Does A Gas Heater Make The Best Indoor Heater?

Any discussion of gas heater systems, whether reticulated networks, stored at the premises in tanks or bought in consumer containers must include some definition of terms. As there are more than a dozen different types of gas heater fuel options used for domestic heating, this can be a very confusing and bewildering subject.

Definition of Terms

The term “gas” is used generically for a number of petroleum-based products used for an indoor heater, a personal heater, a fireplace heater or any of a number of other heating applications. The type of gas used depends largely on the geographical location of the premises and the distribution networks available. Urban areas tend to use Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) delivered by a reticulated network. Reticulation is a pipeline network architecture similar to the way water is delivered by veins to the individual cells in leaves. Large feeder trunks are used to transport the gas to smaller and smaller pipelines, eventually leading to the meter mounted to the premises.

Rural and outlying suburban areas outside of the network tend to use propane gas –commonly called bottled gas – delivered by truck or tanker to fill or replace spent bottles or above ground storage tanks (AST). In some states, underground storage tanks are used, however many older units have been excavated and replaced because of ground water contamination issues. Propane gas has other commercial uses, especially in the production of hydrogen and in plastics because of its relative and predicable purity compared to Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) and its ease of use. This makes it a commodity with a heavy market demand, which drives prices up.

Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG), natural gas, coal gas, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and LNG stocks – in the sense of available supplies – are also market-driven since current and pending legislation of petroleum-derived products, use of coal and the lack of nuclear power force LNG to be a preferred source for commercial electricity generation.

Emerging technologies are creating gas from organic landfills – the primary gas being methane – as a lower-cost alternative or to supplement the prevalent gas supply. Biologically-derived gas and petroleum is not yet a widely-used source, however, as the demand increases and technology improves to grow the biomass, the price will become competitive.

CNG is mostly used as fuel for vehicles, however it does have some value as a source of gas for a personal heater, RV heater, or portable heater. It is becoming more widely available and new applications are being developed. CNG, however, suffers the same disadvantage as #2 fuel oil (diesel fuel), in that road tax levies are built into the price of the product. Regardless of market pressure, gas heater appliances continue to be one of the more cost-effective solutions for domestic and industrial heating needs.

The reason the source and type of gas is important is based on the actual chemical composition of the gas. Each type of gas requires different gas nozzles – the fuel jets in the gas heater itself and regulator, usually built in to the gas meter, that reduces the pressure from the high-pressure feeders to the low-pressure appliance in the premises. In the case of propane from bottles or storage tanks, the regulator is a separate component which also serves as a convenient connection or refill point. Once the type of gas is identified, this will reduce the number of appliances available that match the source. Some units are able to handle either propane or LNG without user intervention.

The type of gas heater needed is generally location and application dependent. In the deep south, cold weather is a rare event. A simple portable tank source connected to a wall-mounted indoor propane heater can be more than adequate. Indoor heaters are available in a wide range of configurations, including a personal heater, window heater and other indoor heater options. Some units are mostly decorative, for example, a fireplace heater in a high-end superbathroom. Others are convection heaters for climate control for an atrium or patio, garages, barns and stables, and other areas needing only localized area heating.

Is a gas heater the best option for domestic heating? The answer is generally: Yes. This answer is predicated by factoring all of the costs associated with the purchase, installation, maintenance and fuel costs. While a fuel oil heater may be relatively inexpensive for the furnace, the method of distribution of the heat through the home may be quite expensive, especially in forced steam designs.

Location is a prime consideration, depending on the region the residence. North of Baltimore, MD, the number of BTUs per hour to heat a home is 40 per square foot of floor space. In Washington, DC it is nearer 35 BTU. On the west coast, Seattle to Portland it is about 25 BTU. The size of the gas heater and the radiating elements need to be within 10% of the calculated number. For example, a 10 by 12 foot room in New York City would need between 4400 and 5200 BTU to heat. These figures are basic and apply to any heating method used.

The cost of radiators alone can be very high unless they are already installed. Houses in the New England area, for example, that are more than 100 years old may have serviceable radiators, however, the costs associated with maintaining a century old system of cast iron pipes and radiator elements can be much higher than putting in a more modern hydronic heater. A hydronic system uses water heated by an LNG or other gas furnace and it is circulated through the home to radiator elements. A typical 2-foot high by 6 foot wide steam radiator is approximately $1200 per radiator, while an equivalent hydronic heater can be half that price.

Forced air or convection heaters installed as a fireplace heater or window heater usually don't have a specific requirement for heat, as they are occasional use or decorative appliances. A small unit should not be considered for a constant-use environment. Additionally, indoor heaters especially the wall mounted units are subject to local regulations regarding their use. This generally means the heater can not be used in a sleeping area and must have specified minimum clearance in the area surrounding the indoor heater.

Safety is always a primary concern. Any area with a personal heater should have a functional carbon monoxide and gas leak detector alarm in close proximity. Convection heaters used in livestock areas should also be alarmed and remotely monitored. Hay and sawdust in the area of a gas heater can be an explosive combination.

It is a very good idea – if not a mandated requirement in the community – that a licensed and qualified gas inspector should ensure any existing or previously installed gas heating system is in compliance with building and gas codes. Most gas companies provide inspectors as a service at little or no charge.

When considering the purchase of a new installation or upgrading an existing installation of indoor heater , a prudent expense is a thorough and complete analysis of the area to be heated by an unbiased and independent professional. Do not rely solely on the recommendations of a salesman or representative who has a vested interest in selling a particular product or product line. There will be plenty of time for those people later, however, when armed with figures and calculations made by a professional architect or building contractor, the cost and performance estimates can be compared and contrasted.

Recent technological advancements have made component integration of several types of climate control which use common elements. For example, the same duct work used for an air conditioning system are used by a heating system. In some cases, having a gas furnace and heat pump combined with a separate air conditioning system do well in the moderate and temperate zone needing heating requirements in the 30-35 BTU per hour per square foot range. This allows the home owner to use the least expensive or most practical method of climate control based on the weather, price of fuel, or price of electricity. While the actual utility charges are roughly proportional, other considerations such as brown-outs or peak-hour demand rationing make hybrids very attractive, especially for new installations.

When upgrading or installing a modern system, look for the EnergyStar certification on the appliance. In some cases, this may result in a government tax credit or deduction for approved devices. Consider the possibility of integrating a gas heater with a supplemental solar heating option in the future. Gas is a finite resource, the less that is used, the better for everyone else.