A gas heater is a device that heats a room or any outdoor area by burning natural or liquefied petroleum gas.

Using the same principles of the Bunsen burner, a gas heater flame heats the air, which is then spread by convection. Today, gas heaters have been developed to utilize radiant heat technology instead. This is incredibly useful, especially when used outdoors, because the heat is absorbed by people and objects rather than heat produced for warm the air.

More heaters use natural gas than electricity, while a small percentage use liquefied petroleum or propane, oil, or kerosene. Others rely on wood heat or solar energy. Gas heaters are generally cheaper and faster at heating than electric heaters, although they require running a flue out the roof to carry combustion emissions.

Because this kind of heater uses gas, air pollutant and combustion products are emitted. Prolonged exposure to gas heater emissions can affect health and safety.

Two of the most dangerous by-products of gas heaters are carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide.

Carbon monoxide, or CO, is colorless and tasteless. It is very hard to detect. It deprives the room of oxygen if the heater is left unattended and if the area is not ventilated well.

Carbon monoxide poisoning causes impairment of thinking and motor reflexes. It can also cause chest pain, dizziness, fainting, and nausea. If a person is exposed to too much carbon monoxide, this can result in death. The elderly, sick, and children are most susceptible to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Nitrogen dioxide, or NO2, is also a colorless and tasteless gas. However, it does have a strong odor, which makes it easier to detect than carbon monoxide. And like carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide level also rises in unflued gas heaters and poorly ventilated rooms. Inhalation of this gas can cause respiratory tract irritation and shortness of breath.

Children, elderly, and people with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases are most susceptible to the effects of nitrogen dioxide exposure.

To protect yourself against dangerous exposure to air pollutants, make sure your gas heater is flued. Otherwise, use an electric heater instead.

If you get an unflued gas heater, check if is the right size for the area you will be using it in. Using a large gas heater for a small room will increase the levels of air pollutants faster.

Most gas heaters are now equipped with automatic shut off features, which turn off the heater once it detects low oxygen levels and/or high carbon monoxide or nitrogen dioxide levels.

Have the gas supply system installed by a licensed and qualified professional to avoid air pollutants and fire hazards. Once you are using the heater, open a window or a door to let fresh air in and air pollutants out. Do not block air vents. Additionally, never leave a gas heater running while you leave the area or the house, or when you go to sleep.

Read the instructions in the manufacturer’s manual, and explain the proper usage and maintenance of the gas heater to the rest of the household. It pays to let everyone know how to use the appliance.