Choosing a Patio Heater Electric
For design-focused spaces that want to maintain an elegant, minimalist look electric heaters for walls are the ideal choice. They are easier to use and are less expensive to operate than propane models.
Whatever the their fuel type, patio heaters should be kept away from combustible objects and never left unattended while in use. For more information, check out these safety guidelines for patio heaters.
How to Select 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 can reduce the enjoyment of these areas. Patio heaters offer effective, targeted heating to extend the usage of outdoor areas throughout the year. It is important to choose the best patio heater to ensure optimal performance, safety, and style. There are a variety of factors to consider when purchasing a patio heater such as the installation requirements mobility, the fuel source.
Some patio heaters require a professional installation. They are fixed permanently. Tabletop and freestanding heaters on contrary, provide more flexibility. For example portable electric patio heaters can be moved around different parts of your yard or garden depending on the need, and some models have handles to facilitate easy maneuvering. For additional convenience, certain portable electric patio heaters can be used with remote controls for simple operation.
When you are looking for a patio heater, take into consideration the size of your area and how many people will be using it at one time. A larger area requires more power than smaller ones, which is why you'll need to choose a model with enough wattage to provide adequate heating. Also, you should consider the number of hours per day that you plan to utilize the heater. This will impact the battery life and power consumption of the unit.
Depending on the type of patio heater you pick it is also important to think about the fuel source. Electric patio heaters run on electricity and don't release any emissions. Natural gas patio heaters however, require your home to be plugged with gas lines. Liquid propane heaters are simple to use and don't need any installation. They aren't the most cost-effective option because they need to be refueled constantly.
If you have children at 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 over a certain point, as well as an alarm for flames to avoid accidental ignition. You may want to purchase an extinguisher in case of emergency.
Installation
A free-standing patio heater can be a great option to extend your outdoor living space beyond the hottest months of the year. There are many types of heaters for your patio available with electric and gas-powered models. It is important to think about the amount of heat you need for your patio and the weight your freestanding heater can withstand when making a purchase.
There are several different ways to set up your patio heater however the most popular is a ceiling mount. This is the best option for covered patios as it doesn't compromise floor space and provides a consistent distribution of heat throughout the area.
This mounting option is available on all Bromic Electric heaters. A variety of ceiling mounting rods are available to satisfy your desired aesthetic and to accommodate any height ceiling. If your room has a ceiling that is angled the wedge that you put on the pole will allow the heater to be placed perpendicularly on the floor while still being able to meet the minimum clearance requirements.
Wall mounting your patio heater is also a great option. You can do this with a wide range of electric heaters. A assortment of mounting brackets are available for each model. The brackets for our Platinum and Tungsten Electric heaters can be positioned at a 15 to 45 degree angle varying by the specific model that is 6 feet above ground and at least 5 feet away from structures over the heater.
Propane Heating: These heaters are powered by 20-pound propane tanks, which can be easily refilled at most gas stations and convenience shops. They produce more heat than an electric heater however, they do require an gas line be laid. These heaters can be purchased as freestanding units or positioned on a structure, such as a fence, deck or pergola.
Some models come with adjustable heat settings. This is useful if you are hosting guests and require a different degree of warmth. Select a propane patio heater that comes with a spark-arrestor. This reduces the possibility of fires triggered by uncontrolled combustion.
Safety
Patio heaters can be a great way to extend your outdoor time and add comfort. However, they do present some safety issues. For instance, keep the heater at least three feet from any combustible materials, such as potted plants or furniture. Also, it is recommended to put a mat underneath the heater, especially for wooden decks.
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 able to warm a larger area than electric ones, but they require regular refills of the tanks and can create carbon monoxide accumulating. It's also important to select models with features such as the anti-tilt switch as well as automatic shutoffs that minimize the chance of an accidental fire.
The safety of heaters is also determined by the way they are installed and used. While some patio heaters have built-in safety features it is best to follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure the best performance and safety. Bromic offers a range of mounting options for heaters mounted on the ceiling or wall. There are also longer mounting poles to hang patio heaters which provide the ideal distance between ceilings and walls as in fabrics such as tablecloths and awnings.
Freestanding heaters must be secured or weighted to prevent them from tipping over. Strong winds can cause heaters to blow over or shift even if they are off, posing danger of fire or causing injury. If you live in a place that is prone to frequent storms you might want to consider using sandbags or bungee cords to secure your heaters on the patio.
Whatever the type of fuel, it's recommended to keep a fire extinguisher nearby for emergency use. Be sure it's of the appropriate 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 let your heater run unattended. Accidents could happen.
Maintenance
Incorrect maintenance and usage practices are the main cause of problems with patio heaters. However, you can avoid most of these problems by following some basic maintenance and usage best practices. Make sure to clean the heater regularly using a non-abrasive detergent and use an air hose for clearing the vents.
Do not use an extension cable to connect an outdoor heating device. Instead you should plug the heater directly into an electrical outlet. An extension cable can overload circuits, leading to electrical fires. Keep the heater clear of flammable materials such as curtains or wood.
You may have a leak if your propane patio heater is constantly shutting down. It is recommended to have a professional inspect the gas line for clogs or leaks at least every year.
best electric patio heaters need to be stored in a dry, cool space away from wind and rain. During storage, you should disconnect the propane tank (it must be empty for storage in the long term) and cover the tank in a protective cover. Also, the heater should be stored in a well-ventilated area or placed under a protective umbrella when not in use. This will prevent rust and corrosion. This will also keep it from falling over.