Owners of country houses and those who wish to spend time at the dacha during cold periods need to think about heating. Electrical appliances consume quite a lot of resources, which are expensive. The best option would be to install a gas heater. For the device to work as it should, it is important to choose the right model and familiarize yourself with the operating rules.
Classification of gas heaters
There are quite a few options for gas heaters, their differences are in the principle of operation and mobility, constructive and power indicators. But for the operation of any of the devices, either liquefied or natural fuel is required, which they convert into thermal energy. As a source, you can use bottled gas or connect to a common line.
Heating devices are of two types: stationary and portable. The first ones are installed for a long time and are used as the main heat sources. Such devices are distinguished by their large dimensions and high efficiency; for their operation, it is necessary to mount a chimney that removes combustion products.
Mobile models are used for temporary or semi-permanent heating. They are smaller in size and performance. They cope well with heating summer cottages, small residential houses, garages and outbuildings where there is no centralized gas supply.
Infrared and catalytic devices, convectors and heat guns
According to the principle of operation, heating devices are divided into the following types:
- Infrared. Burners with metal or ceramic radiators are installed inside. When heated, they begin to emit infrared waves. To direct them in the right direction, use built-in reflectors. At the same time, the air near the heaters remains almost cold - only the surrounding objects are heated. The infrared gas ceramic heater is the safest. The use of ceramic plates allows achieving absolute fuel combustion without any harmful emissions.
- Convection. Their main element is conventional burners, which are responsible for burning fuel. The air is heated with special finned radiators. Due to convection, heated currents rise upward, their place is taken by cold air masses. Two to three hours after start-up, it becomes noticeably warmer in the heated room.
- Catalytic. The design uses the principle of oxidation of natural or liquefied gas. There is no flame, heat is generated through a chemical reaction. The gas enters a special catalytic panel where it is oxidized to generate heat. For heating, catalytic devices with an IR output or a convector combined are also used.
- Thermal gas cannons. They are made in the form of a cylinder and work like a fan heater. A heat generator is used as a heating element. They are powered by bottled gas, the power is regulated by a reducer.
Infrared and convection gas heaters are available in ceiling, wall and floor types.
If catalytic devices are used for the most part to warm up the interior of a building, then infrared devices with burners provide the ability to heat open areas for recreation, country verandas, restaurant terraces. Such devices are able to distribute heat over a decent distance - for example, street models can heat objects within a radius of 5-6 meters.
Most often, a gas infrared heater from a cylinder works, since such devices are classified as mobile equipment. Also among such equipment there are models equipped with slots for connecting built-in cylinders with a volume of up to 27 liters. If you intend to use the device indoors, you can connect the IR device to the main pipe using a flexible hose.
Gas stoves and fireplaces
A separate group includes stationary gas ovens for summer cottages. These devices are similar to those that run on wood, but gas is connected to the burner in the combustion compartment. There are also small mobile stoves with outriggers. Modern models have auto-adjustment systems, which allows you to save "blue fuel" and maintain a constant temperature in the room.
Gas oven air heaters are made of cast iron or high-strength steel and must be equipped with a chimney. Stationary options are sometimes bricked for better heat retention.
There are also commercially available combi furnaces capable of operating on solid fuels and on liquefied gas. To increase efficiency, chimneys are equipped with special fans. Also, to preserve heat, it is better to choose a gas stove for a summer residence with a closed combustion chamber.
A type of stove is gas fireplaces. They can be connected to the mains or started with a cylinder. Nowadays, remote models for summer cottages have become popular, allowing you to heat and give aesthetics to a veranda or an open area for recreation.
Equipment advantages and disadvantages
The gas cylinder heater has a number of advantages:
- mobility;
- reliability;
- compact dimensions.
The natural gas heater is larger but more powerful. These types of appliances are also quite economical, especially when compared to electric heaters. Fuel consumption for space heating is not too high.
