Gas Wall Heater: Working Principle | Types | Features!

Types that you should know!

Some of combustion wall heaters work by convection heating principle. This working principle means that the unit heats the object not directly but through the surrounding air of the object. But there are also some that work with radiant heating principle to heat the object directly. Most of radiant-heat gas wall heaters (propane and natural gas units) usually use a ceramic panel to powerfully radiate the heat into the room and heat directly the object. And based on the venting mechanism, there are two major types; vented-units and ventless units! As the name suggests, vented model must be vented properly to make sure the unit will work powerful and efficient. And on the other hand, ventless model does not require venting system to work.

The working principle

How does ventless system of unvented-gas wall heater work?

It draws O2 for combustions from the air in your room. Then the heated-exhaust will be directed back into the room with radiant heating principle or convection heating principle (depending on the design of the unit itself). The direct venting will give advantage to prevent the energy losses from manual venting and this is the key why ventless units are claimed more efficient than vented-units. But unfortunately, the ventless design is not as safe as vented-design. There are several potential risks that can be so dangerous for you and your family. As well we know that the combustion process of gas will generate several unfriendly particles and pollutants, like CO (carbon monoxide). And if the volume of CO is too high then will lead to the depletion level of O2 in the room. Therefore, there are several states that prohibit and ban the use of ventless combustion units.

Although, the modern of ventless gas wall heaters are now equipped with the Oxygen depletion sensor for the safety feature, but it is much more recommended to avoid using them for indoor use! But if you are stiff to use this type, don’t forget to make sure that your room is well ventilated!

How does venting system of vented-units work?

This type utilizes O2 from the outside for the combustion process. O2 will be transferred into the heater by a vent that is usually located on the bottom of the unit! And vented-units are much safer than ventless units because all harmful pollutants (especially CO) will be pushed out to the outside by the vent (located at the top of the unit) and then will be directed through exhaust pipe to outside (open air) of the house.

The most familiar features

There are some familiar features that we can find in a regular wall heater:

1. Two features that have important function to maintain the discharge of the heat are thermostat and blower.
2. Two kind of flames, infrared flame (powerful to radiate the heat onto surfaces & objects) and blue flame (theoretically can work more efficient to warm up a room)!
3. Gas wall heaters are available in two major fuels (propane and natural gas). And we can find some with single fuel feature and other with dual fuel feature (can work well without needing conversion).
4. And as the name implies, wall heater are supported to be mounted on the wall easily. This installation can be easy or difficult, depending on the design of each product.

What else you should know about gas wall heaters?

1. They are room heating appliance and cannot be used to heat the entire home! But you can try with coal or pellet stove and then locates it in the place of your gas wall heater for a nice helpful alternative home heating idea.
2. Like other regular heating appliances, they are also available in a wide range of size (BTU). So don’t miss to calculate the right size before making deal to purchase! Generally, for 1,500 sq-ft area you can choose 50,000 BTU size, and for 800 sq-ft area you can use 20,000 BTU gas-wall- heater! Wrong calculation of size will lead to the inefficiency of the heater.
3. For better safety, it is much more recommended to also use alarm gas detector that will give a signal if there is a gas leak. Check also the venting regularly to make sure it always works well. And make sure your vented gas wall heater is properly installed by hiring the right qualified professional installer! Here are more helpful checklists about gas wall heaters!

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