Selecting an Outdoor Heater For Your Patio Electric
When selecting an electric patio heater you must consider a variety of aspects. These include design and function. However, safety should always be the main consideration.
Freestanding and tabletop patio heaters can be set up by anyone, however wall-mounted heaters or heaters that are installed on the ceiling require an electrician to ensure proper installation. Make sure you follow the installation and maintenance instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Safety Features
Safety is always the number one priority, no matter if you use a gas patio heater or an electric patio heater. This means having enough clearance between the heater and any other objects such as furniture and rug. A minimum of 3 feet on all sides must be free of flammable materials to reduce the danger of fire. It is also essential to keep track of the heat generated by the unit, and to avoid placing anything near it. The heat radiation can cause burns when it comes into direct contact with objects, and unintentional heater movements could cause fire hazards.
Electric propane, natural gas patio heaters come in various shapes and sizes. Their power source can affect the way they are utilized. Natural gas and propane heaters for instance require adequate ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide/nitrous Oxide buildup. This is the reason you should not use any gas heating device indoors regardless of fuel type.
Electric patio heaters are a safer alternative, as they typically feature a stable base and an automatic shut-off in the event that the unit falls over or stops sitting on an even surface. This is in addition to other safety features, such as overheating protection that will shut the heater off when it gets too hot to touch. Even a well-designed heater could be dangerous for children and pets.
Some models have an integrated device that cuts off gas supply if the flame ceases to burn. Furthermore the majority of Bromic's infrared heaters are designed to release heat directly to objects and people instead of the surrounding air, making them a great choice for areas that may encounter windy conditions or ventilation issues.
Heat Output
Take into consideration the amount of heat an outdoor heater could generate when you are shopping. This number is typically expressed in BTUs which can help you compare the performance of different models. The BTUs required to heat larger areas can differ, as well as the amount of rain and wind. Certain patio heaters can be installed on the ceiling or walls and others are portable. It's important to ensure that it is safe to install and that the cord is plugged in a GFCI socket that is protected from shocks or short circuits.
If you're not ready invest in an entirely new source of power, an outdoor heater made of propane is a great option. These heaters operate on propane liquid, and can be filled from an external tank. They could have a greater temperature output than electric models and use more fuel with time. However, they're a great choice for outdoor spaces with 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 heaters powered by gas. These heaters plug into existing electrical outlets, and offer various control options, including adjustable heat settings and an integrated timer. Certain models, like infrared heaters focus more on warming people and objects than the air. They are perfect for smaller, enclosed spaces.
The design of the heater you pick should also be considered, especially if it will be near children or pets. Select a heater that has a safety feature to prevent injury. Also, choose one with a solid base that won't easily tip over. Be aware that radiant heating of these units could cause burns to anyone who comes into close contact with it.
Certain types of outdoor heaters, such as wood-burning fire pits and chimineas, can be a more traditional choice that adds an element of class to your home. They can be attractive and produce a lot heat, however they are less efficient than other kinds of heaters. They also release pollutants into the atmosphere and should only be used in ventilated areas.
Controls
Install a patio heater in your outdoor space to increase the warmth. These units provide radiant heat to keep your guests and yourself warm even after the sun has gone down. If you're looking for gas or electric models, there are plenty of options to meet your needs. However, before you decide on a model there are a few factors to consider.
Safety is the first thing you should take into consideration. No matter if your patio heater electric or gas-powered you must ensure it has the right operation controls to protect yourself and others. Look for features such as tip-over auto shut-off to prevent an accident that could cause fire, and protection against overheating to stop the heater from getting too hot. Make sure electric patio heater lamp has a sturdy base and is stable. If the base is visible, make sure it won't cause an accident and be placed too close to furniture.
The British thermal unit (BTU) is an indication of the amount of heat that the unit produces. The higher the number, the more heat is emitted. The Westinghouse Infrared Electric Patio Heater has an output of 50,000 btu/hour. This is more than sufficient to heat up an outdoor space that is small. If you are using a heater to heat an area that is large it is possible that you need a heater with more power and a longer life span.
Electric patio heaters are the simplest to install and use because they plug into standard 120 volt outlets. They can be used in places where a gas line might not be safe or possible to run, like a dining area outdoors under an awning or in a garage. However, they may not produce as much heat as gas models and can increase the cost of electricity.
Gas patio heaters, on the other side, can be connected to a natural gas or propane line, allowing them to heat a large area easily. They can be controlled with a remote control or on the basis of a timer, and some are even capable of automatically turning off and on at set times to conserve energy.
Accessories
A patio heater will prolong the season of entertainment by a few months if you love spending time outdoors with your family and friends, but you find that it cools down too quickly. A patio heater, in contrast to a space heater which uses hot air to warm the air and also heats objects or people in the vicinity of the unit, makes use of infrared radiation to heat the area. The result is a more efficient method to heat your outdoor space, and an aesthetic that is less intrusive.
You can pick between propane- or natural gas-powered units, based on the power source and fuel source that will work best for your outdoor space. A gas patio heater has greater heat output than an electric model and can provide more radiant warmth over a larger area however, it requires access to a natural gas line or an enormous propane tank. If you want an even more portable heater, consider a portable propane patio heater. It can be controlled via remote control and fueled with an internal tank.
You can also choose an electric patio heater, which emits infrared heat using a plug-in power source. These heaters are usually lighter and more compact and are a great choice for a smaller patio or balcony. They usually come with adjustable heating settings, so you can select the right amount of warmth to suit your space. If you intend to use your patio heater in a place that is prone to wind look for one that has been designed to withstand high winds.
Another option is to go with a pellet patio heater that makes use of compressed wood as its fuel source to generate radiant heat. They are a green and sustainable alternative to propane heaters. However they require a continuous supply of gas or pellets and have a larger carbon footprint than electric counterparts. You can also opt for a recessed electric heater that mounts into the ceiling. This will eliminate the need for open flames and maintains the sleek, minimal appearance of your deck.