The disadvantages of gas heating devices include the fact that they burn air, and are also capable of emitting toxic products into the atmosphere, which is especially dangerous if the combustion chamber is open. Then they will fall directly into the living quarters. Without the installation of automatic shutdown and fuel cutoff systems, equipment cannot be considered safe.
Natural gas heaters are suitable for continuous operation if there are problems with the heating system. However, if it is necessary to move the unit to another room, it will be necessary to re-plan the gas pipeline, which is quite expensive.
Criteria for choosing a heater for a summer residence
There are other criteria for choosing a good device that are worth considering. First of all, it is the power on which the performance depends. The indicator should be consistent with the intended use. A device with a power of 1 kW will warm up well to fifteen "squares". If the data sheet of the device indicates 4 kW, the unit is suitable for a room with an area of up to 60 m2. You should not purchase high-power devices for seasonal operation, since the device will not be able to work at full capacity, and you will have to spend much more money.
It is also necessary to verify the capabilities of the unit and the costs for it.Devices, depending on the power and functionality, can cost from two to 30 thousand rubles or more. The price depends on the feature set and the brand. The highest quality equipment suitable for domestic gas lines and cylinders is produced by the following companies:
- Ballu (an international company headquartered in Hong Kong);
- Bartolini (Italy);
- Timberk (Sweden);
- "Pathfinder" (Russia).
The first firm has branches in Russia. The popular and inexpensive Ballu Bigh-55 is produced here.
Pay attention to the heating temperature inside and outside the device. The higher the first indicator, the faster the room will warm up. The body of the unit should not get very hot, otherwise it will be dangerous to operate the device in everyday life.
The choice is influenced by dimensions, weight, ease of transportation. A plus will be the presence of special devices to improve mobility, such as a handle or wheelbase, as well as piezoelectric ignition, moisture protection function. Its level is usually indicated in a marking on the surface of the case.
If you need a portable option, take a closer look at models with an internal gas cylinder retainer. The functions of reducing the risk of ignition are also important - in particular, auto-shutdown and protection against rollover. Purchase the unit only in a special store so that the product has a technical passport, a warranty for service.
Security questions
Before purchasing the device, you should carefully read the documentation, quality certificates and instructions for using the device. Inspect the unit itself - the body must be intact, without cracks or dents.
After delivery of the instrument, read the manual again. If you intend to connect to a gas pipe, call a specialist. The cylinder can be connected independently.
If the apparatus is equipped with an electrical device such as a fan, periodically check the plug and cord, as well as the outlets, wiring and shields. Minor damage can lead to short circuits in electrical wires and a fire, and with gas, even an explosion.
It is necessary to take into account certain prohibitions when using gas equipment. Not allowed:
- Installation of self-made heating units with open heating elements.
- Use of devices that have reached the end of their service life. On average, it is ten years.
- Installation of devices in the bathroom, corridor, close to furniture, electrical appliances, curtains and curtains, cabinets with flammable liquids and paints and varnishes.
- Fixing wall convectors without special supports.
- Drying the washed laundry over the heater.
- The admission of children to the premises where the gas equipment is installed.
No more than two heaters can be connected to one chimney. Moreover, the distance between them along the length of the course should not be less than half a meter. The material from which the chimneys are made must be corrosion and acid resistant. If there is no coaxial pipe, the house needs a good ventilation system in order to instantly eliminate combustion products.
Gas equipment, if weather permits, is best turned off at night. It is imperative to turn off devices when leaving home, leaving.
Gas heaters will quickly and effectively help create thermal comfort in an unheated house or summer cottage. With the right selection, they will last a long time and will be absolutely safe to use.
Don't try to close the ventilation. And a pipe is needed to the heater to remove the moisture formed during the combustion of gas. Well, discard the combustion products in Fig. Why breathe them?
I used to use it, now it is lying around in the garage due to the fact that there is a very strong carbon monoxide gas when it warms up. You can give your soul to God before you take it, think 10 times!