If you are currently without heat in a room, office, or some other building, you are probably considering installing a new heating unit to remedy your situation. One of the most common types of heaters in use today is the gas heater. If you are considering or planning to install a gas heater in your home or office, this is the guide for you.
Before you install a gas heater, it is important that you understand what you are dealing with. This is a very old but reliable method of heating that has been around since the early 1900s. Originally, the gas served as fuel for a fire that heated the air. Then, hot air was circulated into the room, raising the overall room temperature. Gas heaters today, however, are known for the use of radiant energy. Rather than heating air and circulating it throughout a room, the heat itself actually radiates through the room.
When installing a gas heater indoors, there are two types to choose from-flued and non-flued (portable) gas heaters. A flued gas heater will cost more to purchase because it is a permanent fixture in your home. It is installed with a pipe (or flue) system that funnels gas outside of your home. These also tend to be more ornate in order to blend in with the other fixtures in your home by imitating the appearance of a fireplace or woodstove in some cases. Portable (non-flued) heaters tend to be a bit cheaper to purchase, but it is important to make sure a room is properly equipped to accommodate one safely. Before making your final purchase, be sure to assess the actual space your heater will be expected to heat, and make sure it is capable of doing so. Also, always read the ventilation requirements when considering purchasing a portable gas heater.
After you’ve chosen which type of gas heater you plan to install, there’s not much left to do besides actually install it. Before you begin, the first thing you will need to do is TURN OFF THE GAS in your home. Do this before you sit down to read the instructions and possibly become distracted. After you have made sure that the gas has been safely turned off in your home, follow these instructions for a successful gas heater installation:
Step One: After the gas has been safely turned off, it’s okay to crack open those instructions. Every manufacturer has their own tips for installation of their product. It is important that you follow these if you would like your gas heater to function properly and safely.
Step Two: Make sure all items that cause sparks are turned off. Stoves, ovens, oil lamps in the room, and lighters need to be turned off and, if not a permanent fixture, removed from the area.
Step Three: Make sure there are no holes or leaks in the gas duct. If there is a problem you do not fully know how to address, contact a professional before attempting to install your gas heater.
Step Four: Ensure that your new gas heater is not on.
Step Five: Securely connect the heater to the duct. If you’re installing a non-flued heater, make sure it is placed properly according to the instructions.
Step Six: Re-inspect your installation. Double check the instructions. Make sure the heater is safely connected and there is no chance of a leak.
Step 7: Restore gas to your home.
After you have completed all seven steps of the installation process, be sure to monitor the heater for a while after installation. If you encounter any problems with your gas heater installation, be sure to contact a professional for any issue that you cannot resolve on your own with complete confidence.
