Gas heating at flick of a switch

Ideal for rental premises as easy to operate and install

CLEAN MACHINE: Remo Raccanello shows off his Rinnai gas heaters. Picture: DEIRDRE SMITH

WOOD fires are all very cosy but do you ever look at all that mess of twigs and soot and wonder if there is an easier way?

But then again, electricity charges have gone through the roof in recent years and nobody wants to be cold just to save on their winter heating bill.

But there is an alternative.

Gas has long been a favoured source for cooking and heating as it is efficient, responsive and, best of all, more affordable than other options.

Aqua Rural Supplies in Walsh Dr, Stanthorpe, is well known for its irrigation and plumbing supplies but it also has a range of freestanding gas heaters.

In accord with its name, the largest model, the Rinnai Avenger 25, pumps out 25megajoules of heat, which is sufficient to warm 83sqm.

It works using convection with the heating done behind a small panel.

Aqua Rural Supplies manager Remo Raccanello recommends the Avenger, as while at $1760 it is the most expensive of the models available, it offers greater efficiency and has lower running costs.

He points out his showroom is heated by an Avenger and even on a windy winter's day the large showroom is pleasantly warm, even though it is about twice the size of the recommended coverage area.

"It is clean, efficient and instant,” he said.

He has noticed the heaters are particularly popular with landlords as there is no mess and tenants can simply turn the heater on and off.

A different version, the Rinnai Granada, will heat about 37sqm and is priced at $1088.

Rather than heating by convection, this model uses radiant heat with bars being warmed up and the hot air blown out, however it has a lower energy rating than the convection models.

As for the cost of operation, Mr Raccanello says "it's a hard one to answer”.

"It depends on how much you use,” he said.

He estimates average users would require one gas bottle, costing about $140 per month.

Mr Raccanello says the heaters are easy to install. They are simply plugged into a gas point in the dwelling and are then connected to an exterior gas bottle.

If there is no gas point, one can be installed by a licensed gas fitter at a cost of $400-$500.

A regulator costing $120 is also required.

For more information, phone Aqua Rural Supplies on 46810355