Patio Electric Heater
Electric patio heaters are an innovative way to increase your outdoor living space. Contrary to the older natural gas and propane-powered patio heaters, which emit carbon monoxide, electric models do not require ventilation and are safe to use in closed spaces as long as they are not left unattended.
Calculate Best electric patio heater and desired temperature rise to determine the power (BTUs).
Power
Patio heaters are ideal to keep outdoor living areas warm and comfortable as the sun sets and temperatures drop. The heat emitted by the heaters onto nearby objects and surfaces. Electric, propane and gas models are available. The type of fuel and power source availability will determine the most suitable option for you. The propane and gas patio heaters are powered by liquid or natural fuel, while electric patio heaters rely on electricity to produce heat. In general, propane and natural-gas patio heaters have higher BTU ratings than electric patio heaters.
Electric patio heaters are the most simple to install since they plug into standard 120-volt outlets. They might not provide as much heat as propane or natural gas models, however, and frequent use of an electric patio heater will increase your electric bill. Propane patio heaters -- such as our top overall pick one, the AZ Patio Heaters Propane Patio Heater -- use 20-pound propane tanks which are refillable with propane from local convenience stores or gas stations. They are portable, and can be moved around to keep the area warm as the sun moves across.
In addition to the traditional parasol or wall mounted versions of these units, there is now a range of completely free standing electric heaters that are ideal for pub environments. These can be mounted to the parasol struts or the main pole. However, this does make them susceptible to being stolen and therefore care needs to be taken as to the location of the device.
Bromic's latest range of electric heaters that stand free are the best in design and function. The sleek designs are available in many elegant finishes that will fit any decor. They are extremely efficient in heating and can be set to either 500W or 1.5kW according to your requirements. They also come with an integrated digital LED fire display to improve the look and feel of your outdoor space.
The BTU rating of a patio heater can be used to determine its heat output. The rating indicates the amount of Btu it produces per hour. For instance, a 40,000 BTU patio heater can produce enough heat to heat an area of about 150 square feet. If you want to heat more of a large area, think about using multiple heaters for your patio. You can also mix freestanding heaters and firepits to create zones of different temperatures.
Heat Output
Patio electric heaters provide warm, comfortable heat without the need for fuel or chimneys. They plug into standard electrical outlets, making they're a practical and portable option for outdoor areas for seating or backyard corners. The amount of heat a patio heater is capable of delivering is measured in British Thermal Units. The more Btus it has, the higher the capacity of heating. The best electric patio heaters typically achieve a maximum of 46,000 Btu's per hour.
The size of your patio and the temperature you wish to achieve will determine the amount of BTU's you need. A good guideline is to calculate the area of your patio and then multiply that by the desired temperature increase. Divide the result by 1,000 and you will get the wattage of your heater. You can estimate the price of your patio heater using the wattage rates found in your owner's guide or on your utility statement.
Gas patio heaters burn natural gas, liquid petroleum gas (LPG) propane or butane to produce an electric flame that is able to heat a perforated screen, which emits the warmth into your outdoor living space. A reflector on top of the burner helps direct the heat downward, maximizing efficiency and enhancing the effectiveness of the heater in windy conditions.
Gas patio heaters provide similar power of heating to electric models, but they require a greater initial investment since they need to be hooked up to propane or natural gas line. They're ideal for areas with good ventilation that can be turned off and on when needed, or scheduled with a timer.
Certain gas patio heaters come with a built-in electronic ignition system however, others might require you to light them manually with an electric torch or grill lighter. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure safe lighting. Make sure that you switch off the natural or propane gases before you attempt to start the burner. They are available as ceiling or wall mounted models and come with various control options. These include dimmers as well as timers which cycle between on and off at time-based intervals.
Design
The right patio heater will make a huge difference to your outdoor space. A electric patio heater will keep your outdoor space warm and inviting for a long time after the sun sets.
While a standard tabletop model might be sufficient in the short-term however, a wall-mounted or freestanding model is more for a permanent installation. This will ensure that the heater is properly placed to ensure maximum heat coverage. The height of the patio heater is important in determining how much heat will be generated. Some models come with tilting capabilities that let you to alter the direction of the heat.
Those looking to add a modern touch to their outdoor space may opt for an infrared or halogen patio heater. Infrared lamps emit a soft blue light that is similar to sunlight. Certain models also have a built-in speaker that plays music at the press of a button.
A flush mount patio heater is a popular choice. It can be put into the ceiling of an outdoor living area. This is great for rooms where a suspended fixture is not possible due to space restrictions or a ceiling with slope. The flush mount is available for all of Bromic's Electric heater series and can be used with a variety of different mounting poles to meet your requirements.
For those who prefer the simplicity of a one-element patio heater, there are simple stack switches available that give you a simple control over the heating. These will allow you to take pleasure in the warmth of your heater at full power, half power or completely off.
There are also gas patio heaters for those who prefer the traditional flame-based method of heating their outdoor areas. These appliances use propane, LPG or natural gas to heat the air. They are typically powered by small propane tanks which needs to be replenished frequently.
Installation
Patio electric heaters are a great way to continue enjoying outdoor dining and entertainment after the sun has set. They are simple to use, affordable and practical, delivering strong radiant heat to keep you and your guests warm, particularly during the cold winter evenings. However they must be installed properly to ensure safety and longevity. It is essential to follow the manufacturer's recommendations and speak with an electrician or in the case of gas-powered equipment, a plumber, before installing any professional installation.
The first thing to consider when selecting an electric patio heater is how large of an area you would like it to warm. In general, a patio heater with a greater BTU (British Thermodynamic Unit) rating is more powerful and can provide more coverage. However, a higher BTU rating will also require more power to run.
You should also consider whether you would like to put your electric patio heater on the wall or the ceiling. Both options have advantages and disadvantages. Wall-mounted units are more compact and can be put in a variety locations. They can be difficult to reach, and their nozzles must be cleaned regularly.
A ceiling-mounted patio heater can offer a more modern, sleek appearance and is perfect for areas with high ceilings. This option is available for all Bromic electric models. It requires only a small amount of space in the ceiling.
You can also select a heater for your patio that is powered by natural or propane gas. These heaters aren't as portable than electric heaters but they still provide a high temperature and can be switched off or on easily with a remote control or an integrated clock. However, since they rely on combustion for operation gas-powered units aren't as secure as electric counterparts and require regular maintenance.
Wood-burning units, like metal firepits, chimineas or brick fireplaces with built-in bricks are appealing to those who prefer heating their patios in a traditional way. They also add a rustic touch to your outdoor space. These kinds of units can be difficult to maintain because they require frequent cleaning of ash and debris. They also generate sparks that can be dangerous if not properly maintained.