LPG Cabinet Heaters Keeping You Warm This Winter.

Thinking of purchasing an LPG Infra-red cabinet heater for your home or business? Find out the information you need to know about owning a gas cabinet heater, the benefits, features, troubleshooting issues & how to stay safe!

About Infra-red Gas Cabinet Heaters 

Where are they used?

Infra-red heaters are often used in domestic environments, such as inside homes, workshops, and businesses. They are a quick, economical, and simple way to heat a room when you have no other access to more conventional heating methods. It’s also handy for anyone who only needs or wants to heat the room they’re currently in, rather than an entire building.

What gas cylinder do I need?

Gas cabinet heaters run on Butane gas cylinders. Most will use 7kg -15kg sized gas cylinders. Depending on the gas dealer you choose will depend on the type of Butane clip on regulator you will require.

What regulator should I use with my heater and gas cylinder?

Most cabinet heaters will be supplied with a length of 8mm high pressure gas hose and either a 20mm or 21mm Butane clip on regulator. The most popular UK clip on regulator size is the 21mm and this is often the type you’ll receive with your new heater.

Calor Gas have a 21mm connection on their Butane cylinders but other gas manufacturers may use a 20mm so it’s worth checking with your gas dealer what the connection size is on your cylinder, to make sure the regulator supplied with your heater will fit.

How To Stay Safe With Your Gas Heater

Heaters with Safety Features.

When shopping for a cabinet heater you’ll want to consider a few factors before making your purchase. It may be tempting to opt for the cheaper models on the market but often these heaters lack safety features and don’t have a quality robust build which will make your heater last. Below are two safety features we would recommend you look for in an infra-red gas heater.

Oxygen Depletion System: This safety feature will shut your gas heater off should the Oxygen levels in your room become too low. Gas heaters naturally produce low amounts of Carbon Monoxide. This is a colourless, odourless gas that can go completely unnoticed, but can cause serious illness or in severe cases, death should the levels become too high.

Flame Failure Device: A flame failure device will stop the gas from continually flowing out of your heater in the event of the flame being blown out.   

Some heaters also come fitted with an anti-tilt device which shuts the gas supply off from the heater in the event of it being knocked over.

How to store your gas cylinder safely.

You’ll probably not need to use your heater in the summer months so it’s important to make sure your gas cylinder is stored safely until it’s required again.

Do

• Store in a well-ventilated area.
• Store away from heat sources.

Don’t

• Place the cylinder on its side.
• Store the cylinder below ground level.

Make sure that when you come to use your heater again, you remember to check the condition of your hose, regulator, and cylinder connection and if needed, replace anything that is out of date or damaged.

Safety Guidelines

• Make sure the room you are using your heater in is well ventilated.
• Keep your heater away from any flammable liquids or materials.
• Do not move your heater whilst it is in use.
• Always turn your gas heater off before going to bed or leaving the property.
• Never place clothes, fabric, or other items over your heater.
• Remember to follow the manufacturers guidelines.

Troubleshoot Your Gas Cabinet Heater

I can smell gas from my heater.

LPG is a gas which naturally has no odour. What you can smell is the artificial scent put into the cylinders to warn you of a leak.

Never check for leaks with a naked flame! Always use a soapy solution or gas leak detection fluid. If you see bubbles forming around a connection, immediately turn off and disconnect the heater from the cylinder. Speak to a qualified LPG gas engineer or the dealer you bought the heater from if you are unsure.

It’s also worth noting that when you hold down the gas control knob on a heater, you may smell gas before the heater has ignited and this perfectly normal for all cabinet heaters.

Why is my heater making a ‘popping’ noise? 

If your heater starts to make a popping or spluttering noise, it is usually an indication that the gas it starting to get low in your cylinder. Replace your current cylinder with a refill and this should stop.

Why won’t my gas heater light? 

When trying to light your gas heater hold down the gas control knob for approximately 3 seconds before pressing the ignition button. It may take a few attempts for the spark created to catch the pilot light and this is perfectly normal. Don’t be surprised when you hold the gas control knob down for a while, for your heater to make a whooshing noise when it catches. You may also smell the gas which has been escaping during this time, but the smell will dissipate. Remember to not release the gas control knob too quickly after lighting. Hold this for approximately 20  seconds after lighting to establish a stable connection.

However, if you still cannot get your heater to light it may be one of the following issues. 

• Is the spark jumping across correctly? When you press the ignition button, look to see where the spark is travelling too. Is it hitting the end of the thermocouple? If not, it may need moving slightly to a better position, which is easy to do.
• Is the thermocouple tight enough? In transit, parts can work loose and sometimes, the thermocouple which is in the back of the heater requires tightening up for a better connection. This can be down with a small spanner.
• Is the thermocouple faulty? If the flame lights and goes out immediately when you release the gas control knob after holding it in for the recommended time, that is usually a sign of a thermocouple malfunction. Most gas engineers can replace a thermocouple for you very easily. 

Why is my heater suddenly cutting out after it is running? 

Most commonly heaters cut out while running because the room they are being used in is not well ventilated. If your heater has an Oxygen Depletion System this will cut the gas supply from your heater when it detects dangerously low Oxygen levels. Try opening a door or window to see if this helps.

Why We Supply The Phoenix Cabinet Heater

The Phoenix infra-red cabinet heater has been sold across the U.K for many years and has built up a reputation for being a strong and reliable heater. 

Check out the technical specifications of a Phoenix cabinet heater!

FAQ

Where can this heater be used?

Well ventilated rooms within a house, workshop, shop or business premises.

Does the Phoenix heater come with a gas cylinder?

No. I Gas Direct does not sell gas cylinders, so you’ll need to contact your local gas dealer for your gas supply.

What size gas cylinder do I need?

Most cabinet heaters will use either a 7kg - 15kg Butane gas cylinder. The most popular cylinder is the Calor 15kg which will use a 21mm Clip on Butane regulator.

Where can I get a gas cylinder from?

Most local gas shops, garden centres or garages can supply you with a gas cylinder. Remember to check the regulator you have will fit the cylinders connection!

Are there different heat settings?

Yes! The Phoenix heater has 3 settings. Low, medium, or high depending on the amount of plaques you have lit.

Gas Safe Installation

It’s important to get a Gas Safe LPG engineer to install and test all LPG products, so you can have peace of mind you’re safe when using the gas equipment.

To find a Gas Safe engineer near you visit www.gassaferegister.co.uk/

Needing to purchase a gas heater? 

Click HERE to be taken directly to our LPG equipment product site! 

Have a question about your gas heater? Feel free to get in touch!

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