Selecting an Outdoor Heater For Your Patio Electric
When selecting an electric patio heater you must take into account a number of aspects. These include design and utility. Safety should always be a priority.
Freestanding and tabletop patio heaters can be installed by anyone, but wall-mounted heaters or those that are installed on the ceiling require an electrician to ensure proper installation. Make sure you follow the installation and maintenance guidelines supplied by the manufacturer.
Safety Features
Whether you're using a gas or electric patio heater your safety and your guests should be the top priority. This means having enough clearance between the heater and any other objects including furniture and rug. A minimum of 3 feet on all sides should be free of any flammable material to minimize fire risks. In addition, it is important to be aware of the heat emitted by the appliance and avoid placing anything close to it. Heat radiation can cause burns if it comes into direct contact with objects, and unexpected heater movements can cause fire hazards.
Electric, propane, and natural gas patio heaters are available in various shapes and sizes. Their power source will affect how they are used. For instance propane and natural gas heaters require adequate ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning as well as Nitric Oxide/nitrogen dioxide accumulation. This is why you should not use any gas heater indoors, regardless of the fuel type.
Electric patio heaters are a more secure alternative, as they typically have a sturdy base and an automatic shut-off if the unit falls over or no longer sits on the flat surface. This is in addition to other security features like protection against overheating that shuts the heater off when it gets too hot to touch. It's still best to keep pets and children away from the heat source However, even a well-designed patio heater may cause danger.
Some models include a built-in device that cuts off the gas supply in the event that the flame is out. Bromic's infrared heating units are also designed to emit the heat directly onto objects and people rather than the surrounding air. This makes them a great choice for areas with high winds or ventilation issues.
Heat Output
Consider the amount of heat that an outdoor heater can produce when you are shopping. This figure is usually expressed in BTUs and allows you to compare the power of various models. The BTUs needed to heat larger spaces will differ, as will the amount of rain and wind. Some patio heaters are portable, while others are mounted on the ceiling or wall. Regardless of the type, it's essential to ensure that it can be properly installed and that the cord is connected into an GFCI outlet that is protected from short circuits and shocks.
If you don't want invest in new power, a patio heater that is powered by propane is a great alternative. They run on propane liquid and can be refilled with an external tank. They generally have a higher temperature output than electric models, and could burn more fuel over time. They're a great option for outdoor areas that have natural gas lines. They're also easy to maintain and use.
Electric heaters are more flexible and can be utilized for a variety of purposes. However they aren't as powerful as heaters powered by gas. electric patio heater free standing can be connected to existing 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 ideal for smaller, enclosed spaces.
It is also important to consider the design of your heater, particularly when you intend to use it around animals or children. Select a heater that has an safety feature to avoid injuries. Also, pick one that has solid foundation that doesn't easily tip over. You should also be aware that the radiant heat from these devices can cause burns if you come into direct contact with them.
Certain types of outdoor heaters, like wood-burning fire pits or Chimineas, are more traditional choice that adds an element of style to your living space. They tend to generate a lot of heat and provide an attractive glow, but they're less effective at heating up a space than other kinds. They also release pollutants into the atmosphere and should only be used in ventilated areas.
Controls
Include a heater for your patio to your outdoor space to enhance the warmth. These handy models are designed to emit radiant heat that can keep you and guests toasty even when the sun sets. No matter if you prefer gas or electric models, there are a variety of options to suit your needs. But, before you decide on a particular model there are a few factors to take into consideration.
Safety is the first thing you need to consider. No matter if your patio heater electric or gas-powered it is essential to ensure it has the right operation controls to protect yourself and others. Look for features such as tip-over auto shut-off to prevent a fire hazard and protection against overheating to stop the unit from getting too hot. Make sure the unit has a solid base and is solid. If the base is visible, make sure it won't cause a trip hazard or be placed too close to furniture.
Another thing to consider is how much heat the unit produces, measured in British thermal units, or BTUs. The higher the number, the more heat is emitted. The Westinghouse Infrared Electric Patio Heater for instance, comes with a maximum of 50,000 BTUs per hour which is more than enough to warm the patio of a small size. If you are using a heater to heat an area that is large it is possible that you need a heater that has more power and a longer lifespan.
For convenience, electric patio heaters can be connected to standard 120-volt outlets which makes them the simplest to install and use. They can be used in places where a gas line might not be safe to run, such as a dining area outside under an awning, or in a garage. They might not generate as many heats as gas models, and can raise your electric bill.
Gas patio heaters, on the other side they can be connected to propane or natural gas line, allowing them to heat a large area easily. Some are controlled via remote controls, and others by the basis of a timer. Some can even switch off and on automatically at set times to conserve energy.
Accessories
If you enjoy being outdoors with your family and friends, but feel that the weather cools down too quickly for an outdoor gathering, a patio heater could prolong your party season for months. Unlike a space heater that blows hot air through an electric heating coil to warm the air the patio heater uses infrared energy to heat objects and the people within 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 based on the fuel and power source works best for your outdoor space. A gas patio heater has greater heat output than electric models and can provide more radiant warmth for a larger area however it will require access to a natural gas line or a large propane tank. If you prefer an alternative that is more portable opt for a portable gas patio heater that can be fueled by an internal propane tank and turned off and on with the remote control or programmed to run on a timer.
You can also choose an electric patio heater that makes use of a plug-in power supply to produce infrared heat. These units are typically smaller and lighter, making them a convenient option for a smaller patio or balcony. A majority of them come with adjustable temperature settings so that you can dial in the perfect amount of warmth to your space. If you are planning to use your heater on your patio in a location that is windy, consider one that is designed to withstand high winds.
A pellet patio heater can be used to generate radiant heat by compressing wood. These models are an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to propane heaters. However they require a continuous supply of pellets or gas and have a bigger carbon footprint than electric models. You can also choose a recessed electric heater that is recessed into the ceiling. This will eliminate the requirement for open flames, and keeps the sleek, minimalist appearance of your deck.