Consider The Size Of Your Gazebo
If you have a bigger gazebo, you need to purchase a sufficient patio heater. In other words, the patio heater you purchase should be in a position to generate a sufficient amount of heat.
Otherwise, you will not be able to heat the entire gazebo. You can, of course, utilize multiple heaters directing heat at different spots to increase the size of area you can heat.
How Big Is Your Gazebo
The dimensions of your gazebo will determine the type of outdoor heater you can use. Patio heaters have ratings expressed in kWh or BTUs depending on the type of fuel source. BTUs are for propane heaters while kWh for an electric backyard heater. The more the number of BTUs or kWh your patio heater can supply, the more the heat you can get. Also, a higher BTU or kWh rating results in faster heating.
If your gazebo is of a large-size, go for a higher rating. This will ensure that all the people in the gazebo at any time feel warm and cozy. Alternatively, you can opt for less powerful models. However, you should purchase several of them and position them evenly around the gazebo area.
Can You Use A Propane Heater On A Covered Porch
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. Also to know is, can you use a propane heater on a screened in porch?
The short answer is that yes, you can use patio heaters indoors without too many consequences. Patio heaters can be especially effective in an enclosed environment like a screened in patio, but you‘ll need to be able to be prepared to make a few adjustments to your set up to get the best results.
Beside above, do patio heaters need to be covered? One excellent way to protect and extend the life of your patio heater is to purchase a cover. Covering your unit when not in use will keep your unit looking new by protecting it from the elements and also keep dust, moisture and bugs out of the burner assembly.
Hereof, can you use an outdoor propane heater indoors?
Some propane heaters are marked outdoors-only, meaning they should never be used in indoor areas. Using an outdoor-only propane heater in your home will cause a great danger of CO poisoning as the amount of gas will increase.
Can a propane fire pit be used under a covered patio?
A gas fire pit can often be installed under a covered patio, but the fire pit must be pre-approved by your city first. You also need to confirm that the ceiling height, ventilation, location, and flooring of your outdoor space meet the manufacturer’s requirements, prior to installation.
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Can You Use A Patio Heater Under A Covered Patio
A patio heater is a must-have item for the cooler seasons.
It is a great alternative to a fire, allowing you to use the outer living spaces of a house, restaurant, or office during the months when it would normally be too cold to hang outside.
But one recurring question about patio heaters is if they can be used under a covered patio.
You can use a patio heater under a covered patio as long as you have the right type of heater and the heater fits within the patios dimensions. While they are safer than fire pits for lighting under a roof, each type of heater needs a different amount of clearance.
In this article, we will explore this subject in detail as well as share some great tips on how you can get the most out of your patio heater when it is under a covered patio.
The Functionality Of Backyard Heaters
To understand why it may be challenging to use these units under covered areas, lets look at their functioning.
Air heaters will keep you warm by heating the air in the room. On the other hand, patio units employ radiant heat technology. Therefore, they directly warm objects around the room or the people around it without having to heat the air first.
Because of their radiant heating, they are excellent for both covered spaces and open areas. Air units may not function excellently in open areas, especially during windy conditions.
The only disadvantage of radiant heating is that some heat gets wasted on other objects. For instance, the roofs and walls which are expansive will take up some of the heat. That is why angling your heater can help you maximize getting heat from it. However, a few models like the pyramid style may be difficult to angle.
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Types Of Outdoor Patio Heaters
The two types of outdoor heater we will cover in this article are gas and electric. Gas outdoor heaters such as the Bromic line of heaters can be used with either propane or natural gas. This makes them incredibly convenient to use.
Electric outdoor patio heaters are not as powerful as their gas powered cousins. Although they can work great for smaller or more sheltered areas. Generally we recommend 4000 to 6000 watt sizes for most outdoor applications.
Is It Safe To Grill Under A Carport
A metal carport is very similar to a patio/awning setup, so the same rules apply here. You might not care as much about staining the ceiling of a carport though, so its an even better option than an awning. If the weather starts looking stormy, it can be a great place to post up and grill some burgers.
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Can Patio Heaters Be Left Outside
While patio heaters are designed specifically for outside use, its not recommended to leave these appliances outside. If your patio has a covering that can protect the heater from weather conditions such as rain or snow, it might be able to stay outside, but you should store them inside when not in use regardless.
The problem with keeping patio heaters outside is that the lifespan of the heater will dramatically decrease.
Sure, some patio heaters can withstand light drizzling or even frost, but if you continue to do this , your heater is likely to break and not work properly.
