As soon as the first cold snap hits, people start looking for an indoor gas heater, to keep warm. There is quite a range of indoor heaters on the market, but which one is right for you? Portable heaters are usually brought out in the colder months and are able to be stored away during the summer months. They may also be moved from room to room, to heat the area that requires heat at that time. These are considered “flueless gas heaters”.
When it comes to buying the right gas heater for your needs, it is really important to consider the following factors:
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is an important factor to consider when buying an indoor gas heater. The benefits are twofold:
One, it’s better for your bank account. Running a heater that consumes less energy means you won’t be hit with a huge bill at the end of the month or have to replace gas bottles too quickly. For those who continue to work from home through winter, an energy efficient heater is a must!
Two, it’s healthier for the environment. Depending on the alternative electricity fuel source in your property and taking into consideration the increased efficiencies of heaters now available, gas heaters are typically considered more environmentally friendly.
A viable option is the Bromic Supaheat Ⅱ. This heater is available in LPG or natural gas. It is approved by the LPGASA and has achieved a 6-star efficiency rating in independent, overseas tests. Better yet, the heater is battery operated – NO ELECTRICITY NEEDED DURING LOADSHEDDING!
The advantage is that, unlike some heaters which may require a plug connection and can be a challenge with extension cords, the Supaheat II portable gas heater makes it easier with a battery-powered piezo. Read more about the Bromic Supaheat II gas heater here.
Heating Output
It’s important to take the following room details into consideration when buying a portable indoor gas heater:How big is the space that needs heating? A general rule is that a heater with an output of 1kW can heat up to 10㎡. Use the below as a guide when browsing indoor gas heaters:
| Size of the room | kW output required to heat the room |
| Small (49 – 42㎡) | 2.9 – 4.2kW |
| Medium (46 – 66㎡) | 3.4 – 6.6kW |
| Large (52 – 82㎡) | 5.2 – 8.2kW |
- What are the general features of the room that need to be heated?
Homes with high ceilings: There is more space to be heated and this should be considered. You may need a bigger indoor gas heater with more power, to heat the whole space.
Room insulation: Is the room insulated? How easy is it for heat to escape? If the room is well insulated then this will make it easier for the room to reach the desired temperature and retain that heat. This does not simply mean that all the windows should be shut, there must be adequate ventilation!
Open or closed space: Is the indoor heater for an open social space, like an open plan living room or is it for a space that may have a door? This will affect the output needed. It’s important to note that heaters require adequate ventilation to be deemed safe. Users should refer to their registered gas installer or manual for their heater and assess the ventilation of the space before use.
Enclosed spaces or very small spaces, such as bedrooms or bathrooms require, by law, to have a flue installed to expel used gas outside. These heaters are generally wall mounted and permanently fixed. The Bromic Supaheat is supplied only as a flueless option. This option is better for open, larger or well ventilated areas.
Carpet or tiles: Tiled rooms are colder and are less capable of retaining heat. It may help to put down a mat in winter to retain heat and save energy in the long run.
Lastly, make sure you compare heat output with cost. Look for value in your portable heater by checking that the unit is not only affordable but has a high Mj output.
The Supaheat II heater range is innovatively designed to combine radiant and convection heating: with tiles producing heat on the front of the unit and a grill on top, allowing heat to circulate upwards. This is why it is able to heat a room quickly and efficiently. These gas heaters also produce up to 18Mj heat output on the Natural Gas model and up to 21Mj heat output, on the LPG model – delivering value, against cost.
The Right Features
When buying an indoor gas heater, it is important to consider all the features and benefits and not be sidetracked by information about heating. For example, buyers should always be aware of the ease of use:
Safety: When assessing features, safety should be at the top of the list. Always ask about the built-in safety features, especially if you have kids or pets in the home. Mechanisms to shut down in abnormal behaviour is ideal.
The Bromic Supaheat Ⅱ includes a safety tilt switch, oxygen depletion sensor and a flame failure safety device.
Portability: If you don’t have a built-in central heating system, then it’s possible you’ll want to move the heater around to heat different parts of the house. Portability is essential for this. This mostly means the heater is not wall-mounted but is able to stand on its own and can be carried easily when moved / stored away.
The Bromic Supaheat Ⅱ is a fantastic option for a portable indoor gas heater. It can be easily unplugged from 1 gas point and moved to another quick release, in a different room. It can also be stored away during the summer months.
Maintenance: To prolong the life of your appliance, you will need to maintain your heater. This may at the beginning or end of winter, or after your heater has been in storage for the summer months. Look for a heater that is easy to look after on a daily basis.
The Bromic Supaheat Ⅱ is a great heater, particularly in terms of maintenance as it’s easy to clean and keep in a safe condition.
Energy Efficiency: A heater that will conserve energy, helps to keep ongoing running costs low. Check the energy star rating of the heater, look for additional features such as adjustable thermostats or energy saver operating modes.
The Bromic Supaheat Ⅱ has an energy rating of 5.9 out of 6.0 (AS/NZ 5263.1.3)
Warranty: In order to feel that your purchase is protected, always ask about the warranty and always ask about any conditions. Often a warranty is void if not installed by a qualified gas installer.
Heat output: Always compare heat output…
Buying a portable indoor gas heater shouldn’t be difficult!
The Bromic Supaheat Ⅱ is an easy win for those who want simple heating solutions during winter. It’s affordable, efficient, portable, can heat multiple types of spaces, is available in LPG or natural gas and is easy to maintain. Find out more about it here.