The Basics and Benefits of Using a Gas Heater

Gas heaters are an efficient and effective way to stay warm. Some are fixed, requiring professional installation; however, ideally they're portable - so you can take them with you camping, use them in your backyard, or benefit from them at work. Whatever your needs, consider using a  gas heater to meet them. A gas heater is a great source of year round heat.

Just a few of the benefits of using a gas heater are:

  • Instant warmth
  • High heat output
  • Portability
  • Pay as you go heating
  • Easy setup

Now let's explore gas heating basics and the ins and outs of different gas heater fuels.

Gas, Oil, and Propane Heating: The Basics

Natural gas is a fossil fuel produced from oil and gas fields. It's distributed through pipes. Typically gas heaters get heat from a main heat source controlled by your local heating company.

Natural gas is measured by therms or CCF (hundreds of cubic feet). One therm equals 100,000 BTUs or British Thermal Units. Natural gas burns the cleanest - a benefit that the environmentally aware might appreciate.

The problem - it's not always available. You must tap into a natural gas main to use it; therefore, it's not easily accessible. Using a natural gas heater outdoors would require accessing your main gas line.

An oil- filled gas heater burns 400 times hotter than natural gas and is generally safer than natural gas heating. It's a petroleum product and commonly used in the Northeast. Heating oil is stored in tanks that must be refilled. Refilling an oil filled gas heater is easy and inexpensive.

Propane gas heating fuel is a by-product of natural gas processing and petroleum refining. It's a gas stored under pressure in liquid form. Like an oil filled gas heater, it's measured in gallons. Like heating oil, it too is stored in tanks that require refilling.

Propane gas heating is inexpensive and effective.

It's a cleaner burning fuel than heating oil, so if you're going green, this is a great alternative.

portable gas heater

Gas Heater Types

There are 3 types of outdoor gas heaters: fixed, portable, and freestanding. All are effective.

Fixed outdoor gas heaters are exactly as the name suggests. This type of outdoor gas heater isn't portable. It connects to your gas line and provides heat through the natural gas process. Typically, professional installation is required.

This gas heater isn't as convenient as other types because of the installation process; however, it's effective and will keep outdoor areas warm. Using this kind of gas heater will increase your energy bill. The cost will be attached to your indoor heating bill, another feature that must be considered before selecting this option.

Portable outdoor gas heaters are small and easy to transport. This type of gas heater typically burns oil or propane gas. Although it requires a tank, it's easy to hookup and you won't be billed through your energy provider.

Using a portable outdoor gas heater allows you to manage costs better. Everything is prepaid. There aren't any unexpected hikes in energy costs. Another added benefit - depending on the model you choose - is that these portable gas heaters are great for camping or any other outdoor event you attend.

Using this gas heater, you won't have to endure the cold bundled in ski jackets, scarves, and gloves. A portable gas heater, whether propane or oil-filled, will keep you sufficiently warmer.

Free-standing gas heaters are larger and not as easy to transport. These heaters heat a wide spread area and are ideal for patios - commercial or residential use. Again this type of gas heater typically operates on propane gas, a form of heating that's efficient. As indicated above, it's the most efficient fuel source outside of natural gas.

If you enjoy outdoor entertaining then consider a free-standing patio gas heater. You and your guests will enjoy the warmth this gas heater provides. This type of gas heater is popular at local restaurants, too, enabling dinner guests to enjoy an outdoor table on a chilly evening.

Now - Let's Talk More Benefits

With a gas heater you can enjoy outdoor socializing and dining all year round. Summer might be over but that doesn't mean you have to stop taking pleasure in a poolside meal. With a free-standing patio gas heater , you'll be comfortably warm.  Most models warm up to a 20 sq. ft. area, sufficient heat for outdoor spaces.

Some propane and oil filled gas heaters are small enough to pack, so you can take one on your next outdoor vacation. If you're a backpacker, this is an ideal option. This type of gas heater is lightweight and easy to transport, offering enough warmth to keep you feeling comfortable when the sun goes down.

Spending the morning fishing? Get rid of the morning chill instantly. Set up your portable gas heater on the bank next to your chair. Since fish are morning feeders - the best time to catch fish being just before or daybreak - sitting out by the lake can be cold. With a portable gas heater you can relax and enjoy the sunrise.

Where else can you use a portable gas heater? Maybe you plan on attending a holiday parade. Thousands gather to see floats and high school marching bands, some camp for days waiting. Why not use a portable gas heater to keep warm while you wait.  Whatever your plans are - local parades, camping or fishing - stay warm with a portable gas heater.

Oil-filled and Propane Gas Heaters

Clearly, the benefits of using an outdoor gas heater are great.  The uses are endless. No matter what your plans are, you'll benefit from using a gas heater. They're efficient and effective. Depending on the BTU produced, many models warm spaces as large as 200 sq. ft.

Enjoy effective heating, pay as you go costs, convenient portability, and easy setup. Outdoor gas heaters are ideal for anyone taking pleasure in an outdoor environment at anytime of the year.