Owens Corning
Install a Gas Wall Heater
One of the challenges of converting a three-season porch to year-round living space is heating the area. There are several options, and a gas-fired wall heater is one of the best because it can be installed directly on plaster or drywall, taking up little floor space.

To install a 25,000 BTU gas heater a plumber will charge about $600; you can do it yourself for the cost of the heater, about $450, saving 25 percent.

Installing the heater is a straightforward project, but it does involve cutting a sizable hole in the wall behind the unit to accommodate the vent/air intake. This double-walled pipe extends through the wall. The larger diameter outer pipe draws in air from the outside for combustion, while the inner pipe vents the heater.

You have to run a gas line to the heater, which can be especially challenging if you live in a brick house. Pro vs DIY Cost and TimeUnless you have carpentry and plumbing experience, it's a project best left to a professional, or at least consider hiring a plumber to install the gas line.

You'll need a building permit for the job, another good reason to hire a contractor instead of doing this one yourself.

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