Why We Love Small Patio Heater Electric (And You Should, Too!)
Selecting a Small Patio Heater Electric If you have a limited outdoor space to warm, look for a small outdoor heater that is electric. electric patio heater indoors www.fireplacesandstoves.uk require only a power outlet and some have adjustable temperature settings. Gotterbarn recommends the Infratech wall-mounted heater due to its thin construction, which provides wind resistance. Customers also found that it has a balanced functionality and design. It is simple to install and requires a 220/240V power supply. Size The size of your patio as well as the amount you need of heat will determine which type and model of heater is best for your needs. Patio heaters can be powered by electricity or gas and their output of heat is measured in Watts and BTUs. The higher the BTUs the more powerful the heater. Electric patio heaters are typically less powerful than their gas-powered counterparts, however they can provide enough warmth for smaller spaces. They're also a good choice for areas that don't have natural ventilation or are prone to wind as they don't produce any carbon monoxide. Smaller patio heaters typically have various heat settings which is useful if you're going to be using the space at different times or at varying distances from the heater. However, some models offer a fixed output of heat and it's essential to read the product description carefully before purchasing. Cuisinart's tabletop heater comes with adjustable heating modes from 750W up to 1500W, which allows for an array of temperatures. Power The output of heat from a patio heater is measured in British thermal units (BTUs) and watts. The amount of BTUs produced by the heater can differ depending on the size of the area you wish to warm and the weather conditions as well as the type of fuel used. Some of the best patio heaters are able to cover an extensive area and are well suited for larger patios. Some, like the Star Patio Electric Tabletop Patio Heater aren't as powerful but can still provide sufficient heating for smaller areas. Think about how much control you want to have over the temperature settings of your heater. Some models allow you to choose from a variety of options, while others offer the option of a predetermined amount of heat that stays constant. If you are planning to use your patio heater in conditions of extreme wind, make sure you choose one with an adjustable setting for the heat or can be adjusted as the winds blow. Electric patio heaters can be connected into regular 120-volt outlets. Natural propane and gas require an expert to install them using a specialized system of flues. This kind of heating system is suitable for outdoor areas that need to be heated year-round but isn't suited for indoor use. Natural propane and gas patio heaters also emit carbon monoxide, and they shouldn't be used in enclosed areas unless they are properly vented. The type of fuel you choose will impact the maintenance and costs. Liquid propane heaters for patios, like the AZ Patio Heaters Propane Patio Heating unit we've included in this article, usually use 20-pound liquid propane tanks that you can fill at the local convenience store or gas station. These heaters for patios are the most well-known and come in a variety of portable styles. For a longer-lasting solution to your heating requirements for your patio consider a wall- or ceiling-mounted option that can be easily integrated into a wall made of masonry or a structure like a deck, pergola or gazebo. These heaters are simple to install and typically connect to the existing wiring. Safety No matter what type of patio heaters you choose Safety precautions must be taken. If you own an electric heater, make sure to make sure you keep it away from things that could catch fire. This includes fabrics, paper or even certain plastics. The heat radiation and sudden movements can also pose a risk. It is also important to not leave a heater that is powered by gas unattended. Propane or natural gas patio heaters emit carbon monoxide and other harmful gases. These could cause illness and death if they are inhaled. They should only be used in outdoor areas. They also require enough space to be able to vent properly. If you want to make use of natural gas or propane heater for your patio it is recommended to install an outdoor vented CO2 and/or CH4 detector in your home. This will alert you to any dangerous emissions and ensure that you are safe from carbon monoxide poisoning. The detectors can be found at a variety of hardware and home improvement stores and are easy to install. It is also important to ensure that your patio heater is placed on an even surface and not too close to any objects that could be damaged by the heat. A stand-up heater must be placed at least three feet from any object. A wall-mounted heater must also be attached to something like a wall or gazebo to prevent it from falling. Certain propane and gas patio heaters come with an automatic tip-over shutoff function. This feature is activated when the unit tilts, or is not on an even surface. Then, it shuts off the power in order to avoid a fire hazard. Even though these units have a tip-over auto shutoff feature but it is still advisable to take care as they can still fall over and ignite. For this reason, you should always be near the heater during operation, and don't leave it unattended. If you reside in an area that is prone to strong winds, make sure that the heater for your patio is mounted on a sturdy base and is securely secured with a weight. Cost By adding a heater to your patio it will extend the time that you spend dining outside and relaxing, or entertaining outside into the cooler evenings and seasons. A wide selection of overhead, freestanding and tabletop models is available to fit your budget and style, allowing you make the most of your patio, backyard, deck, balcony or your lanai. The price of a small electric patio heater varies based on its size and the type, as well as its fuel source. Propane heaters, for instance are generally less expensive than those that run on natural gas. The number of BTUs produced by a patio heating unit can vary significantly. Smaller models may produce as much as 10,000 BTUs, while larger ones can generate at least 40,000 BTUs or more. When choosing an electric patio heater that is small safety and ease of use are crucial aspects to take into consideration. Many free-standing, portable models have wheels and are simple to move. They are well-liked in bars and restaurants that have outdoor seating, since they can heat multiple tables. They typically plug into standard outlets and are energy efficient, but they may not generate as much heat as some other types of heaters. Other models are wall or ceiling mounted and require professional installation. They are ideal for areas that have limited floor space or you have high ceilings that can't accommodate a standing heater. These models are typically safer because they don't release pollutants such as carbon monoxide, but they must be used in a properly ventilated area per the manufacturer's instructions. Certain models are made of weather-resistant materials that minimize the damage caused by rain or wind. These models are typically CSA-rated and have an automatic shut-off valve to avoid accidental burns.