Types of Infrared Natural Gas Room Heaters
Natural gas heaters are safe to use inside a room. They include a venting system that takes exhaust fumes outside. Natural gas room heaters generate heat through combustion, where gas burners heat up metal tubes or panels that emit infrared rays. Unlike traditional heating systems, infrared gas heaters do not need to warm the air first before distributing it. Instead, they directly warm up people and objects within the space.
Natural gas heaters come in two main types: portable and fixed. Both types are further divided into different categories:
- Portable Heaters: They are movable from one room to another based on user needs. The heaters have a wheeled base or are lightweight for easy transportation. The infrared porch heater that runs on propane is a portable type of natural gas heater.
- Bay Heaters: Ceiling-mounted heaters with gas-fed infrared firing tubes. Multiple burners heat long metal tubes, which then radiate warmth. The grouped tubes ensure extensive heat coverage.
- Patio Heaters: These freestanding natural gas heaters are ideal for outdoor spaces like patios and gardens. They have a gas flame shielded by reflective metal that keeps people warm even during chilly evenings. Although they are generally less powerful than indoor models, they are still effective for achieving comfort.
- Greenhouse He/aters: Enclosed greenhouses use gas heaters to encourage plant growth, especially in colder months. Greenhouse infrared gas filters out harmful rays while heating the space. It efficiently warms up the entire structure to protect delicate plants.
- Industrial heaters: Large industrial gas heaters are ideal for heating up expansive areas such as warehouses, factories, or construction sites. They have high-capacity burners that can produce significant heat output. These natural gas infrared heaters operate efficiently even in poorly insulated buildings. Their quick heating helps workers continue production, boosting workplace efficiency. Models can be mounted on ceilings or walls to save space while providing direct heat.
Both fixed and portable natural gas heaters rely on ceramic or metal elements that glow red when heated to radiate warmth. They heat objects directly rather than warming the surrounding air. Gas heaters offer the benefit of infrared heating during the day, as natural light cannot interfere with their functioning.
Function and Features
Natural gas infrared heaters are safe, economical, and efficient ways of heating indoor and outdoor spaces. Their key features include therefore, their functions include;
- Infrared Heating: Infrared heaters give off infrared rays that warm up solid objects like the floor, walls, and furniture inside a space. When people and pets are warmed, heated air will circulate around the room. This method of heating up a room is very efficient. It helps save energy and reduces heating costs. Unlike traditional heaters that warm up the air first, infrared heaters direct heat to where it is needed most instantly.
- Energy Efficiency: Infrared heaters are very efficient at using energy. About 90% of the electricity or gas used is converted into useful heat. Heaters that produce radiant heat waste less energy because they warm up people and solid objects inside a space rather than just warming the air. Natural gas infrared heaters help save energy and cut down heating costs. This is economically beneficial. Heaters that produce radiant heat also have lower carbon emissions. They hurt the environment less than conventional heating systems.
- Advanced Control Features: Natural gas infrared heaters come with advanced control features like digital thermostats. Digital thermostats allow users to set and control the temperature with precision for maximum comfort and efficiency. Programmable thermostats offer pre-set heating schedules. They enable users to program heating schedules according to individual preferences and lifestyles. This optimizes energy usage by providing heating only when needed. Some models have remote controls. They allow users to adjust temperature settings and other heating parameters easily from anywhere within the space. Sensors for temperature, occupancy, and air quality help enhance comfort and efficiency automatically. They regulate heating output based on real-time conditions. This ensures optimal heating, energy savings, and indoor comfort.
- Safety Features: Heaters using natural gas need to have some key safety features. They include proper ventilation systems, emergency shut-off controls, and safety guards. Ventilation allows fresh air to come in and lets exhaust gases such as carbon dioxide out. This prevents poisoning and buildup of harmful gas fumes. A heater must also have an emergency shut-off control system so it can stop operating during emergencies like gas leaks or dangerous malfunctions. Safety guards stop people from touching very hot parts. They protect one from burns and reduce the risk of fires.
- Portable Options: Some infrared heaters come in a portable design. This allows users to easily move them from one location to another based on heating needs or preferences. Portable natural gas infrared heaters provide flexibility in heating different areas, both indoors and outdoors. They enable users to enjoy warm and comfortable spaces wherever the heater is positioned.
