Choosing a Patio Heater Electric
For design-focused spaces that want to keep a sleek, minimalist appearance wall-mounted electric heaters are the way to go. They are easy to use and less expensive to operate than propane models.
No matter what the type of fuel regardless of the type of fuel, patio heaters should be kept away from combustible objects and never left unattended during use. Take a look at these safety tips for patio heaters for more information.
Choosing the Best Heater
Many Australians love having fun and sitting on their patios. Cool temperatures, however, can reduce the enjoyment of these areas. Patio heaters provide targeted, effective heating to extend outdoor use throughout the year. It is crucial to select the right patio heater for maximum performance, safety and design. A variety of factors should be considered when purchasing a patio heater that include the requirements for installation mobility, the fuel source.
Certain kinds of patio heaters, including wall-mounted and ceiling-mounted models, require professional installation and are permanently anchored in the spot. Tabletop heaters and freestanding heaters offer more flexibility. For instance, portable electric patio heaters can be moved to different parts of your garden or yard depending on the need, and some models come with handles for easy movement. Some electric patio heaters that are portable include remote controls to simplify operation.
When selecting a patio heater, you should think about the size of the space and the number of people who will use it at once. 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. Also, you'll need to take into account the number of hours you plan to use the heater in a typical day, as this will affect the power consumption and battery life of your unit.
You'll need to choose the fuel source for your patio heater based on its model. Electric patio heaters are powered by electricity and don't generate emissions, whereas natural gas patio heaters require your home be connected to gas lines. Liquid propane patio heaters on the other hand do not require any installation and are easy to operate. However, their requirement to refill their tanks regularly makes them the least economical option.
If you have children in your home and they may be touching the heater, it's crucial to select a model that has built-in safety features. Find a heater that has an automatic shut-off if it is tilted beyond an angle, and a fire sensor to stop accidental ignition. You might also want to purchase an extinguisher in case of fire to have in your house for emergencies.
Installation
A freestanding patio heater is the ideal option to extend your outdoor living space beyond the warmest months of the year. Electric and gas-powered models are available in various styles. It is crucial to think about the amount of heat you will need for your patio and how much weight your free-standing heater can be able to handle when you are making a purchase.
There are many ways to install an outdoor heater. The most popular method is with a ceiling-mounted heater. This is the best option for covered patios as it doesn't compromise floor space and ensures a uniform distribution of heat throughout the area.
This mounting option is available on all Bromic Electric heaters. A range of ceiling mounting rods are offered to suit your desired aesthetic as well as to fit any ceiling height. If your room has a ceiling that slopes by adding a wedge to the pole can allow the heater to be mounted perpendicular to the floor and still be able to meet the minimum clearance requirements.
Wall mounting your heater on the wall is also a great option. This can be done by using one of our Electric heaters and various mounting brackets are available for each model. The brackets for our Platinum and Tungsten Electric heaters can be placed at a 15 to 45 degree angle, varying according to the model in question, 6 feet above the ground and at least 5 feet away from structures above the heater.
Propane heaters are powered by propane 20-pound tanks, which are refilled easily at most gas stations as well as convenience stores. They generally produce more heat than electric heaters, but may require an gas line to be installed in your home. These heaters can be free-standing, or they can be fixed to a structure, such as fence, deck or pergola.
outdoor heaters for patio electric come with adjustable temperature settings. This is useful when you are hosting guests and want a higher or lower temperature. If you're opting for a freestanding propane patio heater, be sure to choose one that has a spark arrestor, as they are designed to decrease the chance of fires due to uncontrolled combustion of flammable materials.
Safety
While patio heaters can be a great way to relax and extend outdoor enjoyment, there are some essential safety precautions to keep in mind. Keep the heater at least 3 feet away from combustible items like potted plants and furniture. It is also recommended to put a protective mat under the heater, particularly for wooden decks.
The kind of heater and the fuel source will determine the precise safety guidelines to follow. For example, propane gas patio heaters are typically capable of warming a larger area than electric models, however they require regular refilling of tanks, and may cause carbon monoxide build-up. It's also important to select models with features such as anti-tilt switch and automatic shutoffs to reduce the risk of the possibility of a fire.
The safety of heaters is determined by the manner in which they are used and set up. Although many patio heaters have safety features it is recommended to follow the instructions of the manufacturer to ensure maximum performance and safety. Bromic offers a variety of mounting options for heaters mounted on the ceiling or walls. There are also longer mounting poles available for hanging patio heaters which will provide the perfect safe distance from ceilings and walls as well as fabrics like tablecloths and awnings.
To stop them from falling over, freestanding heaters need to be secured or weighted. Strong winds can cause heaters to blow over or shift even if they are not in use, creating a fire risk or causing injuries. If you live in a region where there is a lot of gusty weather, consider using bungee cords or sandbags to secure your heaters on the patio.
Whatever the type of fuel it is recommended to have an extinguisher for fire in case of emergencies. Make 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 multi-purpose extinguisher to suit both). Of course, never leave a heater unattended while in operation because accidents could happen.
Maintenance
Many problems with patio heaters occur because of improper usage and maintenance practices. However, you can avoid many of these issues by following the basic usage and maintenance best practices. Use a non-abrasive soap clean the heater and an air hose for the vent holes.
Never use an extension cord for the patio heater. Plug the heater into an electrical outlet. An extension cable can overload circuits, causing electrical fires. Keep the heater clear of flammable materials such as curtains or wood.
There could be an issue with your propane patio heater is continuously shutting down. A professional should inspect the gas line at least yearly for clogs and leaks.
Propane patio heaters should be stored in a cool, dry space away from wind and rain. During storage, disconnect the propane tank, and wrap it in a protective cover. Also, the heater should be stored in a well-ventilated location or placed under a protective umbrella when not in use. This will help prevent rust and corrosion. It will also help to prevent it from tipping over.
