How to Choose a Patio Heat Lamp Electric
When you want to heat your patio, you have many options. Unlike propane models that require refills electric heaters can provide instant heat by simply flicking an switch or pressing a button.
These units also don't emit gasses that could be harmful to health. Some units are equipped with adjustable heating settings to allow for different distances.
Type of Heater
With the right patio heater, you will be able to comfortably enjoy your outdoor living spaces into the night and across the seasons. There are a variety of patio heaters, including freestanding natural gas and propane models as well as ceiling or wall-mounted electric radiant heaters. Your choice is contingent on the size of your space, current power sources, and your individual preferences.
Most patio heaters use electricity, liquid or natural gas to generate heat. They emit heat via convection heating in combination with radiant heating. The output of patio heaters is measured in watts which can be converted to British thermal units (BTUs) to give a comparative. Some models have adjustable heat settings to give you more flexibility.
Patio heat lamps combine a burner mounted on a pole and an open-pored screen that reflects flames and sends heat downwards to warm objects, people and furniture. Some come with a reflector above the burner, which can be silvered to reduce the amount of heat lost upwards.
The most popular kind of patio heater, a gas patio heater is usually found in outdoor seating areas at bars and restaurants because they generate a lot of heat quickly and spread it evenly across all directions. They are great to heat tables. These heaters are portable and run on a propane tank or plumbed in to your natural gas line. The latter is more convenient and comes with lower upfront costs, but requires fuel.
Gas patio heaters are becoming increasingly popular as more homes have natural gas lines. They're easy to install, but require a dedicated and properly functioning gas line to function safely. There are portable natural gas heaters with extension hoses which can assist in overcoming this limitation however they can also pose a tripping risk and also a fire hazard when not in use.
Safety
Electric patio heaters are safe to use in enclosed areas, since they allow heat to radiate upward and not outwards. However, they're not meant to be used under an open roof; the heater should be placed at least 18" from the walls adjacent to it or 6" from the ceiling to avoid fire hazards.
Patio heaters made of propane and gas are generally only safe to be installed in enclosed areas and are protected by an enduring cover made for outdoor use. These covers are usually made of fire-resistant canvas and have a roof that can be closed. These types of patio heaters are prone to safety concerns relating to the fumes and flames they generate. They should be kept away from flammable objects like chairs and curtains.
When installing Read More Listed here or any kind of patio heater, make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety guidelines carefully. Select a heater that has received UL and CSA safety certifications and be sure to go through the owner's instructions thoroughly. Be extra careful when it comes to pets and children, and ensure that the heater is not in their reach while it's operating. Some free-standing patio heating devices like EUROM's have an automatic tipping safety that shuts off the device when it falls.
If your patio heater uses natural gas lines it is important to examine the condition of the line on a regular basis and to test it for leaks by an experienced professional. If the line has to be replaced, make sure to employ an authorized plumber. A professional is able to determine if the line should be run through an underground pipe or not. A professional can also make sure that the patio heater is plugged in to an outlet that is GFCI-rated (ground fault circuit interrupter) to safeguard against electric sparks and fires.
Installation
The size of a patio heater will determine how much heat it radiates into the space. The heater should be positioned away from surfaces like wood and plastic that can deform. Depending on the model of the heater you may choose to mount it on a wall or a structure using standard mounting brackets. Certain models have a soft starter that reduces the current at the highest level to ensure your circuits are protected.