Applications of Infrared Natural Gas Room Heaters
One of the great things about infrared gas heaters is their versatility. People can use them in many different ways.
- Patios and outdoor spaces: If someone has a covered patio, porch, or deck area, they can install infrared gas heaters to extend the outdoor season. These heaters warm up outdoor seating areas so people can keep enjoying dinner parties and other gatherings even when temperatures start to drop.
- Workshops and garages: Some people work on hobbies or projects inside garages or workshops. An infrared gas room heater is affordable and quick to install to keep those spaces comfortable in colder months. Heaters warm up work areas, allowing people to continue their projects even when outside temperatures plunge.
- Greenhouses: If someone grows plants in a greenhouse, they can use infrared heaters to maintain ideal temperatures for plant growth during cold weather. The heaters protect sensitive plants and vegetables from frost by keeping greenhouse temperatures above freezing.
- Construction sites: On outdoor construction sites, workers need to stay warm while building in the cold. Portable infrared gas heaters provide an affordable means for keeping working teams comfortable so they can continue their jobs in frigid conditions.
- Ice fishing shanties: Some passionate ice fishermen use infrared heaters inside their fishing shacks on frozen lakes. The heaters warm up the inside so anglers can stay cozy while waiting for fish to bite even when the air temperature is well below zero.
How to choose infrared natural gas room heaters
Buyers should study each heater's specifications, and features carefully before placing bulk orders. They should also consider the needs of their customers. The following factors should be taken into account.
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Heater Type
Gas heaters can be portable or fixed. Portable heaters are small, lightweight, and easy to move around. They connect to a gas cylinder or have a low-pressure gas hose for flexible use. Portable gas heaters are ideal for indoor and outdoor heating in various areas, such as decks, patios, and camping sites. On the other hand, natural gas room heaters are larger appliances installed indoors to warm up a whole building. They use a natural gas supply line and are safer because they are less likely to tip over. Fixed heaters have more heating capacity than portable options.
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Ignition System
There are portable gas heaters with piezo ignition and portable heaters with a spark ignition. The piezo ignition system uses a pressure strike on a piezoelectric crystal. When pressed, the crystal generates an electric spark to ignite the gas. The piezo ignition is simple and safe to operate. Also, it automatically ignites the gas burner on the first try. The spark ignition system, on the other hand, produces a spark. The spark then ignites the gas. Heaters with piezo ignition and those with spark ignition are suitable for patio homes. However, the former is easier to use than the latter.
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Heating Area
Different heaters have different heating capacities. The capacity depends on the size of the room or patio. A small or medium heater can heat up a room that is up to 900sqf. For larger rooms, buyers should look for natural gas heaters with a heating capacity to warm up areas over 900sqf.
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Safety Features
Gas heaters improve the comfort and quality of life of users. However, they can cause serious hazards. Gas heaters with excellent safety features can prevent accidents that endanger lives. Consider gas heaters with the following safety features: tip-over protection, an oxygen depletion sensor, a heater guard, and auto shut-off. These safety features can protect users when the heater is tipped over, prevent the heater from getting too hot, and shut off the heater when the oxygen levels are too low.
Infrared natural gas room heater FAQ
Q1: How much natural gas do infrared heaters use?
A1: Gas consumption depends on heater size and usage. For example, a 20,000 BTU heater may use around 0.02 to 0.1 therms per hour.
Q2: Can food be cooked using infrared heaters?
A2: It is not recommended to cook food with infrared heaters, as they are designed for heating spaces. Cooking can damage the heater and create safety hazards.
Q3: Are infrared natural gas heaters eco-friendly?
A3: Yes, because they reduce emissions and use less energy when heating a space compared to electric heaters.
Q4: Do infrared heaters dry the air?
A4: Infrared heaters do not dry out the air. However, they can increase the room's temperature and make the air feel drier. Using natural gas heaters can make the air feel more moist than electric heaters.
Q5: What is the lifespan of an infrared heater?
A5: With proper maintenance, the heater can last for more than 30 years. Some manufacturers offer warranties of up to 10 years.