Blog: Everything you need to know about gas heaters
Gas heaters can provide a great source of radiant warmth that is both economical, efficient and practical. We’ve compiled this article to help you buy your next heater with confidence.
How do gas heaters work?
Gas heaters provide radiant heat by burning LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) such as propane and butane via an intake duct and lighting it with a pilot flame. This heats radiant tubing or refractory material. The objects and bodies in the area then absorb this heat.
Are butane heaters safe to use indoors?
Whilst LPG is a clean-burning fuel, meaning it produces a low amount of carbon emissions compared to oil, it does produce carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a very dangerous substance when contained in a poorly ventilated area like a house. Some gas heaters have been made safe for use but you are best to do your research before buying one of these and ensuring they clearly state they are safe for indoor use and pair them with a carbon monoxide alarm. Place the alarm about 1 meter from the heater to ensure accurate readings.
Why is carbon monoxide so dangerous?
Carbon monoxide can be produced from anything that burns gas, wood, oil or coal. It is odourless and colourless so you won’t know if it is around you until it has already started taking effect.
According to the NHS, symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
- headache
- dizziness
- feeling sick or being sick
- feeling weak
- confusion
- chest and muscle pain
- shortness of breath
The symptoms may come and go. They may get worse when you spend time in an affected room or building and get better when you leave or go outside.
If you think you have a build-up of carbon monoxide, open all windows and doors you can to ventilate the area and leave and seek medical advice, do not re-enter the area before you have done this.
What are propane heaters good for?
Gas heaters are great for use in well-ventilated spaces such as warehouses, workshops, garages and more. Thanks to their compact and portable nature, they are also fantastic for temporary and emergency heating, making them very useful in a pinch!
