Patio Electric Heater
Patio electric heaters are the modern way to expand outdoor living spaces. Contrary to the traditional propane and natural gas-fueled patio heaters that emit carbon monoxide, electric models do not require ventilation and are safe to use in enclosed spaces as long as they are not left unattended.
To determine the power (BTUs) needed to warm your space, take note of the cubic footage of the area and the degree of temperature rise you would like to achieve.
Power
Patio heaters are ideal to keep outdoor living spaces warm and comfortable even as the sun sets and temperatures get cooler. Radiant heat is emitted from the heaters onto nearby objects and surfaces. Electric, propane and gas models are available. The fuel and power source availability will determine the best choice for you. Patio heaters made of propane and gas depend on liquid or natural fuel, while electric patio heaters rely on electricity to generate heat. In general, propane and natural-gas patio heaters have higher ratings in BTUs than electric patio heaters.
Electric patio heaters are most straightforward to install as they plug into regular 120-volt outlets. They may not provide as much heat as natural gas or propane models however, and regular use of an electric patio heater can raise your electricity bill. Propane patio heaters -- like our top pick overall, the AZ Patio Heaters Propane Patio Heater -- use 20-pound propane tanks that are refillable with propane from local convenience stores or gas stations. They have the advantage of being portable, meaning you can move them around to keep your area warm while the sun moves across the sky.
In addition to the conventional parasol or wall mounted versions of these units there are now a variety of completely free standing electric heaters available, which are ideal for pubs. These mount either to the struts of a parasol or can be fixed to the main pole of the unit. This makes them vulnerable to theft, which is why it is important to consider the place of a device such as this.
Bromic's new range of free-standing electric heaters is the best in terms of style and function. They are sleek and are available in a number of elegant finishes to match any decor. They are extremely efficient in heating and can be set to either 500W or 1.5kW depending on the requirements of your home. The digital LED fire display can also be included to improve the look of your outdoor space.
The BTU rating of a patio heating unit can be used to determine its heat output. The rating indicates the amount of Btu it generates each hour. For instance, a 40,000 BTU patio heater will produce enough heat to heat an area of about 150 square feet. If you're looking to warm an area that is larger, think about using several patio heaters. You can also combine freestanding heaters and firepits to create zones of various warmth.
Heat Output
Patio electric heaters provide warm, comfortable warmth without the need for chimneys or fuel. They plug into standard electrical outlets, so they're a convenient and portable choice for outdoor areas for seating or backyard nooks. The amount of heat a patio heater is capable of delivering is measured in British Thermal Units. The more Btus it has, the higher its heating capacity. The most efficient electric patio heaters can typically achieve a maximum of 46,000 Btu's in an hour.
The dimensions of your patio as well as the temperature you want to attain will determine the number of BTU's you will need. A best practice is to estimate the square footage of your space and then multiply it by the desired temperature increase. Then divide the result by 1,000 to convert it to Watts, and then find out the amount of energy your heater uses per hour. You can estimate the cost of your heater for your patio by using the wattage amount you find in the owner's manual or on your utility statement.
Gas patio heaters burn natural gas, liquid petroleum gas (LPG), propane or butane to create the flame, which creates heat through a perforated metal screen, which reflects the warmth into your outdoor living area. A reflector on top of the burner helps direct the heat downwards, maximizing efficiency and increasing its effectiveness in windy conditions.
Although the power of gas patio heaters is comparable to an electric model, they do require an investment upfront that is greater because they need to be connected to either a propane or natural gas line. They are best suited for spaces with a lot of ventilation that can be turned off and on when needed, or schedule using an alarm clock.
Certain gas patio heaters come with an electronic ignition system built-in and others require you to light them manually using an electric torch or grill lighter. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions to light them safely, and make sure that the natural or propane gas is shut off prior to trying to ignite the burner. They are available as wall or ceiling mounted models and come with various control options. These include dimmers as well as timers that turn off and on according to predetermined intervals.
Design
A good patio heater can make a huge difference to your outdoor space. A electric heater for your patio will keep your outdoor space warm and inviting for a long time after the sun goes down.
A tabletop model might suffice for temporary use but a wall-mounted freestanding model is typically more suitable for an installation that lasts for a long time. This will help ensure the heater is properly placed to ensure maximum heat coverage. The the height at which you put in the patio heater will also have an impact on how much heat it can produce. Some models come with tilting capabilities that let you to alter the direction of the heat.
If you are looking to add a modern flair to their outdoor space can choose a halogen or infrared patio heater. Infrared lights emit a relaxing blue light that is similar to sunlight. Certain models also have an integrated speaker that plays music at the touch of a button.
Another option that is popular is a flush mount patio heater that can be put on the ceiling of your outdoor living space. This is a great option for rooms that aren't able to support a fixture suspended due to space limitations or ceilings that are too sloped. The flush mount is available on all Bromic Electric heaters and is compatible with a variety of mounting poles.
For those who prefer the simplicity of a single-element patio heater There are stack switches available that give you easy control over your heating. These will allow you to enjoy the warmth of your patio heater at full power at half power, or completely off.
Finally, there are gas patio heaters for those who prefer the traditional flame-based method of heating their outdoor areas. These appliances utilize propane, LPG or natural gas to heat the air. They are typically powered by a small propane tank that must be refilled frequently.
Installation
Electric heaters for your patio are an excellent option to keep enjoying outdoor dining and entertaining after the sun has set. They are easy to use, inexpensive and practical, delivering powerful radiant heat that helps keep your guests comfortable, particularly on cold nights. To ensure safety and longevity they must be correctly installed. Before attempting any professional installation, you need to follow the manufacturer's guidelines and consult an electrician, or a plumber if you are using a gas-powered model.
The first thing to determine when choosing an electric patio heater is how large of an area you wish it to warm. In general, a patio heater that has a higher BTU (British Thermodynamic Unit) rating is more powerful and will offer greater coverage. However, a heater with a higher BTU rating also requires more power to operate.
Another consideration is whether you want to mount it on the ceiling or wall your electric patio heater. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages. Wall-mounted units can be placed in a variety of locations and are incredibly compact. They can be difficult to reach and their nozzles need to be cleaned frequently.
Ceiling-mounted patio heaters offer an elegant, modern look and are great for areas with high ceilings. This option is available on all Bromic's electric models and requires a minimum of space in the ceiling which varies by model.
Lastly, you may also choose a natural or propane gas-powered patio heater. While they're not as portable as their electric counterparts, these models provide a decent amount of warmth and are easily switched on and off using a remotes or via a built-in timer. Gas-powered units, however, aren't as safe as their electric counterparts due to the fact that they rely upon combustion to operate. They also require regular maintenance.
If patio heater electric free standing prefer traditional methods of outdoor heating, wood-burning models such as fire pits made of metal and chimineas as well as built-in brick fireplaces can be extremely appealing and add a rustic look to your outdoor space. However, these kinds of units are difficult to maintain due to the constant need for cleaning off ash and other debris. They also can cause sparks that can be dangerous when not maintained properly.