Sometimes a gas heater is a good option for keeping warm. It is easy to use. It takes up little space. We move it effortlessly. These devices exist with several heating modes. How to choose the model that suits your needs? We’ll explain it to you.
It is not always worth installing new central heating. Nor to replace all the old radiators. To heat a home efficiently, gas auxiliary heating is a good additional solution.
As the name suggests gas auxiliary heating cannot replace central heating. It is ideally used to heat a rarely used room such as a bedroom in the attic, an independent studio or even a workshop. It can also serve as a “booster” to existing radiators in the event of large drops in temperature. In the fall, it is a good way to ensure a pleasant temperature in the living room while waiting to light the fireplace.
Note that its radiation is limited. It can therefore under no circumstances be used as heating for an entire house. However, it is useful temporarily in the event of a central heating breakdown.
Nothing could be simpler than a bottle of butane to start an auxiliary heater whatever the type of gas “stove” you choose. There are 3:
- catalytic : this model works by radiation. It delivers a even heat thanks to its ceramic fiber surface. It does not produce any flame and therefore does not emit any carbon dioxide. It is ideal for heating large volumes as well as poorly ventilated rooms or blind rooms.
- to infrableu: This auxiliary heater is equipped with a stainless steel burner which delivers heat by convection and radiation. It allows you to obtain heat almost instantly. However, its quality and heating time are less uniform. Best used in rooms that need to be heated quickly but in which you do not stay for too long (garage, workshop, etc.).
- infrared: certainly the version that offers the most comfort thanks to its very good level of inertiadue to its refractory brick which stores heat. Certainly less quick to rise in temperature than infrared, infrared nevertheless delivers a homogeneous heat throughout the room for several hours. Another strong point is that this type of heating does not dry out the ambient air. It is therefore recommended for homes with children, the elderly or people prone to respiratory allergies.
Autonomy and heating surface
The different models of gas auxiliary heating have several powers, between 1000 and 3000 watts. You should choose a power suitable for the room you wish to heat. Count approximately 100 watts/m² for optimal heating comfort.
Concerning the autonomy of the auxiliary heater, it depends on its operating power and the butane bottle used (6, 10 or 13 kg). Thus, for a power of 3000 watts (i.e. 30m²), one hour of heating uses approximately 250 g of gas, i.e. 24 hours for a 6 kg bottle, 40 hours for 10 kg and 52 hours for 13 kg.
Prices and brands of gas heaters
Much cheaper than a wood or pellet stove and above all much simpler to install, the gas “stove” or gas auxiliary heating generally does not exceed 200 euros. Among the leading brands in this area, we find Favex, Universal Innovations and Campingaz.
