Make Your Backyard a Year-Round Gathering Place With an Electric Patio Heater Outdoor
Electric patio heaters can transform your backyard into a gathering spot all year round. For maximum comfort, follow the recommendations of the manufacturer and consult a plumber or electrician (if you opt for gas) to ensure that your space is properly equipped.
Users say this portable option is perfect to heat a small area like garages or covered porches. They also love that it comes with a handy carry bag that makes it easy to transport.
Safety Tips
It is important to understand how to use your patio heater outdoors. This will help ensure your safety as well as the safety of others using it. Always take note of the instructions provided by the manufacturer. This will help you comprehend how your device works. Keep your heater clear of combustibles and the power cable out of places where people might fall over it. Also, make sure to keep children and pets away from the heating unit when it is running.
To avoid issues and prolong the lifespan of your outdoor heater, it's important to perform regular maintenance. You can clean the surface of your outdoor heater with a damp sponge or cloth to get rid of dirt and other debris. You should also inspect the heater for signs of wear or damage, particularly electrical or gas connections. If you notice any of these issues make sure you repair them as soon as you can.
Electric outdoor heaters come in a variety of styles, including pillar-style models and portable models. Each type offers their own advantages, so make sure to choose the one that best suits your space. For instance, if have a small backyard, the standing model may be the best choice for you because it takes up less space than the tabletop model.
In addition, if you have an expansive backyard, you may be interested in an electric ceiling mount because it can warm the entire outdoor area. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation to ensure that your heater is secure.
If you live in a place with harsh weather conditions you might consider buying a cover for your electric patio heater. This will protect your heater from snow, rain and other elements that could harm it. It also stops leaves and debris from building up on the heater and inside it and causing a fire or damage it.
Heater Options
When it comes to patio heaters the options are endless. There are models that use natural gas, propane, or electricity. Some models are powered by a massive propane tank, while other models can be powered through the plumbed connection. The output of heat for each model is different and the greater the BTU rating, the more the appliance can warm an outdoor space.
Natural gas or propane patio heaters are more expensive and require a professional installation. They provide a wider quantity of heat, however they also burn hotter and aren't suitable for use in completely enclosed spaces. Propane or natural gas units may also contain flammable fuels, which could cause a safety risk if they are not properly vented and stored in a secure location.
Electric patio heaters are the simplest option to install and use and are more affordable than other models. The power source is what powers the heating element, which releases infrared rays to warm up objects and people. Many models come with a swivel-head which allows you to direct the rays of heat precisely where they are needed. A lot of these units also resist wind, making them ideal to use in areas that are exposed.
Some models have a portable design, which makes them easy to move from one place to another. To maximize mobility, look for a model with wheels at the base.
Alternatively, you can install an outdoor heater that is mounted in your backyard. This type of unit will sit on a pedestal that has a built-in stand or base and is fixed to the ceiling or wall an even surface. It's also great for installing under umbrellas or awnings. Electric models are safer than natural gas or propane heaters for patios that require a vent to function. They can also be used in enclosed spaces. It is still recommended to follow the manufacturer's guidelines and place your heater in a well ventilated space. This will allow you to enjoy your outdoor space in frigid temperatures.
Installation
A patio heater will allow you to make use of your outdoor living space beyond the seasons of summer, spring and autumn. It's a great way to stay warm after the sun sets and it creates a welcoming and relaxing space for entertaining your family and friends. No matter if you have a small balcony or large patio, Rock Electric can install an electric patio heater that will fit your needs and space.
Contrary to forced-air heating which is a method of blowing hot air across the room, patio heaters use radiant heat to warm both people and objects. In the sun's light on a sidewalk will make you feel warm. This is because the light and infrared energy radiate out from the sidewalk. small electric patio heater is a similar. It has a burner that burns propane, butane, LPG or natural gas to heat a perforated screening.
Certain models feature reflective elements at the top to distribute the infrared energy evenly. The best models are dimmable to regulate the amount of heat generated. They can also be linked to an intelligent home system to provide additional functionality.
The BTUs (British Thermal Units), which are required by your patio, is another important aspect to think about. The larger the area is, the greater number of BTUs will be required to reach the desired temperature. A professional from Dallas Landscape Lighting will help you determine the amount and recommend the most suitable heater for your outdoor space.
If you choose to use propane, natural gas or an electric patio heater, it's best to hire a professional installation service from an experienced electrician. Propane heaters are refillable at any gas station or convenience shop, but require a long-term connection to a propane line. They are also more expensive to run than electric heaters.
Electric patio heaters are an excellent option for both new installations and retrofitting to existing outdoor spaces. They can be placed as lamps, hung from the ceiling as tube lights, or affixed to walls along the perimeter of your patio. Before purchasing be sure to verify the heater's IP certification to ensure that it can be put in outdoors and is waterproof. The IP rating is available on the product description page or in the user's manual.
Cost
A patio heater is an excellent way to extend the time you can spend in your outdoor space. At Lowe's we have various overhead and freestanding patio heaters that let you enjoy your patio all year round regardless of the temperature. Select from gas, electric or infrared heaters to provide warmth and comfort.
If you're looking to add an energy-efficient heating option to your patio, consider a natural gas heater. This type of heater uses infrared heating to warm your area, resulting in an directional heat source that is less costly to operate than forced air heat. It's also a great option for rooms that aren't well ventilated, as it won't force heated air into spaces that aren't needed. Natural gas heaters require a professional installation and are typically connected to a fixed line of gas.
If you're shopping for a patio heater that is powered by propane or natural gases make sure you know that the amount they generate in heat is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). To determine the number of BTUs your space requires to be comfortable, measure its square footage and then multiply that number by the amount of degrees you'd like to raise the temperature.
In addition to assessing the size of your room, you'll need to decide whether you'd prefer a mobile unit or one that can be mounted on the wall or ceiling. Consider the features you'd like, like a remote control or built-in timers to turn off. Contact the manufacturer of your deck for safety instructions and installation instructions. They may differ based on the product.
In addition to the materials and other equipment you'll need, labor costs are also included in the installation of your patio heater. This could include removing the existing, moving or repairing existing framing and surface finishes fixtures, and making sure that your work area is into conformity with local plumbing and electrical codes. Testing and removal of dangerous substances, such as lead, asbestos or radon are also possible expenses. Sales tax is imposed on all purchases, in addition to any permit costs.