Choosing a Patio Heater Electric
For spaces with a focus on design and want to maintain an elegant, minimalist look, wall-mounted electric heaters are the way to go. They are more user-friendly and cheaper to operate than propane heaters.
Patio heaters, regardless of the type of fuel used should always be kept away from combustible items and never left unattended. Check out these patio heater safety tips for more details.
Choosing the Best Heater
A lot of Australians enjoy entertaining and relaxing on their patios. The cold temperatures can limit the enjoyment of these areas. Patio heaters provide precise, effective heating to extend outdoor use throughout the entire year. Selecting the best type of patio heater is essential to providing the best performance, safety, and style. There are a variety of factors to consider when making your purchase, including the requirements for installation mobility, the fuel source.
Certain patio heaters require a professional installation. They are fixed permanently. patio heater electric free standing and tabletop heaters, on the other hand, offer more flexibility. Portable electric patio heaters, for example can be moved around your garden or yard to meet your requirements. Some models have handles that make it simple to move. For added convenience, some portable electric patio heaters work with remote controls that allow for simple operation.
When shopping for a patio heater, consider the size of your area and how many people will use it at any given time. A larger area requires more power than smaller ones, which is why you'll need to choose a model with enough wattage for adequate heating. It is also important to think about the amount of time per day you intend to use the heater. This will affect the life of the battery and the energy consumption of the device.
You'll need to choose the fuel source for your patio heater based on its type. Electric patio heaters are powered by electricity and do not produce emissions, while natural gas patio heaters require your home be connected to gas lines. Liquid propane heaters are easy to use and don't require any installation. They are the most expensive option due to the fact that they have to be constantly refueled.
Additionally, if you have children in your home, who might touch the heater, it's crucial to choose a heater with built-in safety features. Find the heater that shuts off when it is tilted past a certain degree and an alarm for flames to avoid accidental sparks. You might also want to invest in an extinguisher in case of fire to have in your house for emergency situations.
Installation
A free-standing patio heater can be an excellent way to make use of your outdoor space beyond the hottest months. There are several kinds of patio heaters to choose from that include electric and gas-powered models. When purchasing a patio heater, it is crucial to consider the amount of heat your patio needs and how much weight the heater is able to handle.
There are many different ways to install your patio heater, but the most popular is a ceiling-mounted. This option is perfect for patios that are covered, as it does not require any floor space and provides an even distribution of heat.
This mounting option is available for all of Bromic's Electric heaters. A variety of ceiling mounting poles are available to suit your desired aesthetic and to accommodate any ceiling height. If your home has a ceiling that is inclined the wedge that you put on the pole will allow the heater to be positioned perpendicularly to the floor while still being able to meet the minimum clearance requirements.
Wall mounting your patio heater is also a good option. It is possible to do this using a range of our Electric heaters and a variety of mounting brackets are available for each model. The brackets we use for our Platinum and Tungsten Electric heaters can be positioned at a 15 to 45 degree angle, which varies according to the specific model, 6 feet above the ground and at least 5 feet from structures that are above the heater.
Propane: These heaters use 20-pound propane tanks that can be easily filled at all convenience stores and gas stations. They typically generate more heat than electric heaters, but might require a gas line to be installed in your area. These heaters can be free-standing or fixed to a structure, such as a fence, deck, pergola or gazebo.
Some models come with adjustable temperature settings. This is helpful if you're hosting guests and want a higher or lower degree of warmth. Choose a propane patio heater that comes with an arrestor that sparks. This will decrease the possibility of fires triggered by uncontrolled combustion.
Safety
While patio heaters provide comfort and enhance outdoor enjoyment, there are important safety tips to be aware of. Keep the heater at least 3 feet from combustible items, such as potted plants and furniture. It is also recommended to put an appropriate mat underneath the heater, specifically for decks made of wood.
The kind of heater as well as its fuel source will determine the specific safety guidelines to be followed. Propane gas patio heaters, for example, can provide more heat than electric models. However they require frequent refills of their tanks and can cause carbon monoxide to build up. It is also crucial to select a model with features like anti-tilt switches and automatic shutoffs that minimize the chance of a fire.
Apart from the different types of heaters, the method they are installed and operated also determines their safety. While many patio heaters come with built-in safety features it is best to follow the instructions of the manufacturer to ensure maximum performance and safety. If you're looking to install your heaters on the wall or ceiling there are a number of options for installation available for each Bromic product line to accommodate different ceiling heights. There are also a variety of mounting poles that are longer for hanging patio heaters to provide the ideal safe distance from ceilings, walls and fabrics such as tablecloths and awnings.
Freestanding heaters must be secured or weighed down to stop them from tipping over. Strong winds can cause heaters to tip over or shift even if they are not in use, creating the risk of fire or causing injuries. If you live in an area that experiences frequent gusty weather, consider using bungee cords or sandbags to secure your outdoor heaters.
It is recommended that you keep a fire extinguisher close to your heater, regardless of fuel type. Make sure that it is of the appropriate class for the type of fuel your heater uses (Class B for gas; Class C for electric; or a multi-purpose extinguisher to suit both). Don't let your heater run unattended. Accidents can occur.
Maintenance
Incorrect maintenance and usage practices are the main cause of issues with patio heaters. However, you can avoid most of these issues by implementing the basic usage and maintenance best practices. Use a non-abrasive detergent to clean the heater and an air hose for vent holes.
Never use an extension cable in conjunction with the patio heating device. Instead, plug the heater directly into a standard electrical outlet. The use of an extension cable could cause electrical fires. You should also keep the heater clear of flammable items like curtains and wood.
If your propane patio heater is constantly shutting off, you may have a gas leak. A professional should examine the gas line at least once a year for leaks and clogs.
Propane patio heaters need to be stored in a dry, cool space away from wind and rain. In the course of storage, disconnect the propane tank (it should be empty for long-term storage) and wrap the tank with a protective cover. When not in use, the heater should be placed in a well ventilated area or under a canopy. This will stop rust and corrosion. It will also keep it from falling over.