Williams Space Heaters

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Williams Space & Wall Heaters in Chicago

Always In Stock | Chimney, Direct & Vent-Free Models | Wholesale Pricing

  • Chimney Vent Heaters — traditional gas heaters that vent through an existing chimney flue.
  • Direct Vent Heaters — sealed combustion heaters that vent directly through an exterior wall, ideal for homes without a chimney.
  • Hearth Vent Heaters — freestanding units that combine the look of a fireplace with the efficiency of a gas heater.
  • Vent-Free / Electric Heaters — flexible placement with no venting required, perfect for supplemental room heating.
  • In-stock Williams heater parts available for same-day pickup at our Chicago showroom.

Not sure which Williams heater is right for your space? Our heating specialists have been helping Chicago homeowners and contractors find the right solution since 1939. Call us at (312) 666-6080 or stop by our showroom at 1110 W Lake Street, Chicago.

Williams Counterflow furnaces with chimney vent counterflow, direct vent counterflow, and electric home heaters

Williams Space Heaters — Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about buying and installing Williams gas space heaters in Chicago

Q
Where can I buy a Williams space heater in Chicago?

Consumers Supply Company at 1110 W. Lake St. in Chicago carries Williams gas space heaters. The store is open to the public — homeowners, landlords, and building owners are welcome to walk in, no contractor required. Call (312) 666-6080 for current model availability before making the trip.

Q
What is a Williams space heater?

Williams is a long-established American brand that manufactures gas-fired wall heaters and floor furnaces designed for supplemental or zone heating. Their units are direct-vent or gravity-vented, run on natural gas or propane, and are built into or mounted against a wall to heat a single room or zone without connecting to a central heating system. They are a popular choice in Chicago for heating problem rooms, rear units in two-flats, sunrooms, additions, and spaces that a central boiler or furnace doesn’t adequately reach.

Q
What is the difference between a vented and unvented gas space heater?

A vented space heater draws combustion air from outside and exhausts combustion gases through a flue or direct-vent pipe — making it safe for continuous use in occupied living spaces. An unvented (vent-free) heater burns gas without an exhaust pipe, releasing combustion byproducts directly into the room. Williams manufactures vented wall heaters, which are the appropriate and code-compliant choice for bedrooms, living areas, and occupied rooms in Chicago residential buildings. Unvented heaters have significant restrictions on where they can be used and are not recommended for primary living spaces.

Q
What are Williams space heaters typically used for in Chicago buildings?

The most common use cases in Chicago are heating a rear unit or garden apartment that the main boiler doesn’t reach well, adding heat to a sunroom or enclosed porch, supplementing an underperforming central system in one cold room, heating a basement workshop or utility space, and providing heat in a coach house or accessory dwelling. They are also a practical solution for landlords who need an independent heat source in a unit without running new boiler piping.

Q
Do Williams space heaters require electricity to operate?

Most Williams wall heater models operate without electricity — they use a standing pilot light and a millivolt thermostat system that generates its own small electrical current to open the gas valve. This makes them particularly reliable during power outages, which is a meaningful advantage during Chicago winter storms. Some models with fans or electronic ignition do require a standard electrical connection. Check the specific model spec sheet or call Consumers Supply at (312) 666-6080 to confirm the requirements for the model you’re considering.

Q
How much does it cost to run a Williams gas space heater?

Operating cost depends on the BTU output of the unit, how many hours per day it runs, and the current price of natural gas in Chicago. As a general reference, a 35,000 BTU unit running 8 hours a day at average Illinois natural gas rates would cost roughly $3–$6 per day depending on the season and current utility rates. Because Williams heaters heat only the zone where they’re installed rather than the whole building, they can be more economical than running a full central system to heat one underperforming area.

Q
What size Williams space heater do I need?

Williams heaters are rated in BTUs, and the right size depends on the square footage and insulation level of the space. A rough guideline for Chicago’s climate: allow approximately 40–50 BTUs per square foot for a well-insulated room, and 50–60 BTUs per square foot for a poorly insulated or exterior-facing space. For example, a 300 square foot rear bedroom with older windows might need a 15,000–18,000 BTU unit. Williams offers models ranging from around 10,000 to 50,000 BTUs. Call Consumers Supply at (312) 666-6080 and describe your space — we can help point you to the right model.

Q
Can a homeowner install a Williams space heater themselves?

The gas connection and venting must be handled by a licensed plumber or gas fitter — connecting gas appliances without a license is not permitted in Chicago and is a safety risk. The wall framing and finishing work around the heater can often be done by a capable homeowner. Consumers Supply sells Williams heaters directly to homeowners and building owners, so many customers purchase the unit themselves and have a contractor handle the gas hookup and venting, which can help manage the overall project cost.

Q
Are Williams space heaters still made?

Yes. Williams Furnace Company has been manufacturing gas heating products since 1916 and continues to produce wall heaters and floor furnaces. The brand is well-established in the Chicago market and parts and service support are available. Consumers Supply has carried Williams products for many years and stocks current production models.

Q
Can a Williams space heater be used as the primary heat source for a room or unit?

Yes, in many cases. Williams wall heaters are designed and sized to serve as the sole heat source for a defined space, not just a supplement. In Chicago two-flats and coach houses, it’s common for a Williams heater to be the primary — and only — heat source for a rear unit or lower-level apartment. The key is selecting the right BTU output for the space and ensuring the venting is properly installed. Call Consumers Supply at (312) 666-6080 to discuss your specific situation and we can help identify the right model.