Do you like to spend time outdoors, but find that it is too cold? If so, then a patio heater might be the perfect solution for you. Patio heaters provide warmth and comfort even on the coldest days of winter.
When going to select a patio heater you may have many questions before buying.
In this blog post we will go over things you need to know about Patio Heaters.
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Why Are Patio Heaters Good?
Patio heaters are great because they allow you to take the warmth of your home outside.
Additionally, patio heaters can be used in so many different ways. Some people place them on their decks or patios while others use them to warm up outdoor seating areas like gazebos and cabanas.
What Kind Of Patio Heaters Are There?
Electric:
An electric patio heater has many pros. You can adjust the what to whatever temperature you like. The biggest downfall to electric patio heaters is that they can be very expensive to operate.
Natural Gas Heater:
Natural gas heaters are the least expensive heaters to run and they also cover a very big area in comparison to other types of heaters. The downsides to a natural gas heater is that you can’t adjust the heat as accurately as you can with electric and you also need more clearance to run this type.
Propane Gas Patio Heaters:
The best part about propane heaters is that they are very easy to use and they don’t require a lot of money for them to run. Like gas heaters the downside is they require more clearance than electric heaters.
Which Patio Heater Brands Are The Best?
Lava Heat, Bromic and Calcana are all great brands for patio heaters.
When it comes to quality, you really can’t go wrong with any of these brands. They each have unique features that make them stand out from the competition.
How Much Space Do I Need For A Patio Heater?
Most patio heaters need at least six feet of clearance in order to run safely. If you are short on space, then you might want to consider an electric heater because they don’t require as much space.
What Size Patio Heater Do I Need?
The size of your patio heater will depend on how big your outdoor area is and how many people you plan on heating up. You also need to take into account the type of fuel the heater runs on.
For example, a propane gas heater will cover more ground than an electric one and you also want to make sure that it has enough clearance so as not to cause any problems later.
What Are The Best Ways to Maintain Your Patio Heater?
Patio heaters need to be cleaned and maintained just like anything else. The best way to clean a patio heater is with a damp cloth, but you should never spray water directly onto the heating element as this can cause damage.
When storing your gas patio heater for winter make sure that it is completely dry. This will help prevent any corrosion or rusting of metal parts such as screws and bolts.
What If Your Patio Heater Wont Stay Lit?
Patio heaters come with a piezo ignition system that allows you to turn them on and off with the push of a button.
Sometimes these ignitions can be finicky though, so if your patio heater won’t stay lit it might be time for an inspection from a professional.
Can You Use a Patio Heater In a Garage?
Some people want to use their patio heater inside the garage. Unfortunately, gas patio heaters should never be used indoors as they produce carbon monoxide which is a dangerous and deadly gas.
Electric or infrared heaters can safely be used in garages just make sure that you place them at least eight feet away from any walls.
What Size Orifice Do You Use For a Natural Gas Heater?
Natural gas heaters need an orifice that is almost 0.125 inches. A drill size of 35 is almost 0.125 inches, so it will work for natural gas too.
Are Patio Heaters Loud?
Patio heaters are prettyquiet when they’re running. The biggest noise you’ll hear is a slight hum but that’s about it.
Can I Use a Patio Heater in the Rain?
No, you should never use a patio heater in the rain as this can cause damage to the unit and also poses a fire hazard.
If there is any moisture build-up on your patio heater, then take it inside and allow it to dry out before using it again.
Can A Propane Patio Heater Be Converted To Natural Gas?
This is something that can definitely be done, but as far as safety is concerned you should buy the type of patio heater you want and leave it alone.
Anything done wrong while converting a propane patio heater can end up causing an explosion .
Can I Use a Propane Patio Heater Indoors?
No, you should never use a propane patio heater indoors. Gas heaters can cause carbon monoxide poisoning which is extremely dangerous and even fatal in some cases.
If using your gas patio heater inside is something that interests you then an electric or infrared unit will work perfectly for this purpose.
Can You Use Butane In a Patio Heater?
Most patio heaters can be used with either butane, propane, or patio gas. Different fuels require different gas regulators. The valves are different, and you need a regulator that can handle the pressure of the fuel you are using.
How Long Do Patio Heaters Last?
With the proper care and maintenance, a gas patio heater should last at least five years.
How Many Patio Heaters Do You Need For a Wedding?
This all depends on the size of your wedding and how large of an area you will be needing to heat. For a smaller event, one or two patio heaters should do the trick. However, if your wedding is larger then you might need more than that.
Just make sure that you have enough clearance between each heater so as not to create any tripping hazards.
A good way to measure would be to use 1 patio heater for every 2000 square feet.
Can You Shorten A Patio Heater?
It’s not a good idea to make an existing patio heater shorter but you can certainly buy a shorter patio heater.
What Is The Best Type Of Patio Heater For Small Spaces?
The best type of gas or electric patio heater for small spaces would be infrared as they produce little to no UV rays and tend to distribute their heat quicker than propane units do.
Infrared units also work great in windy conditions whereas other types can be blown over quite easily.
How Long Does a Propane Tank Last On a Patio Heater?
A propane tank should last about 10 hours on a high setting with a patio heater.
Can a Patio Heater Be Used Under a Roof?
Yes you can use a patio heater under a roof as long as the sies are open. Keep in mind every patio heater has a different clearance recommendation so make sure you get one that is safe to use under a roof.
What Is The Best Time of Year to Use a Patio Heater?
Anytime is a good time to use a patio heater! However, spring and fall are the most popular seasons as they’re not too hot or too cold.
Just make sure that you never use your patio heater in the rain as this can cause damage to the unit and also poses a fire hazard.
Are Patio Heaters Safe On Decks?
Yes, patio heaters are safe on decks as long as you follow the clearance recommendations.
How Do You Keep Mosquitoes Away With A Patio Heater?
You can’t keep mosquitoes away with a patio heateras they are attracted to the carbon dioxide.
Can I Use Propane In An Infrared Patio Heater?
No, propane is not compatible with infrared gas heaters so don’t even try! Not only will this void any warranties that may be in place, but also pose a huge safety risk as well. Using anything other than what was intended for your unit could damage it.
What Is The Best Way To Store A Gas Patio Heater When Not In Use?
When you’re not using your gas patio heater, it’s best to store it inside of a shed or garage so that the unit does not get damaged by any outdoor elements such as rain and snow.
What Are The Best Patio Heater Safety Tips?
When using a patio heater it’s important to always read the instructions that came with your heater.
Never leave patio heaters unattended and make sure to always have a fire extinguisher hanging around in case of an emergency.
You should never use flammable liquids near propane or natural gas patios heaters as this can cause them to explode if they get too hot.
Conclusion:
Patio heaters are a great way to extend the use of your outdoor space in both spring and fall. Patio heaters can be found in gas or electric form depending on what you prefer. Different forms of patio heater work better for different areas so make sure you get one that will work best for where you plan to put it! Just remember when using any kind of patio heater safety should always come first, especially when dealing with open flames. A good rule is to never leave them unattended and keep an eye out just incase something does go wrong. Now that you know all about how they work, maybe you’ll be spending every season out doors.
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