Searching for a simple way to heat your home can feel like a struggle with so many types of heaters on the market. Where do you start looking and for what type? A popular type of heater that is used in many homes are gas heaters. They can help you save some extra cash on power bills in addition to keeping you warm throughout the cooler months. This guide will break down everything you need to know about gas heaters and help you decide if they are right for you.
How does a gas heater work?
A gas heater produces heat by burning natural or LPG gas, similarly to any other gas-powered appliance, although the inner workings will depend on which type of gas heater you have.
Types of indoor gas heaters
There are two types of gas heaters that you can choose to have in your home – flued and unflued. Flued gas heaters are plumbed into your home through a natural gas or LPG gas line, whereas an unflued gas heater is a stand-alone portable unit.
Unflued gas heaters
An unflued gas heater, or flueless gas heater, is essentially a portable heater as it isn’t plumbed into any gas piping. They are relatively efficient as they turn most of the gas into heat, however as the gas isn’t channelled outside this type of heater is restricted to certain types of rooms. An unflued heater generally can’t be used in bedrooms, studies or any other small room with little ventilation. They can still be a great choice and boast features like:
- Portability
- Cheap running costs – cheaper than most electric heaters
- Safety features that shut the unit off if oxygen in the room is too low, and other preventative safety measures
Flued gas heaters
A flued gas heater is a plumbed-in heater that channels excess gas outside of the home. They are generally not portable and are built into the home’s structure, requiring professional installation. They have features like:
- Flued gas heaters benefit from having piping to divert gases away from the home
- There might not be as many laws stipulating what you can and can’t do with flued heaters
- Many are a much more ‘complete’ home heating package, with thermostats, remote controls and timers
Are gas heaters safe?
Unflued and flued gas heaters are generally safe to use if all directions are followed and they are used correctly. If you do not have the appropriate ventilation and set up for your heater it could spill carbon monoxide into your home – this can be avoided if they are installed correctly and in working order.
Across Australia some states have different laws for the use of flued and unflued gas heaters. In some states you can only have a certain type of gas heater in a particular type of room as well as other regulations. To best understand what kind of heater can and cannot be used in your home, check online for the laws and regulations of the state or territory you live in.
How much do gas heaters cost?
Flued heaters generally cost over $1,500, while unflued heaters can cost less than $500. Flued heaters generally come with much larger gas inputs with the ability to heat entire homes or large rooms, while unflued heaters carry smaller gas inputs, better for smaller – yet well-ventilated – rooms.
How much do gas heaters cost to run?
This depends on a number of factors, from the type of gas heater used, location of the household and general energy usage. However, households in Australia could expect to pay between $134 and $338 on average, to run their gas heater in the winter, according to Canstar Blue’s most recent analysis.
Are you paying too much on your natural gas plan? Compare against these cheap deals
Gas Plans Compared in VIC
Here are some of the cheapest gas deals on our database for VIC. These estimated annual costs are based on the Australian Gas Network in Melbourne and yearly gas usage of 29,830MJ, but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest estimated cost. This table includes products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Gas Plans Compared in NSW
Here are some of the cheapest gas deals on our database for NSW. These estimated annual costs are based on the Jemena Gas Network in Sydney and yearly gas usage of 18,542MJ, but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest estimated cost. This table includes products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Gas Plans Compared in WA
Here are some of the cheapest gas deals on our database for WA. These estimated annual costs are based on the ATCO Network in Perth and yearly gas usage of 7,672 (units), but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest estimated cost. This table includes products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Gas Plans Compared in SA
Here are some of the cheapest gas deals on our database for SA. These estimated annual costs are based on the Australian Gas Network in Adelaide and yearly gas usage of 11,875MJ, but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest estimated cost. This table includes products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Gas Plans Compared in QLD
Here are some of the cheapest gas deals on our database for QLD. These estimated annual costs are based on the Australian Gas Network in Brisbane and yearly gas usage of 6,842MJ, but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest estimated cost. This table includes products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Who sells gas heaters?
Multiple brands offer gas heaters, including Rinnai and Bromic, with each offering a number of models to help you find something suitable for your home and heating needs.
Rinnai Gas Heaters
Rinnai are a well-known heating appliance company offering a number of products within the flued and unflued gas heating categories. Its products retail between $1,000 and $2,000 for both flued and unflued models. The flued gas heater models boast features like multiple thermostatically controlled temperature settings, simple electronic ignition and a two-speed fan for heat distribution.
The flued gas heaters feature low emission technology, remote control operation and high energy star ratings.
Bromic gas heaters
Bromic offers a number of gas heaters in both flued and unflued designs. With prices starting at $700 and reaching upward of $3,000, there’s plenty to choose from when it comes to price. Its unflued indoor heater features a single touch electronic igniter and two step heat control making it easy to adjust the temperature to get you feeling toasty sooner.
The Bromic flued gas heaters feature a seamless design and a digital control touch panel to easily change the temperature, a wireless remote control to help you stay in control without being in the room and a power flue operation to maintain air quality in any room.
Read more: Which is better? Gas or electric heaters?
Should I buy a gas heater?
Gas heaters can be a great choice for homes that want to save some money on their power bill and have an existing gas connection. With a number of designs available on the market, you can find a model that fits perfectly into the desired room for heating without sticking out like a sore thumb. Compare heaters with Canstar to help you make the best purchase choice this winter.
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Original Author: Harrison Astbury
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