Choosing a Patio Heater Electric
For design-focused spaces that want to maintain a sleek, minimalist appearance wall-mounted electric heaters are the way to go. patio heat lamp electric are easy to use and are less costly to run than propane models.
Patio heaters, no matter the type of fuel used should be kept clear from items that ignite and should never be left unattended. For more details, read these safety guidelines for patio heaters.
How to Choose the Right Heater
Many Australians love entertaining and sitting on their patios. The cold temperatures can cut short the enjoyment of these areas. Patio heaters are efficient and provide targeted heating to extend the usage of outdoor areas throughout the all-year. It is important to choose the correct patio heater for maximum performance, safety and design. There are a variety of factors to consider when purchasing a patio heater that include the requirements for installation, mobility, and fuel source.
Some patio heaters require a professional installation. They are permanently fixed. Tabletop and freestanding heaters offer more flexibility. For instance portable electric patio heaters can be moved to different parts of your yard or garden as needed, and some models come with handles for ease of movement. Some portable electric patio heaters come with remote controls to simplify operation.
When selecting a patio heater, you should take into consideration the size of the space and how many people will be using it at one time. A larger area requires more power than smaller ones, so you'll need to choose one that has enough power for adequate heating. You'll also want to consider the number of hours per day you intend to utilize the heater. This will affect the battery life and power consumption of the heater.
You'll need to select the fuel source for your patio heater based on the type of. Electric patio heaters run on electricity and do not emit any emissions. Natural gas patio heaters require that your home be plumbed with gas lines. Liquid propane heaters are simple to use and don't need any installation. However, the requirement for constant refueling is the reason they aren't the most cost-effective choice.
If there are children at home and they may be touching the heater, it's important to choose a model with built-in safety features. Look for a heater with an automatic shut-off if it tilts more than an angle, as well as a flame sensor to prevent accidental sparks. You might also want to invest in an extinguisher for fire to keep on hand for emergency situations.
Installation
A free-standing patio heater can be the ideal option to extend your outdoor living space beyond the hottest times of the year. Gas-powered and electrical models are available in different designs. When purchasing the right patio heater, it is crucial to consider how much heat you require for your patio and the weight the heater can carry.
There are a few different ways to install a patio heater. The most popular way is to use a ceiling mounted heater. This is a great option for patios that are covered since it doesn't sacrifice floor-space and ensures an even distribution of heat across the entire area.
This mounting option is available on all Bromic Electric heaters. A range of ceiling mounting rods are available to satisfy your desired style and to fit any ceiling height. If your room has a ceiling that slopes, adding a wedge to the pole can help the heater to be positioned perpendicularly to the floor and still be able to meet the minimum clearance requirements.
Wall mounting your patio heater is also a good option. It can be accomplished by using one of our Electric heaters as well as a variety of mounting brackets are available for each model. The brackets of our Platinum and Tungsten Electric Heaters can be placed at an angle between 15 and 45 degrees, depending on the model. They should be placed six feet above the ground and at least five feet from any structures over the heater.
Propane: These heaters are powered by propane 20-pound tanks, which can be easily refilled at all gas stations and convenience shops. They generally generate more heat than electric heaters, but might require the use of a gas line installed in your space. These heaters can be purchased as freestanding units or mounted on a structure like a fence, deck or pergola.
Certain models have adjustable temperature settings. This is useful when you're hosting guests and they want a higher or lower temperature. Choose a propane patio heater that comes with a spark-arrestor. This will decrease the chance of fires that are caused by uncontrolled combustion.
Safety
Patio heaters can be a great way to extend your outdoor time and add comfort. However, they can also pose some safety concerns. This includes keeping the heater at least three feet from any materials that could ignite, such as furniture or potted plants. Also, it is recommended to place a protective mat underneath the heater, especially for wooden decks.
The type of heater and its fuel source will determine the precise safety guidelines to adhere to. Propane gas patio heaters for example, can provide more heat than electric models. However, they require regular refills of their tanks, and could cause carbon monoxide to build up. In addition, it's essential to choose a heater that has been UL or CSA certified and comes with features like anti-tilt switch and automatic shutoffs to minimize the risk of fire.
Apart from the different types of heaters, how they are set up and used will also affect their safety. While many patio heaters come with safety features built-in it is recommended to follow the instructions of the manufacturer for optimal performance and security. Bromic provides a variety of mounting options for heaters that are mounted on the ceiling or walls. There are also a number of longer mounting poles for hanging patio heaters that will give you the perfect distance from walls, ceilings and even fabrics like tablecloths or awnings.
Free-standing heaters should be anchored or weighted to prevent them from tipping over. Even when the heaters are off, strong winds may cause them to move or roll over, causing a fire hazard or injury. If you live in a region which is susceptible to frequent winds that are gusty, think about using sandbags or bungee cables as anchors for your heaters on patios.
Whatever the type of fuel, it's recommended to keep an extinguisher in your home for emergency use. Be sure it's of the appropriate class for the fuel type of your heater (Class B for gas; Class C for electric; or a multipurpose extinguisher for both). Of course don't leave your heater unattended while in operation, as accidents can happen.
Maintenance
A variety of issues with patio heaters arise because of improper usage and maintenance procedures. However, you can prevent the majority of these issues by following some basic usage and maintenance best practices. Wash the heater regularly with an unabrasive detergent. You can also use an air hose for clearing the vents.
Never use an extension cable with a patio heater. Instead connect the heater directly into an electrical outlet. The use of an extension cable could overload circuits, causing electrical fires. You should also keep the heater from combustible materials like curtains and wood.
You could have an issue if your propane patio heater is constantly shutting down. It is a good idea to have a professional inspect the gas line for clogs or leaks at least once per year.
Propane patio heaters should be stored in a cool, dry place free of rain and wind. During storage, remove the propane tank, and wrap it in a cover that protects. The heater should be stored in a well-ventilated area or under an umbrella when not in use. This will prevent corrosion and rust. It will also help to prevent it from tipping over.