Choosing a Patio Heater Electric
For design-focused spaces that want to keep a sleek, minimalist appearance electric heaters for walls are the ideal choice. They are simpler to use and cheaper to operate than propane heaters.
updated blog post what the type of fuel regardless of the type of fuel, patio heaters should be kept at a safe distance from any combustible object and never left unattended during use. Check out these patio heater safety tips for more details.
Choosing the Best Heater
Outdoor living spaces are very popular with Australian homeowners, with a lot of people using their patios as a place to unwind, relax and unwinding. The cold temperatures however make it difficult to make the most of these spaces. Patio heaters provide targeted efficient heating that can extend outdoor use throughout the year. It is essential to select the best patio heater to ensure the best performance, safety and style. A variety of factors should be considered when purchasing a heater such as the installation requirements mobility, the fuel source.
Certain kinds of patio heaters, such as wall-mounted and ceiling-mounted models, require professional installation and are permanently anchored in place. Tabletop heaters and freestanding heaters offer more flexibility. For instance, portable electric patio heaters can be moved to different areas of your yard or garden when needed, and certain models have handles to facilitate easy movement. Some electric patio heaters that are portable come with remote controls to make operation easier.
When choosing a patio heater, think about the size of the space and the number of people who will be using it at once. A larger space will require more power than a smaller one, so you'll need to select a model with enough wattage to provide adequate heating. Similarly, you'll want to factor in the amount of time you'll be using the heater per day, since this will determine the power consumption and battery life of your unit.
Depending on the kind of patio heater you choose it is also important to think about the fuel source. Electric patio heaters use electricity and do not emit any emissions. Natural gas patio heaters, however, require your home to be connected to gas lines. Liquid propane patio heaters, however do not require any installation and are easy to operate. However, their need for constant fueling makes them the least economical option.
If you have children in your home, it's important to select a heater with safety features. Look for a heater with an automatic shut-off in the event that it tilts beyond the specified angle, and a flame sensor to prevent accidental ignition. You might also want to purchase an extinguisher for fire to keep on hand for emergency situations.
Installation
A freestanding patio heater can be an excellent way to extend the use of your outdoor space after the hottest months. There are a few different kinds of patio heaters to choose from, including gas-powered and electric models. When buying an outdoor heater, you need to think about the amount of heat your patio needs and the weight the heater can handle.
There are many different ways to install your outdoor heater however the most popular is a ceiling mounted. This option is ideal for patios that are covered, as it doesn't take up any floor space and provides a uniform distribution of heat.
This mounting option is available on all Bromic Electric heaters. A variety of ceiling mounting rods are offered in order to meet your desired aesthetic and to fit any ceiling height. If your room has a ceiling that is inclined by putting a wedge on the pole will permit the heater to be mounted perpendicularly to the floor, while still complying with the minimum clearance requirements.
You can also place your heater on the wall. This can be done using a range of our Electric heaters as well as various mounting brackets are available for each model. The brackets for our Platinum and Tungsten Electric Heaters can be placed at an angle of 15 to 45 degrees, based on the model. They should be set six feet above the ground and at least five feet from any structures above the heater.
Propane heaters are powered by propane 20-pound tanks, which are refilled easily at most gas stations and convenience shops. These heaters generate more heat than an electric heater, but they may require a gas line be installed. These heaters can be purchased as free-standing units or mounted on a structure, such as a fence, deck or pergola.
Certain models have adjustable temperature settings. This is useful when you are hosting guests and you want a higher or lower level of warmth. Choose a propane patio heater that comes with an arrestor that sparks. This will reduce the chance of fires that are caused by uncontrolled combustion.
Safety
While patio heaters provide comfort and enhance outdoor enjoyment, there are essential safety precautions to be aware of. Keep the heater at least 3 feet away from any flammable objects like furniture and potted plants. It is also recommended to use a protective mat underneath the heater, especially for decks made of wood.
The type of heater and its fuel source will determine the specific safety guidelines to be followed. For instance propane gas patio heaters are generally capable of warming a larger area than electric models, but require regular refilling of tanks, and may cause carbon monoxide accumulation. Additionally, it is crucial to select a model that has been UL or CSA certified and has features like anti-tilt switch and automatic shutoffs to minimize the chance of a fire.
Apart from the different types of heaters, the way they are put in place and used also determines their safety. Although many patio heaters have safety features built-in it is recommended to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer to ensure maximum performance and security. If you're planning to put your heaters on the wall or ceiling, there are a variety of mounting options available for each Bromic product line to accommodate different ceiling heights. There are also a number of poles with longer lengths for hanging patio heaters that provide the ideal safe distance from ceilings, walls and even fabrics like tablescloths or awnings.
Freestanding heaters must be secured or weighed down to stop them from falling over. Strong winds can cause heaters to blow over or shift even if they are not in use, creating a fire risk or causing injuries. If you live in an area that is prone to frequent winds that are gusty, think about using bungee cables or sandbags as anchors for your patio heaters.
No matter the fuel type it is recommended to have an extinguisher for fire in case of in case of emergency. Make sure that it is of the correct class for the type of fuel your heater uses (Class B for gas; Class C for electric; or a multipurpose extinguisher for both). Don't leave your heater running without supervision. Accidents could happen.
Maintenance
Incorrect maintenance and usage practices are the cause of many patio heater problems. However, you can avoid many of these problems by following some basic maintenance and usage best practices. Use a non-abrasive soap clean the heater as well as an air hose for ventilation holes.
Never use an extension cord for a patio heater. Instead, plug the heater directly into a standard electrical outlet. The use of an extension cable could overload circuits, leading to electrical fires. Keep the heater away from combustibles such as curtains or wood.
You could have an issue if your propane patio heater is always shutting down. It is recommended to have a professional examine the gas line for clogs or leaks at least once a year.
Propane patio heaters should be stored in a cool, dry location free of wind and rain. When storing, remove the propane tank (it must be empty for long-term storage) and wrap the tank with a protective cover. Likewise, the heater should be stored in a ventilated area or under an umbrella when not in use. This will shield it from rust and corrosion. This will also prevent it from falling over.