Buying a portable gas heater takes a little more research compared to electric heaters. While gas is a safe source of heat, it has to be set up carefully and the heater itself has to be suitable for the space that is going to be heated. Here are the 4 mistakes to avoid when buying a portable gas heater.
Gas offers the benefit of not needing to be on the grid like an electric heater, and can run at almost any time. It is great for those times when the power goes out or you are somewhere that there are no outlets for an electrical plugin.
There is no reason to be afraid of using a gas heater as they are highly beneficial and effective, but you do want to make sure the one you select is safe and reliable. Propane gas is known to be safe to use, clean and an extremely reliable energy source. It is a great choice as a constant heat source for both homeowners and businesses alike.
Easy to use for indoor or outdoor heating. When the temperatures begin to drop and you need to warm up a room, camper, ice fish hut or workspace then turning on the gas to get that quick blast of heat is perfect.
Mistakes to Avoid
Natural gas is efficient and clean to use when you need to warm a space up. But while propane heaters are great as a heating system, it is crucial that the buyer understands how to use a gas space heater properly. They are not the same as radiant heat or convection heat so need to be used in a way that is particular for their way of working.
Here are 4 mistakes you need to avoid when you go to buy a portable heater. By avoiding these issues, you won’t have any safety concerns or problems when you turn on the heat setting for the first time.
Mistake #1 – Buying the wrong type of heater for the space needing the heat.
Make sure to buy an indoor or outdoor portable heater depending on where it is going to be used. Outdoor gas heaters need to be used in areas that are well ventilated since they have a pilot and generate heat at a higher capacity than indoor ones.
If fuel is being burned, then it is going to give off fumes so those are the heated spaces needed to be safe. The Carbon Monoxide that is produced is clear and has no taste or smell. This means it can build up and no one knows. This is why air current is necessary. Portable gas heaters should not be used outdoors or exposed to the elements unless marked “Suitable for Outdoor Use”.
An indoor heater can be used but because it uses a gas heat output, there are safety guidelines that have to be followed and built-in safety features to keep people safe. They have automatic shut off switches when they sense the oxygen level in the room is too low, some also come with CO2 detectors to read the levels in the air.
Be aware of the type of heater you are purchasing so you do make the serious mistake of buying the wrong type.
Mistake #2 – Don’t skimp on safety features.
Like with any heater, fire is always a risk so you want to minimize it along with any other potential issues you might come across. While heaters have an automatic safety shut-off and tip-over protection, there can still be issues if there is a leak.
While there are portable gas heaters that are less expensive and do not have any extra safety features, you should look for one that will have not only the required basics but other ones as well. This means leak detectors, CO2 sensors, automatic shut off and timers. While consistent heating is important, safety is more so.
Mistake #3 – Buying a portable gas heater that emits excessive amounts of water.
All heaters are going to give off water vapor from the combustion process, there is no way around it but be mindful of how much.
Water vapour in a small room can condense on the walls and ceilings over time. While you are already watching for problems with CO2, water can do damage as well. Long term use with poor ventilation can lead to mold and mildew that can be harmful to your health as well as the building.
Mistake #4 – Buying a Heater with no auto-shut off.
We would hope that people would be mindful of how long a gas heater is left running but there are times when you may forget or get called away. Having an auto-shut off or fuel shut-off device helps if this happens.
Because many gas heaters are used in places such as garages and ice huts where electricity is not an option, care needs to be taken when the heater is not monitored. Running unwatched for a long period of time can not only be a fire hazard but also problematic if it is being used in situations such as ice huts.
Prolonged use can melt ice and make it unstable. Having a unit with a shut off means it will shut down should you be unable to do it yourself.
Final Thoughts
Buying a portable gas heater is a purchase decision that needs some research. While the heaters are great to have and especially useful, they can be dangerous if not chosen with care. There are mistakes that should be avoided when deciding which heater to buy.
While these heaters offer consistent heating, they also can be problematic and unsafe if you purchase the wrong type or use it incorrectly. Portable gas heaters are designed for specific usage situations and deviating from that can be problematic and unhealthy for those using them.
Portable gas heaters are a great way to heat certain areas, especially when there can be no electrical heating. Just make sure that you avoid the above outlined mistakes and select the safest choice of portable gas heater for your heating situation.
