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3 Types of gas heaters to stay warm and How to Choose the Right One for Your Home
When the winter-chill sets in across South Africa, staying warm becomes a top priority. But with rising electricity costs and load-shedding woes, more households are turning to gas heaters as a reliable, efficient, cost-effective heating solution. Whether you live in a flat, a freestanding home or a townhouse, gas heating offers a practical way to keep your space cosy – without the worry of power cuts or heavy bills. And if you’re looking to stay cosy this winter, we’ve got exciting news – keep reading to find out how you could win a gas heater, complete with a gas bottle and FREE 9kg refill, thanks to SimsGas!
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about gas heaters: how they work, the different types available in South Africa and where to find them, how to choose the right one for your space, their key advantages and a few important safety tips to keep in mind.
Types of Gas Heaters on the South African Market and where to find them
Indoor Gas Heaters
South African homes typically use portable indoor gas heaters – they’re easy to move, safe to use and available at most major retailers. Let’s look at the main types available and where you can find them:
1. Radiant Gas Heaters
These heaters use ceramic plates that glow when heated and also sometimes called infrared heaters. The heat radiates directly into the room – similar to sitting in front of a campfire. Radiant heaters are great for spot-heating and heating smaller rooms like bedrooms or studies.
- Pros: Fast heat, quiet operation, low energy use
- Cons: Limited to heating the area directly in front of the unit, or a relatively small footprint
2. Convector Gas Heaters
These heaters draw in air, warm it using the gas burner and circulate it around the room. Ideal for larger or open-plan spaces, convector heaters offer more even heating across an area.
- Pros: Great for medium-to-large rooms, more even distribution of heat
- Cons: Can be noisier than radiant heaters
3. Panel Gas Heaters (or Radiant-Convector Combos)
These combine the best of both worlds: radiant heat from ceramic panels and convected heat to warm the air. They offer balanced comfort and are one of the most popular options for families.
- Pros: Effective and efficient, suitable for varied room sizes
- Cons: Slightly more expensive, but worth the performance
4. Flued Gas Heaters
Flued heaters are installed permanently and have a flue (or chimney) to expel emissions outside. These are less common in South African homes due to cost and installation requirements, but they’re a great option for those wanting a built-in, powerful heater.
- Pros: No indoor emissions, very safe
- Cons: Requires installation, higher upfront cost
Gas Heaters for Outdoor Spaces
South African winters are often mild enough to still enjoy outdoor living – as long as you’ve got the right heater. Outdoor gas heaters, such as pyramid-style or mushroom-top patio heaters, are specifically designed to warm patios, verandas, restaurant seating areas or braai spaces. These units are larger, more powerful and usually weather-resistant. They work well for entertaining or simply enjoying a glass of wine under the stars without the bite of cold air.
While they consume more gas than indoor units, they cover a much wider radius and are a favourite for both home use and commercial hospitality settings. Just be sure to use them only in open-air spaces and never bring them indoors.
Gas Water Heaters: Hot Showers Without the Wait
Another area where gas heating shines is water heating. Gas geysers (also known as gas water heaters) provide instant, on-demand hot water – no more waiting for an electric geyser to warm up or worrying about power cuts mid-shower.
These units heat water only as needed, making them far more energy-efficient than traditional electric geysers that constantly maintain water temperature. They’re ideal for households looking to cut down electricity usage or for off-grid applications like cabins and holiday homes.
Gas water heaters are available in various capacities, with some models supporting multiple taps or showers simultaneously. They’re best installed by professionals to ensure correct ventilation and compliance with local safety standards.
How to Choose the Right Gas Heater for Your Home
When selecting an indoor gas heater, a few factors will help guide your choice:
- Room size: small rooms – radiant heaters; large areas – convector or panel heaters
- Frequency of use: occasional or load-shedding backup vs. everyday use
- Budget: affordable brands plus optional accessories
- Aesthetics and portability: choose compact, slim design models with castor wheels
Safety First: Tips for Using Your Gas Heater
Gas heaters are safe when used correctly, but as with any fuel-burning appliance, a few basic precautions go a long way:
- Always use the heater in a well-ventilated room to prevent oxygen depletion.
- Check for gas leaks by applying soapy water to the connections – if bubbles form, there’s a leak.
- Turn off the gas bottle when the heater is not in use.
- Keep the heater away from flammable items like curtains or bedding.
- Store gas cylinders upright and away from direct heat or sunlight.
- Never leave the heater on overnight or while you’re out of the house.
Many modern heaters come with safety features like oxygen depletion sensors, flame failure protection and automatic shut-off – but it’s still important to use common sense and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Final Thoughts: Make the Switch to Gas this Winter
Gas heaters aren’t just a smart choice for surviving winter – they’re a long-term investment in warmth, comfort and energy independence. With quick heat, lower running costs and the ability to stay warm even during load-shedding, they tick all the boxes for South African households looking for a practical heating solution.
Whether you’re heating a small bedroom, a family lounge, an outdoor entertainment area or looking to avoid a cold bath when the power is out, there’s a gas solution that’s just right for your space. And with SimsGas by your side, you can rest easy knowing your LPG canister is always safely sealed, professionally delivered and backed by a trusted team that understands the South African market.
🏆 Your Chance to Win a Heater + Gas Refill!
Winter’s coming… and we’re turning up the heat! 🔥 SimsGas is giving you the chance to WIN an Indoor Heater complete with a FREE 9kg cylinder – everything you need to stay warm and worry-free this season.
To enter, simply like our competition post, follow @SimsGas on Instagram or Facebook and tag two friends who love staying warm. The competition runs from 13 May to 27 May 2025 and the lucky winner will be announced on 28 May 2025. Don’t miss out – warm up your winter with SimsGas and stand a chance to win! Ts and Cs apply. Click here to enter.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional or technical advice. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the content, SimsGas does not accept any liability for reliance on the information provided. Always follow official safety guidelines and consult a qualified professional for specific LPG-related concerns, maintenance or installations.
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Author: Twaambo Chirwa