What is a common way to increase the efficiency of a gas heater?

Regular maintenance and cleaning is a common and effective way to increase the efficiency of a gas heater. Over time, heaters can accumulate dust, dirt, and debris, which can hinder their performance. Tasks such as cleaning or replacing filters, checking and cleaning burner components, and ensuring proper airflow can significantly improve the heater's efficiency. This maintenance helps the system operate more smoothly, resulting in better heat distribution and lower energy consumption, ultimately leading to cost savings on utility bills and a longer lifespan for the appliance.

Conducting a complete system replacement may improve efficiency, but it is often a more expensive and unnecessary step if the existing heater can be made to perform better with maintenance. Installing additional heating elements can increase the overall capacity but does not directly address the efficiency of the existing system. Reducing thermostat settings may lower energy consumption temporarily but doesn't improve the overall efficiency of the gas heater itself; in fact, it could lead to uncomfortable temperature levels in the space being heated.