Gas heaters are an excellent option to consider when updating your heating system. There are several types to choose from and much to learn about the types of gas and the types of heaters available. Depending on your level of expertise, you may seek to learn just enough about the various types of gas heaters to choose the right one or you may want to learn how to install your new heater. In some cases, you may want to learn how to repair an existing one.

Gas heaters education and training can help you make an economical choice about the type of new heater to buy. The types of gas heaters you might consider buying include:

1. Portable gas heaters, including outdoor gas heaters or ones you can use in a garage;

2. Gas wall heaters;

3. And hot water heaters fueled by gas.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get information on natural gas heaters from manufacturers

Manufacturers websites can help you understand how natural gas heaters work. This information can show you whether this type of heater is right for you. Do your research before speaking to a sales person so you know what questions to ask.

I recommend: Learn how a heating and cooling system works and what the various parts do at Trane. Find out more about the types of heating systems, how to pick the best system for your home and other topics relating to heating and cooling at Bryant.

Learn to install and repair gas wall heaters and gas hot water heaters

Consider installing a gas wall heater in an area that doesn't receive adequate heat from your main heating system, such as a back room or a bathroom. Gas water heaters, especially tankless gas water heaters, are becoming more popular. Check the price of electricity in your area, compare it to the price of gas and consider installing a gas hot water heater to replace your electric one.

I recommend: Learn how a gas furnace works and discover how to repair one using the article with illustrations at HowStuffWorks. Find out how a gas wall furnace works at eHow. Get help with your gas hot water heater from HomeTips.

Find gas heaters information online

There are many types of gas heaters. Some are portable, and some you will need installation in a home, garage or business. Most gas heaters will run on natural gas or propane, though you should check with the manufacturer to be sure.

I recommend: Learn how to maintain and seek a qualified repair service for your heating system at AirConditioning-and-Heating.com. Geiger Heating provides an explanation of the different types of thermostats available.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Propane gas heaters are often portable since they can run off propane in a small tank. You may be able to take such a heater to a repair center for service if it malfunctions. Be sure to disconnect the propane tank and the power before you attempt to fix or transport it.

Some gas heaters burn either propane or natural gas, and other models run on propane only. A utility company delivers natural gas, but it may not be available in all areas. Propane is more expensive per gallon than natural gas, but it also provides more energy per unit. Portable heaters can't burn natural gas since they don’t connect to the gas line.

Characteristics to consider when buying gas heaters include:

1. Heater output range, measured in thousands of BTUs;

2. Heater mounting types: gas heaters can be mounted on the wall, sit on the floor or hung from the ceiling;

3. Heater combustion types: open heaters burn inside air and separated or sealed heaters use outside air;

4. And whether a heater needs to be vented to the outside or not.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get instant hot water and save money with gas hot water heaters

Tankless gas water heaters cost more to install than traditional hot water heaters but are more economical because you don't pay to keep water hot when you don't need it.

I recommend: Buy tankless gas hot water heaters from Heater Store, where you can chat with a live expert if you have questions. Home Depot sells several models of tankless gas hot water heaters and has articles that can help you choose the best model or learn how to install your choice.

Heat rooms with gas wall heaters

Many models of wall heaters, either natural gas heaters or those that heat with propane, do not have to be vented to the outside. These types of heaters provide heat that feels like central heating, works even when the power is out and is healthier than a fireplace or wood burning stove. Some models have thermostats and some have manual controls.

I recommend: Find a chart comparing various models of wall-mounted gas heaters that burn either propane or natural gas at New Beginnings Management. Ace Hardware Superstore sells a number of wall-mounted gas heaters at low prices.

Choose from several types of gas heaters to heat your space

Space heaters, meant to heat a single room, can be propane gas heaters or can run on natural gas or electricity. Gas space heaters are generally built-in or fixed on a solid, non-flammable surface. Choose a space heater to heat an area that is inconvenient to heat with another method or to compensate if the building's heating system is inadequate in a particular room.

I recommend: Empire Heating Systems manufactures many types of vent free gas heaters as well as vented models. Buy many types of gas space heaters that will run on propane or natural gas from HouseNeeds.

Warm up your work area with garage gas heaters

Use portable gas heaters in a location where you don't have a permanent heater or during an electrical outage. Pay attention to product information to determine whether your chosen model uses electricity and is safe to use in an enclosed space. You can also heat a garage with a ceiling mounted heater.

I recommend: Global Equipment sells ceiling-mounted, high-intensity gas infrared heaters for commercial and industrial use. Browse through a number of different styles of portable propane garage heaters at Heater-Home.

Stay warm when working or entertaining outside with an outdoor gas heater

Use a patio heater for an outdoor event during cold weather. Keep outdoor workers warm with an industrial outdoor heater. Outdoor gas heaters run on propane usually stored in a small attached tank.

I recommend: Find patio heaters and construction heaters for use outdoors at DESA Online Outlet. Choose from a variety of gas heaters, including outdoor gas heaters, at Northern Tool + Equipment Catalog.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Many models of gas heaters can burn either propane or natural gas. Choose propane in locations where natural gas is not available.