It isn’t until winter creeps around that we notice the chill in every room of our house. And that’s when we’re faced with a decision: go to the heater shop or figure it out ourselves?

There’s nothing wrong with either method. Both options can be attractive to different people. But they both have caveats. 

To help you decide which option might work best for you, let’s take a look at heater shops vs DIY heater solutions.

Overview of Heater Shops 

Heater shops specialize in heaters and accessories. Their experts have worked with many houses with many layouts and heating problems. They’ve also had the chance to see which products truly work well, and which ones don’t live up to expectations.

Heater shops can provide: 

  • Electric heaters, gas heaters, infrared heaters 
  • Energy-efficient heaters with thermostats and timers 
  • Advice on how to stay safe and get installation help
  • Help after the sale and replacement parts if something breaks

Shop employees aren’t just going to try and sell you the biggest heater. They can recommend something that actually fits your home’s needs, your habits, and your budget. Something you might not think of on your own.

Overview of DIY Heater Solutions 

“What” is a little harder to answer. There are a lot of ways to DIY a heater solution. You can buy one of those plug-in electric heaters with the hood. You can modify heaters and methods you already have.

Maybe you buy wall panels and install them yourself. Or you try to hot wire a gas heater without reading the directions.

The benefit of going the DIY route is pretty clear. You have complete control. But there are some drawbacks. 

Pros of Heater Shops 

Get Advice and Recommendations That Fit Your Needs

A heater shop employee can recommend a heater that suits your room’s size. They’ll take into account ceiling height, insulation levels, and average usage.

While you might know that your lounge is only 20sqm, a heater shop employee could recommend a 2kW heater to keep it cozy. They’ll also know the difference between an air forced heater and an oil-filled radiator for your oddly shaped bedroom.

Stay Safe and Follow Requirements 

Gas heaters have requirements. Wall-mounted heaters and large electric heaters do too. Heater shops can help you understand these requirements and know when you need a certified installer.

Going DIY means you might accidentally skip steps or misunderstand the heater instructions. Improper ventilation on a heater can mean everything from a fire hazard to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Get Warranties and After-Sale Assistance 

Think about how frustrating it would be if your heater broke halfway through winter. At a heater shop, you can get repairs or troubleshooting tips over the phone. You can pick up replacement parts if necessary.

When you’re doing it yourself, there’s no one to call. You’re on your own. 

Pros of DIY Heater Solutions 

Save Money 

If your primary goal is to save money, going the DIY route can help you achieve that. Skip the installation cost and look for cheaper models.

Have Complete Control 

You get to be your own heater advisor. You can place heaters wherever you want, use multiple different systems, and change your entire home’s heating in steps.

Learn a Thing or Two 

If you like to learn how stuff works, the DIY solution can be satisfying. Figuring out how well your home heats, where your square meterage lies, and how different appliances affect energy usage.

Cons of Heater Shops 

Upselling 

Not all heater shops have your best interests in mind. Some want to get the biggest margin possible on each sale. While some employees will take pride in finding the perfect heater for you, others will try to upsell you.

Less Control 

You’re still limited by what the heater shop has in stock. Maybe what they recommend doesn’t match the aesthetic you’re going for. Or perhaps your rooms are particularly weird and a standard heater might not work.

Cons of DIY Heater Solutions 

Inefficiency 

Perhaps the biggest downside toDIY heater solutions is not knowing if you got the right size or type of heater. Without expert guidance, you run the risk of having a heater that’s too small or too big.

Safety 

Like we mentioned before, DIY heaters can cause some serious safety risks. We’re talking about fire hazards and poisoning. 

Additional Costs 

The whole point of doing it yourself is to save money. But sometimes incorrect installations or picking the wrong heater can end up costing you more later.

When to Choose Heater Shops 

Here’s a good rule of thumb: heater shops are ideal when: 

  • Your heater is your main source of heat
  • You’re heating large or oddly shaped rooms 
  • You need gas heaters 
  • You don’t want to worry about your heater winter after winter

Essentially, if you’re heating your home for the long haul or attempting something potentially dangerous, it’s worth it to visit a heater shop.

When to Choose DIY Heater Solutions 

DIY heater solutions shine when: 

  • You need a heater for supplemental or temporary heat
  • Your heating situation is simple 
  • Cost is more important than safety to you
  • You know your limits 

Maybe you’re heating a small office space or a camper van. As long as you’re not trying to DIY something complex like gas heaters, you should be fine going at it alone.

A Combination of Heater Shop and DIY Heater Solutions

A lot of people go with a mix of both methods. Visiting heater shops can help you find what you need. Then you measure your home and figure out the installation process yourself.

You can even take that advice and research online to find the best prices without leaving your couch.

Takeaways 

  • Heater shops are great for when you want professional advice, assurances of safety, and help should anything go wrong with your heater.
  • Going the DIY route is great if you want more control over the process and your costs. But don’t forget that safety and efficiency are important too.
  • Use heater shops if your heating situation is complex or you’re using your heater year round. If not, and you know what you’re doing, go ahead and DIY that heater solution.

FAQs 

Are heater shops more expensive? 

It depends on what you buy. But because heater shops offer expertise and assistance, their prices might be slightly higher than shopping elsewhere.

Do I need professional installation for heaters? 

Professional installation isn’t required. However, you should always carefully read the instructions that come with your heater. Some heaters require professional installation to keep your house safe.

Can I use my heater while sleeping? 

In most cases, yes. If you have a heater that turns off automatically when it senses too much heat, you should be fine leaving it on while you sleep. Read your manual to be certain. 

Should I hire someone to install my heater?

If you don’t feel comfortable installing your heater yourself, hiring a professional might be a good idea. Also, as mentioned above, some heaters require professional installation.

Do heater companies offer installation services? 

Most heater companies offer professional installation as an additional service. With bigger heaters, we recommend having a professional install them. Portable electric heaters are easier to install. 

When should I replace my heater? 

Every heater has different maintenance requirements. Some need their filters replaced while others must be vacuumed. If your heater stops working or doesn’t heat well, it might be time to replace it.

Is it cheaper to run electric heaters or gas heaters?

Generally, running gas heaters is cheaper than running electric heaters. You can find more information on how much it costs to run heaters on Canstar Blue’s website.

Final Thoughts 

Deciding between a heater shop and DIY heater solution really comes down to you and your heating situation. Every household has different needs and priorities. 

If you value the extra knowledge and support that heater shops provide, go with them. But if you want to figure it out on your own, that works too. Just be safe and do your research. 

Need some heaters for your home? Check out our store for products that will keep you warm all winter long.