kg;
• electric ignition;
• gas control;
• three burner operating modes.

Powered by a gas cylinder, which is installed in a metal case. The delivery set includes a hose, reducer and clamps.

The device also has a CO2 sensor and tip-over protection. Convenient to move thanks to wheels.

The only negative is that you need to periodically ventilate the room.

The average price of the model is 4,800 rubles.

Hosseven HP-3 model received gold .

Main characteristics:

• wall;
• heats up to 30 sq. m;
• power 3 kW;
• weight 28.5 kg;
• thermostat;
• temperature adjustment;
• mechanical control.

The first thing that catches your eye is the unique design of the device: the body is black, the front panel is made of heat-resistant, impact-resistant glass. Very reminiscent of a fireplace.

This stationary heater can operate on both main and bottled gas.

Heats up the room quickly and looks great.

The price of the model is on average 25,000 rubles.

The rating of street models was topped by Enders Elegance .

Main characteristics:

• street;
• heating diameter - 9 m;
• power 8 kW;
• weight 12.5 kg;
• height 2.2 m;
• wheels for moving;
• shutdown when tilted more than 45 degrees;
• mechanical ignition.

This model is perfect for gazebos, verandas and other outdoor recreation areas or cafes. Thanks to its stylish appearance, it will not only fit in, but also decorate any place.

The device uses the new Enders-Eco-Plus technology. It is this that provides heating at 12 kW with a real power of 8 kW.

The average cost of such a model is about 24,000 rubles.