By 2024, the HVAC market for Australia and New Zealand is projected to reach $3.2 billion, up from $2.3 billion in 2018, according to data. The industry has a compound annual growth rate of 5.7% between 2018 and 2024. The primary reason for the growth is the increasing demand for commercial and residential developments during this period.

As far as heating solutions go, the gas outdoor heater is one of the most popular options because it is low maintenance and looks aesthetically pleasing, and complements every type of space. These heaters are a great way to heat your porch or patio in the dead of winter.

Depending on where you are located in Australia, you would be experiencing frostbite-inducing nights if you do not invest in a gadget that would help give any space warmth. For instance, New South Wales residents know how the temperatures can plummet to single digits during June, July, and August, so they have to be fully prepared.

What type of Gas-Operated Heater Should I Choose?

Gas heaters come in various brands and designs. Some of them are designed to look like old ovens of period pieces to enhance your patio or porch’s look. Others use cutting-edge designs to fit a contemporary home.

You can choose a freestanding heater, which is the most portable because it does not need any mounting support. You can also move it around as necessary. A tabletop heater is similar to a freestanding one, only smaller. Just like its name suggests, you can put it on top of your coffee table. A mounted heater, meanwhile, is attached to a post, wall, or ceiling. It is designed to be a permanent fixture of the patio or porch.

But forget the design for a second because when choosing a gas outdoor heater, the most critical aspect is the coverage area. It tells you how many heaters you need to purchase to provide ample warmth to your space.

Calculating the Coverage Area

The heat is measured in BTU or the British Thermal Unit. It refers to the amount of heat generated to increase one pound of water’s temperature by one degree Fahrenheit. So, when choosing a gas outdoor heater, consider the BTU.

As a rule of thumb, for 100-150 square feet of space, you need at least 5,000 BTUs. A 150-250 square feet room would need a heater with 6,000 BTUs. You need about 10,000 BTUs for a 450-square foot patio. You can either buy a large one or purchase two or three machines to ensure each section of the space will be heated.

Fortunately, you do not have to rack your brains to calculate the BTUs and measure your porch. For instance, some gas heaters come with the recommended coverage. To illustrate, the Bromic Tungsten Smart Heat 500 can heat 20 square meters of space.

Finally, do not forget that a gas outdoor heater needs to be installed professionally by the manufacturer or a licensed HVAC specialist. But once they are connected to your gas line, the machine does not require lots of maintenance.