Some patio heaters can be heavy to move, which is why people are often reluctant to store them away when youll only need to use them again the next day. As we said, most patio heaters are designed to withstand most weather conditions, but its not a wise idea to do this.
We recommend either keeping your heater underneath a covering on your patio, or finding a light and portable propane heater that can be easily stored when not in use.
If you want your heater to provide you with warmth throughout the season and the next few seasons after that, make sure not to make a habit of leaving it outside.
Angling Heaters For Covered Patios
Weve just discussed how its technically possible to use a patio heater under a covered patio with the right precautions. This can be very useful when trying to keep your patio heater out of the rain.
But despite this, patio heaters are designed to work best in the open, with no roof above them.
So, there is a nice little hack when it comes to using a patio heater under a covered patio. Simply angle the heater slightly towards the open side of the patio.
This will ensure a better distribution of heat. We will explore heat distribution in patio heaters in the next section.
When youre angling a patio heater, be mindful that it is steady and isnt likely to tip over. If that happens, it could potentially start a fire.
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Can You Use An Outdoor Heater Under A Covered Patio
An outdoor patio heater can enable you to use your precious outdoor space year round. While the winter months can still be challenging, the early spring and late fall are great times to be outside. Patio heaters definitely make these moments a lot more comfortable!
Outdoor heaters are generally easy to use and operate. However, its important not to leave anything to chance when liquid propane and fire are involved. There are some safety precautions that all homeowners should consider when operating an outdoor heater.
One of the most common questions that comes up, is it safe to use an outdoor heater under a covered patio ? In this guide, we will answer that question and perhaps a few others that you may have about outdoor heaters.
Not sure what all the fuss is about? Well, the NFPA reportsLocal fire departments responded to an estimated average of 52,050 fires involving heating equipment each year in 2012-2016.
Thats a lot of preventable fires due to heating equipment! So lets make sure youre covered.
Patio Heater Versus Fire Pit: Which Is Better
Technically speaking, a fire pit can be a kind of patio heater. However, many people want to weigh a typical fire pit against a patio heater when making a decision, as they serve different primary and aesthetic functions.
| Patio heaters are typically used only for heating. | Fire pits may also be used as a light source or for cooking on. |
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Electric Infrared Heaters For Covered Patios
The reason behind the popularity of patio heaters is that they emit radiant heat. This means that the heat travels through the air to keep you warm instead of being blown through the air and getting dissipated on its way to you.
These heaters are commonly used outdoor houses, restaurants and offices. Electric patio heaters are a common choice for homes as outdoor electrical outlets are generally available in homes. Make sure that the electrical outlets are sheltered from water and moisture to eliminate any risk of electric shocks.
They are an excellent option where electrical outlets are available and you dont need have access to natural gas. Using an electric heater will also save you from the hassle of buying and refilling propane tanks, as with portable mushroom heaters.
Electric heaters are available in a variety of styles, such as floor, tabletop, or wall-mounted. They are more suited for small areas as they do not have the heating capacity of larger, gas-powered heaters. Dr. Infrared Heater 1500W carbon infrared heater indoor outdoor patio garage wall or ceiling Mount is a good choice for a patio.
You can easily plug in these heaters to switch them on. Their hardware is usually weather-resistant, but it is preferable to place them in a sheltered area. Electric infrared heaters are best for use under a covered patio. They emit heat sideways, and can be fixed at a distance of just half a feet from the roof of the patio.
Incorporation Of A Tip
A tip-over switch will detect movement when your heater is either intentionally or accidentally moved immediately after switching off your space heaters.
During winter weddings, people have fun and generate warmth simultaneously by dancing. Sometimes wedding guests will lose control and accidentally knock things over. Others will even dance in the rain. The wind can also push cause damage. A tip-over switch will automatically turn off the electric patio heaters, preventing a fire catastrophe.
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How Do You Store Outdoor Patio Heaters
Outdoor patio heaters must be stored properly to increase the quality and length of their service life. There are several ways to provide good storage and protection for outdoor patio heaters depending on the weather conditions.
In the event of light rain or drizzle, most patio heaters will usually be fine being exposed to this. However, dont make a habit of this, as repeated exposure to water can be damaging. Instead, look to buy a sufficient cover that can be easily thrown over the heater when its not in use.
This is the best method of storage for heaters that are heavy and cannot be easily transported especially for natural gas heaters that are connected to the gas supply of the property.
If you buy a cover for your heater, make sure that the heater is moved to an area where the wind is minimal to prevent the cover from blowing away or the heater from tipping over.
