Choosing a Patio Heater Electric
For rooms that are designed with a desire to maintain an elegant, minimalist look electric heaters for walls are the best option. They are easier to use and cheaper to operate than propane models.
Patio heaters, regardless of the type of fuel used should be kept clear from combustible items and never left unattended. Check out these tips for safety on patio heaters for more information.
Selecting the Right Heater
A lot of Australians enjoy entertaining and relaxing on their patios. Cold temperatures, however, can limit the enjoyment of these areas. Patio heaters provide targeted, effective heating to extend outdoor use throughout the all-year. It is essential to select the correct patio heater for optimal performance, safety, and style. A variety of factors should be considered when purchasing a patio heater such as the requirements for installation as well as mobility and fuel source.
Some patio heaters require a professional installation. They are fixed permanently. Tabletop and freestanding heaters on the other hand, offer more flexible options. Portable electric patio heaters, like, can be moved around your garden or yard to meet your requirements. patio electric heater come with handles that make it easy to maneuver. For added convenience, some portable electric patio heaters work with remote controls that allow for simple operation.
When choosing a patio heater, think about the size of the area and how many people are going to use it at the same time. You'll need a heater with enough power to warm large areas. Also, you'll need to consider the amount of time you plan to use the heater in a typical day, since this will determine the power consumption and the life of your battery.
Depending on the type of patio heater you select you'll also have to think about the fuel source. Electric patio heaters are powered by electricity and don't produce emissions, while natural gas patio heaters require your home be plugged in to gas lines. Liquid propane heaters are simple to use and don't need any installation. However, the requirement for constant refueling makes them the least economical option.
If you have children at your home, it is crucial to choose the right heater that comes with safety features. Find a heater that has an automatic shut-off in the event that it is tilted beyond the specified angle, as well as a flame sensor to avoid accidental sparks. You might also want to purchase an extinguisher for fire to have on hand in case of emergency situations.
Installation
A freestanding patio heater is the ideal option to extend your outdoor living space beyond the warmest months of the year. There are a few different types of heaters for your patio available that include electric and gas-powered models. When you are looking to purchase the right patio heater, you need to think about the amount of heat your patio needs and the weight the heater can handle.
There are many ways to install an outdoor heater. The most common method is with a ceiling-mounted heater. This option is ideal for covered patios, as it does not require any floor space, and also ensures a uniform distribution of heat.
This mounting option is available for all Bromic's Electric heater series and a range of ceiling mounting poles are available to meet your specific style and to fit any ceiling height. If your space has a ceiling that is slanted and you want to add a wedge the pole can help the heater to be mounted perpendicularly to the floor and still comply with the minimum clearance requirements.
Wall mounting your heater on the wall is also a great option. It is possible to do this by using one of our Electric heaters as well as various mounting brackets are available for each model. The brackets for our Platinum and Tungsten Electric Heaters can be placed at an angle between 15 and 45 degrees, based on the model. They should be set at least 6 feet above the ground and at least five feet away from any structures over the heater.
Propane heaters are powered by propane 20-pound tanks, which are refilled easily at all gas stations and convenience shops. These heaters produce more heat than electric heaters however, they do require the installation of a gas line. These heaters can be purchased as freestanding units or mounted on a structure like a fence, deck or pergola.
Some free-standing models have adjustable heating settings, which are helpful if you're hosting guests who require a greater or less intense amount of warmth. Choose a propane patio heater with an ignition source. This will decrease the chance of fires that are caused by uncontrolled combustion.
Safety
Patio heaters can be an excellent way to extend your outdoor time and add comfort. However, they do present some safety issues. Keep the heater at least three feet from combustible items, such as furniture and potted plants. It is also recommended to use a protective mat under the heater, especially for decks made of wood.
The type of heater you choose to use and the fuel source that it uses will determine what safety precautions to take. Propane gas patio heaters, for example, can heat a larger space than electric models. However, they require regular refills of their tanks and can cause carbon monoxide to build up. It is also crucial to select one with features such as an the anti-tilt switch as well as automatic shutoffs that minimize the risk of a fire.
The safety of heaters is also determined by the manner in which they are used and set up. While many patio heaters come with safety features built-in it is recommended to follow the directions of the manufacturer to ensure optimal performance and security. Bromic offers a variety of mounting options for heaters placed on the ceiling or wall. There are also a number of poles with longer lengths for hanging patio heaters that will provide the ideal safe distance from walls, ceilings and even fabrics like tablecloths or awnings.
To stop them from falling over, free-standing heaters have to be anchored or weighted. Strong winds can cause heaters to tip over or shift even when they are not, which can pose the risk of fire or causing injury. If you live in a place that experiences frequent gusty weather you might want to consider using sandbags or bungee cords to anchor your patio heaters.
Whatever the type of fuel it is recommended to have an extinguisher for fire in case of emergency use. Make sure it's of the correct class for the fuel type of your heater (Class B for gas; Class C for electric; or a multipurpose extinguisher for both). Don't leave your heater running unattended. Accidents could happen.
Maintenance
Incorrect maintenance and use procedures can be the reason for a variety of problems with patio heaters. You can avoid many of these issues by following some basic guidelines for maintenance and usage. Clean the heater frequently with an anti-abrasive soap and an air hose to clean the ventilation holes.
Never connect an extension cable in conjunction with the patio heating device. Instead you should plug the heater directly into a standard electrical outlet. An extension cord can over-charge circuits and create electrical fires. You should also keep the heater from combustible materials like curtains and wood.
If your propane patio heater is constantly shutting off, you could have a gas leak. It is recommended to have a professional inspect the gas line for blockages or leaks at least once per year.
Propane patio heaters must be stored in a cool, dry place free of wind and rain. When storing, remove the propane tank (it should be empty for storage in the long term) and cover the tank in a protective cover. The heater should be stored in a well-ventilated area or placed under a protective umbrella when not in use. This will help prevent rust and corrosion. It also helps to prevent it from tipping over.