A heating apparatus and method for use in an exhaust gas system is provided that includes a container body defining an exhaust gas pathway, a heater flange component attached to an exterior of the container body, and a heater assembly disposed in the exhaust gas pathway and secured to the heater flange component. The heater assembly includes at least one heater element, a bracket assembly that secures the at least one heater element in the container body, and a conformal bracket for securing the at least one heater element to the bracket assembly.