A home’s heating and cooling system will cost you more than any other system in your home. So, it is important to have an efficient, reliable, and affordable system that gives you a comfortable temperature all year round without breaking the bank. This is the major reason why the majority of Americans use natural gas heaters for homes.
Natural gas has the potential to heat your home by creating warm air, hot water, or even steam. The natural gas systems come in different types, sizes, configurations, and efficiency ratings. The most popular system that uses a natural gas burner to heat air is a forced-air central heating system. Here, the air is circulated through ductwork in the home by a blower or fan.
Selecting a Natural Gas Heating System
You can choose from a range of natural gas heating systems that include large central heating units, small wall units, ceiling mounted units, and gas fireplaces. You may opt for a central heating system, forced air system, hydronic or water-based system, or even a combination of water heating and space heating systems.
If you are replacing an existing boiler central or forced air heating system, installing the same type of system can prove to be economical.
If you are adding a new room, you may consider installing a space heater or a fireplace-style heating unit.
If you are building a new home, you may consider installing radiant floor heating. It uses hot water that is circulated through piping built into the floor. You may even consider using a combination of a space heating and water heating system that uses one gas burner to carry out two jobs.
Is this information overwhelming to you? Don’t worry. Below are some tips that will help you choose the right natural gas heater for your home.
6 Pro Tips for Choosing Natural Gas Heater for Your Home
Size
Heat is not the only aspect to consider when choosing the best heating system for your home. Design plays a big role too. Here, the design does not mean beauty but is the shape or structure that fits your room’s design in a non-distracting way. If you have space, then go for a big, chunky heater attached to the gas bottle. For smaller rooms, a small, compact heater is a great alternative.
Type of Flame
Be it infrared or blue flame, both types of heaters offer economical and eco-friendly solutions, but which heating technology will fit best into your home and lifestyle? The main and obvious difference between these two types is the fire element.
Additionally, the infrared flame heats the objects around you while creating a heat bubble, whereas the blue flame heater heats the air in the room. Infrared heaters are recommended for small spaces or a multiple-use room, and blue flame heaters work best for insulated spaces.
Features
Once you begin narrowing down your choices, you will need to ensure that the chosen product has all the necessary features you are looking for in your heating unit. Investing in an all-in-one product will provide you with a positive long-term experience.
Safety
Safety should be your highest priority when purchasing a ventless natural gas heater for your home. Ensure that the chosen system is sturdy, resistant to leaks, appropriate for use on any type of surface, made from top-of-the-line materials and most importantly, equipped with all the required safety features.
Convenience
A power shortage in extreme weather can create chaos, but you can avoid this situation by considering a ventless gas heater. One of the major benefits of ventless natural gas heaters is that they are convenient in off-grid situations and power shortages. So, if you’re looking for the most suitable, eco-friendly heating solution for your home, this is your pick.
Affordability
Saving on utility bills is another main reason for the majority of people investing in natural gas heaters. At times, you may feel that the initial investment is high, but this is not the case with some of the top-quality gas heaters available on the market. So, it is essential to compare the product range with different aspects, including the initial investment.
The affordability aspect is not just limited to a one-time purchase. If you follow the below-mentioned tips, you’re likely to save money on your heating bills:
- Consider adding weather-stripping or caulking around window and door frames
- Open upper floor registers in the summer to allow cool air to descend to lower floors and close them in the winter to allow hot air to rise
- Adjust the register openings according to the usage of the rooms. If you don’t use a particular room, close its register and door. This allows you to have the desired temperature throughout the rest of your home.
- Insulate the electric outlet plates as well as the switch plates on outside walls
- Consider repairing the cracks, if any, in the chimney or foundation of your home
- Install suitable ceiling insulation as well as insulation in exterior walls wherever possible
- Keep the doors of unheated areas like the garage and attic tightly closed
- Check your ductwork at regular intervals to prevent any air leaks. Seal the cracks or holes with duct tape
- Install storm doors and windows and keep them tightly closed
- Install a thermostat that lowers the temperature setting at night automatically
- Protect your thermostat from drafts
- Cover your windows with blinds or drapes at night
Conclusion
Turning to natural gas heaters itself is a good move in contributing to a healthier planet. Now, all you need is to consider the above 6 tips to help you select the right natural gas heater for your home.
It is recommended to carry out yearly inspection to ensure your natural gas heating system’s top-performance and safety. Doing so will enable you to have a desirable home temperature and comfortable living with an efficient and affordable heating solution.
