Selecting an Outdoor Heater For Your Patio Electric
When choosing an electric patio heater, you must consider a variety of factors. These include design and function. However, safety should always be the main consideration.
Tabletop and freestanding patio heaters are able to be installed by anyone, but heaters mounted on walls or that are installed on the ceiling require an electrician to ensure proper installation. Be sure to follow the installation and maintenance procedures supplied by the manufacturer.
Safety Features
Safety is always the first priority, no matter if you use gas or an electric patio heater. It is crucial to leave enough space between the heater and any objects such as furniture or rug. A minimum of 3 feet on all sides should be kept clear of flammable objects to minimize the risk of fire. It is also essential to keep track of the heat emitted from the unit, and to avoid placing anything near it. The heat radiation can cause burns if it comes into direct contact with objects and sudden heater movements could cause fire hazards.
Electric, propane, and natural gas patio heaters come in many shapes and sizes. Their power source will affect how they are utilized. For instance, natural gas and propane heaters require adequate ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning as well as Nitric Oxide/nitrogen dioxide buildup. It is for this reason that you should not make use of a gas heater inside, no matter what fuel type it is using.
Electric patio heaters provide a safer option, as they have an extremely stable base that shuts off when the heater is tipped over or is not placed on an even surface. This is in addition to other safety features like protection against overheating, which will turn the heater off when it is too hot to touch. Even a well-designed heater can be dangerous for pets and children.
For added peace of mind Certain models come with an integrated flame failure device that shuts off the gas supply in the event that the flame should explode. Bromic's infrared heaters are also designed to emit heat directly to objects and people instead of the surrounding air. This makes them an ideal choice for areas with high winds or ventilation issues.
Heat Output
When you are looking for an outdoor heater, consider how much heat the unit can produce. This is usually stated in BTUs, and it helps you evaluate the power of different models. The BTUs needed to heat larger spaces will vary, as will the amount of rain and wind. Some patio heaters can be placed on the ceiling or wall and others are portable. It's important to ensure that the heater is installed in a safe manner and that the cord is plugged in a GFCI socket that is protected from shocks or short circuits.
If you don't want purchase new power an outdoor heater powered by propane is a great alternative. They are powered by liquid propane and can be filled from an external tank. They might have a higher output of heat than electric models, and they burn more fuel with time. However, they're a convenient option for outdoor spaces that have natural gas lines, and they're easy to maintain and use.
Electric heaters are more flexible, and can be employed for a variety uses. However, they are not as powerful as units powered by gas. They plug into electrical outlets and come with a variety of control options that include adjustable heat settings as well as an integrated timer. Some models, like infrared heaters focus more on warming people and objects, rather than the air. They are great for smaller and enclosed spaces.
You should also consider the design of your heater, particularly in the event that you plan to use it near animals or children. You should look for a model that has a safety shutoff feature to avoid injuries, and pick one with an erect base that won't tip over easily. Be aware that radiant heating generated by these units can cause burns to anyone who comes in contact with it in any way.
Certain types of outdoor heaters, such as wood-burning fire pits or Chimineas, are a more traditional option that can add an element of style to your living space. They tend to produce a lot of heat and provide an attractive glow, however they're not as effective in heating a space than other kinds. They release pollutants into the air and should be used only in with ventilation.
Controls
You can increase the warmth of your outdoor space by installing a patio heater. These units provide radiant heat that will keep your guests and you warm even after the sun has gone down. Whether you prefer electric or gas models, there are plenty of options to choose from to meet your requirements. Before you decide you'll need to consider some things to think about.
Safety is the first thing to take into consideration. You need to make sure that your heater for your patio has the right controls to safeguard you and others, regardless of whether it is powered by electricity or gas. You must look for features like tip-over auto-shut-off to avoid a fire risk and overheating protection to keep the unit cool. It is also important to ensure that the unit is built to last and has a solid base. If the base is exposed, be sure it won't be an accident-prone area or get too close to furniture or walkways.
Another thing to consider is the amount of heat that the unit generates which is measured in British thermal units or BTUs. The greater the number of BTUs, the more heat it releases. The Westinghouse Infrared Electric Patio Heater is an example. It has a maximum of 50,000 BTUs per hour that's enough to warm the patio of a small size. If you are heating a large space you might want something with more power and longer life span.
To make it easier electric patio heaters plug into 120-volt outlets of standard which makes them the simplest to use and install. They can be used in areas where gas lines might not be safe to run, for instance a dining area outdoors under an awning or in garages. However, they may not generate as much heat as gas models and could increase your electrical bill.
Gas patio heaters can be connected to either a propane or natural gas line. This lets them warm large areas without difficulty. Some are controlled via remote controls, and others by an alarm. electric patio heater free standing fireplacesandstoves are even able to turn on and off automatically at specific times to conserve energy.
Accessories
If you love spending time outside with friends and family but discover that the weather cools down too quickly for a summertime outdoor hangout, a patio heater could prolong your summer entertaining months. In contrast to a space heater which blows hot air through an electric heating coil to warm the air the patio heater uses infrared light to heat objects and the people in the vicinity of the unit. This is a more efficient method to heat outdoor areas and a less intrusive design.
You can select between natural gas or propane models depending on which power source and fuel works best for your outdoor space. A gas patio heater offers more energy output than an electric model and can provide more radiant warmth for a larger space, but it will require access to natural gas lines or an extensive propane tank. If you're looking for an alternative that is more portable consider an outdoor gas patio heater that can be powered by an internal propane tank that can be can be turned off and on using the remote control or programmed to operate by the use of a timer.
You can also select an electric patio heater, which emits infrared heat with a plug-in power source. These heaters are usually smaller and lighter and are a great choice for a smaller patio or balcony. These heaters typically have adjustable heat settings, which means you can choose the perfect amount of heat to fit your space. Think about a patio heater that is able to withstand high wind should you decide to utilize it in a very windy location.
A pellet patio heater can also be used to create radiant heat using compressed wood. These models are an eco-friendly and environmentally sustainable alternative to propane heaters. However they require a constant supply of gas or pellets and have a larger carbon footprint than electric counterparts. You can also opt for an electric heater that mounts into the ceiling. This will eliminate the requirement for open flames, and maintains the sleek, minimal appearance of your deck.