Propane heaters and electric heaters are usually the best for portability. You can store them in any indoor place you like whether its a shed or garage. Make sure that you have enough room to store the propane tanks, though.
When finding indoor storage options, make sure that the ground is flat to prevent the heater from falling and breaking.
Even though the heater will be turned off, its wise to keep it away from anything flammable. The general rule of thumb is that a heater should have a clear area of 3 feet around it from every angle including above it.
Fixed Outdoor Mushroom Heaters
Mushroom style heaters are a very popular choice for outdoor heating. Not only do they have a cool design, but theyre also extremely good at evenly distributing heat. There are basically two types of these heaters: portable types and fixed types. Let us first look at the fixed type.
Since mushroom-style heaters use infrared heat technology to distribute heat, there are no dangers of exposure to open flames.
This is why they can safely be used as long as there isa minimum of 2 feet of clearance between them and the roof of the patio.
Considering the average height of these heaters, you would need a roof at least 10 feet high.
One thing about these heaters is that they are permanently connected to your gas lines and cannot be moved around once installed. So, it would be wise to install them around the edge of the patio.
It would also be wise to maintain a distance of at least 6 feet between these heaters and any combustible material like wood or lattice.
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Can You Use Patio Heater Under Canopy
Yes, patio heaters can be used outdoors. They are perfect for when you enjoy spending time in your patio area well into the autumn months. If it gets chilly or windy outside, simply turn on your patio heater to keep warm and cozy under your patio canopy .
But before you use your patio heater, make sure it is safe. Read through our safety guides below to find out whether or not its safe to use a patio heater under pergola.
How Far Should A Grill Be From Your House
Regardless of which area you choose, you should still make sure that your grill is far enough away from your house as to not cause a problem. Most grill manufacturers will tell you to keep a minimum of two feet from your gas grill. You should keep an even wider berth for both charcoal grills and portable propane grills.
In fact, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends you place the grill at least 10 feet from any standing structure .
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How Close Can A Patio Heater Be To The Roof
Some people are hesitant to use patio heaters as there have been cases where they have caused a fire. But it is safe to use all types of patio heaters from propane heaters, natural gas heaters, mushroom heaters, gas heaters, and all the other types.
The trick to ensuring safety is to follow all the manufacturer rules, and most of all, ensure the outdoor heater is placed at the right distance to give the hot air an outlet.
What is the right distance?
Although its good to note that the distance you place the device will depend on the heat produced by the heater per hour. The manufacturers instructions give more insight.
For outdoor heaters, they must be 300-500mm away from the top part. Putting the heater at the right distance and creating room for good air circulation ensures proper heat distribution and prevents the covered patio from overheating.
For safety precautions, make sure your patio heaters and the propane tank go for servicing after every two years to ensure they are safe to use.
Fixed Natural Gas Mushroom Heaters
Mushroom heaters are efficient for tent use since they provide even heat distribution.
These natural gas heaters are used in heating the air by utilizing infrared heat mechanisms. You donât have to worry about accidental fires when using it since the design does not accommodate open frames.
The guests at your event will be pleased with its aesthetic appearance since itâs small in size.
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Types Of Outdoor Heaters
The type of outdoor heater you choose will likely help you determine how safe it is in certain areas. You should keep in mind that outdoor heaters are intended to be used for entertaining for a few hours. This is not a unit that should be continually operating to heat any part of your home. Outdoor heaters are not built for that level of use.
How Many Patio Heaters Do I Need
For a small home patio, one heater will generally be enough to heat the space to a reasonable degree. But if you have a larger space or a particular temperature you want to reach, youll need to do a little math.
To begin with, patio heater output is measured in British Thermal Units, or BTUs. One BTU measures the energy required to heat or cool one pound of water by one degree at sea level. Youll likely see patio heaters with an output of BTUs in the thousands or ten-thousands.
First, well find out how many BTUs we need to heat a patio by multiplying the cubic footage of our patio by how many degrees we want to raise the temperature.
In Seattle, the average January temperature is around 42 degrees Fahrenheit. If we want to warm it up to a cozy 70 degrees, thats a 28-degree difference. Lets say our patio is a nice 32 feet by 50 feet, and we want to heat it up to about six feet in the air. Thats 9600 cubic feet, multiplied by a 28-degree rise in temperature, to total 268,800 BTUs require to heat our space.
Next, we take the number of BTUs required divided by the BTUs of a particular patio heater model to tell us how many heaters well need. If we take a popular patio heater like this one, which puts out 41,000 BTUs in a circle, wed need seven of them to fully heat our entire patio to 70 degrees.
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