STYLE – Wall mounted

What is the difference between a gas wall heater and a gas fire?

Gas wall heaters are primarily used as functional and efficient sources of heat. In the past, gas fires were mainly used for their decorative qualities, but in recent years they have also become highly effective at heating the home. Gas fires always produce impressive flame pictures, whereas with gas heaters this is possible but less common. Another difference is that gas wall heaters are not built-in, unlike many gas fires. Thanks to innovative technology, the difference in efficiency between gas fires with realistic flames and gas wall heaters is becoming less pronounced. Nowadays, gas wall heaters are good substitutes for central heating in situations where having living flames is less important.

Do you opt for a freestanding or suspended gas wall heater?

Once you have decided that a gas wall heater suits your requirements, you can choose between a freestanding or suspended model.

• A freestanding gas wall heater is also called a chimney heater. This type of model stands free from the wall and therefore offers flexibility of location. This has the advantage that the heat can radiate in all directions and the efficiency of the heater is increased. Moreover, because you can see the flame image, it also creates a cozy atmosphere.
• A suspended gas wall heater is also called a wall-mounted heater. It does not require a chimney but uses a flue to draw air for combustion and expel waste gases outside. The design is usually quite simple and there are no visible flames.

If there is limited space and you are looking for a simply functional gas wall heater, a wall-mounted model is a good choice. If atmosphere and flames are very important, take a close look at whether a gas wall heater is the right choice or whether a gas fire is better suited to your needs.

What is the difference between a gas wall heater with open or closed combustion?

For combustion, there must always be a supply of oxygen. Open combustion gas heaters draw air from within the building, whereas for closed combustion, the supply of oxygen comes from outside and residual gases are discharged through the same concentric flue. A gas wall heater with open combustion requires a well-ventilated room for safe, comfortable heating. A gas wall heater with a closed combustion system is completely room-sealed and can reach a higher temperature. As a result, the efficiency of a closed-combustion gas wall heater is considerably higher than that of an open-combustion model.

What else should you think about when you buy a gas wall heater?

Important points to consider when considering purchasing a gas wall heater, heat output, and maintenance required. 

The capacity of the heater

It is important to ensure that the capacity of your gas wall heater modern matches the dimensions of the room you want to heat. If there is too much capacity, the room and the heater will become too hot, this results in poor combustion and unnecessarily high gas consumption. Furthermore, the heater can only be used for a short time, so determine in advance the capacity you need.

Does it require a thermostat?

If you use the gas wall heater mainly for supplementary heating and decorative purposes, a thermostat is not necessary, so you can let it burn according to your needs. If it is to be the primary source of heat, a thermostat is recommended. In this way, you ensure that the room is heated as efficiently as possible, maintaining a constant, comfortable temperature.

The maintenance the wall heater

A gas wall heater will last a long time, provided it is well maintained. However, small particles of dust can enter the heater over time with dust causing ignition problems and reducing the efficiency of the appliance. For both environmental and safety reasons, it is wise to have your gas wall heater serviced every year by a qualified installer. It is also advisable to use specially developed maintenance products to clean the appliance