Why Modern Electric Patio Heater Can Be Much More Hazardous Than You Think

· 6 min read
Why Modern Electric Patio Heater Can Be Much More Hazardous Than You Think

Modern Electric Patio Heater

Many models have tip-over protection to avoid accidents. The most effective ones utilize infrared radiation to warm objects and individuals, rather than heat the air.

Pyramid and dome-top heaters are great in large areas, but they require the highest Btu rating. They also have an excellent safety rating however, you must follow manufacturers' recommendations for positioning and keep them clear from anything that is flammable.

Style Design

Think about a ceiling or wall mounted electric heater to add warmth and elegance without compromising the design of your patio. These heaters emit a soft glow that radiates infrared warmth that warms objects and people instead of the air. They are easy to integrate into your backyard. They are a perfect match to the color and style your furniture without dominating the space.

Besides offering convenience and portability, electric heaters are also cheaper to run than natural gas or propane ones. However when your patio is open to the elements, you could end up paying more for electricity bills as your heating expenses will rise when you use them frequently.

Gas-powered models are powered by natural gas or liquid propane and feature a live flame in glass tubes. Their heat output is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). A lot of bars and restaurants use dome-top or pyramid-style gas heaters, which stand on their own or are integrated into tables. Mobile versions are equipped with readily available propane tanks for liquid use, whereas mounted versions require plumbed connections, which have high upfront installation costs.

Calculate the square footage of your patio to determine how many BTUs you'll require to keep it warm enough. Most manufacturers list the heating capacity in BTUs on their websites, making it easy to compare various options. After you've identified the desired output, you can choose the heater that has features that meet your requirements and will fit in your space. Some models come with a tip-over shutoff feature that is a useful safety feature that senses the moment that the heater is tilted or falls and then shuts off the flow of fuel. Some models also have protection against overheating, which will turn off the heater when it gets too hot. Keep items that are flammable, such as tablecloths or chairs away from the gas patio heater in order to reduce the risk of sparks.

Easy to operate

Modern patio heaters are safer than propane models since they don't make use of open flames and have built-in safety features such as automatic safety shut-offs, an unflammable base, and an CSA safety rating. However, it is important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines and avoid placing the heater in proximity to flammable items or anything that could be easily set on fire. It is also important to make sure that your patio heater is properly ventilated, as you don't want your guests or yourself to be affected by carbon monoxide poisoning.

Although electric patio heaters don't provide the same energy output as propane counterparts, they offer portability and convenience. They operate on an electrical plug-in connector and do not require refilling or storage of propane tanks, which makes them ideal for apartments and homes with little outdoor space. These units utilize infrared radiation to heat the air and objects around them, and many come with a tilting head which allows you to direct the heat precisely to where you need it.

Propane heaters can be very heavy and require professional installation into your gas line. Depending on the type you choose, it may also be required to store or replace propane tanks. Natural gas patio heaters offer an equivalent option to propane patio heaters. However, they are less expensive and do not require additional fuel tanks.

When choosing a patio heater, look for one that can produce the right BTUs to correspond to the size of your space and climate. In colder climates or when you are hosting large crowds it is possible that a model with higher BTUs will be more efficient.  my latest blog post , for instance, has a 50,000-BTU output. It can be able to heat up to 300 square feet which makes it ideal for small backyards or decks.

We love the sleek and compact design of this electric patio heater from East Oak, we found that it only radiates warmth for nine feet away, which might not be enough for larger outdoor spaces. It's user-friendly and has an intuitive control panel. Plus, the instructions are printed on the unit, which means people who are new to the device can quickly learn how to use it. It also comes with an emergency shut-off valve as well as wheels at the base, which makes it easy to move when needed.

Energy-Efficient

The primary element of any patio heating system is the amount of heat it produces. The majority of models display this in British thermal units. A higher Btu rating indicates that the heater has a more powerful heating capacity and can keep a room warm. Multiplying the square footage of an outdoor space by 20 will provide you with the Btu rating you need to ensure adequate heating.

Electric models heat air by using infrared waves, in contrast to gas patio heaters that release radiant heat. They can be used in enclosed spaces which would otherwise be too cold to be comfortable. Electric heaters are also more environmentally sustainable since they don't rely on a propane tank, or even a flame. However, they can still be more expensive than natural gas models, and you'll need to replace the cord or recharge your battery regularly.



Another factor to consider when shopping for an outdoor heater is how long the cord can be in relation to the location you can put it and if it interferes with your outdoor lighting scheme. Beware of models that have cords that run across busy walkways, as they may create tripping hazards or require plugging the unit close to items that are flammable. Some patio heaters come with an automatic cord that shuts off to avoid fires. You can also choose models that don't produce sparks or naked flames.

The last thing to be thinking about is how quickly a patio heater can be heated. While some gas heaters take some time to reach the proper temperature, most electric models are ready to go when you plug them in. Certain models come with adjustable heat settings so you can alter them to match the weather and temperature in your home.

A quality patio heater will let you enjoy your outdoor spaces well throughout winter. Lowe's has a broad assortment of electric patio heaters for tabletop or freestanding use that will suit your outdoor decor and style. Shop our selection online or in the store for a stress-free shopping experience.

Versatile

If you want a patio heater that provides instant heat but doesn't require the use of gas, an electric model is likely to be your ideal choice. They can be mounted directly on the ceiling or wall and connect to an outdoor outlet. Some models have a remote and three different heating settings that you can choose depending on the weather and temperature. They also come in different sizes, from small for tabletop use to large models that can cover an entire patio area.

Contrary to propane heaters that generally require an flammable gas connection in order to operate, electric heaters can be used almost anywhere, including in gazebos, according to Dixon. Electric heaters are not as labor-intensive to maintain as natural gas or propane heaters. They still require ventilation and a safe distance from materials that ignite.

When looking for an electric patio heater, search for a model that will work well with the style of your space. Some models have an elegant, sleek look that blends well with modern designs, while others have a more traditional appeal. A pyramid or dome-style patio heater is perfect for an outdoor space or a cozy dining area. These designs are especially effective when combined with a patio umbrella that hangs that will help keep the heat out while keeping you shaded and protected from the elements.

Electric patio heaters are a fantastic option to extend your outdoor dining and entertainment season through the winter months. Electric patio heaters are more efficient than propane models and can save you money over the course of time. To minimize the risk of tipping or fire hazards you should consider a model with a weighted base or one that has an anti-tip shutoff feature. Make sure that the unit is properly mounted and placed away from any combustible materials.