How Long Does A 20
A 20-pound propane tank is offering around 4.7 gallons of fuel to you and will last around 10 hours on average.
You will be able to use that and power up your patio heater for a duration of 9 to 15 hours. In other words, you can use a propane tank to keep your patio warm for a few evenings.
It will cost you around $15 to $20 for you to fill up the propane tank.
When you take a look at the cost of using propane to power up the propane tank, you will figure out that you are only spending around $1.5 to $2 per hour to use your propane-powered patio heater.
This is why patio heaters that use propane tanks are one of the most cost-effective methods available to consider when heating patios.
They can also work and work in the rain, but that doesnt necessarily mean theyre waterproof as the elements can still cause wear and tear.
How To Light A Propane Heater
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Propane heaters are fantastic devices for warming up an area in very little time. However, working with propane is dangerous and you should always follow the proper safety procedures when doing so. Never use your propane heater in a small space. To light the propane heater, all you need is a propane tank and matches or a lighter. Switching it off when you’re finished is easy; just make sure you store it away properly to prevent damage.
Other Solutions To Try
Clearing of the Gas Lines
A gas line is rarely blocked, but it is still a possibility. You must remove connectors of the tube from the regulator and the gas inlet at the top of the heater. This line is pressure fitted and held in place by pipe clips or compression fittings. You can clear the gas pipe by blowing air through it. You may either blow air to free the blockages or make a pipe cleaner with a small solid copper wire.
Cleaning the Burner
Disassemble the burner and check for any blockages. The burner apertures should be set correctly as well. Beneath every burner, there is a small chamber where air and gas are mixed. Ensure the air and gas inlets are clear. If any blockages are discovered, clean the burner.
The air mix area is where those pesky bugs or spiders like to build there nest and block the flow, again the copper wire, or an old wire coat hanger may work here to clear the blockage.
Bug screen Dirty
Most of the propane patio heaters have a bug screen that work to keep insects that are attracted to the flame away. If the insect guard becomes too obstructed, it can result in blocking the flow of exhaust air and ultimately smother your flame. You should shut down and allow to cool, then remove the screen and clean it by either blowing on it or with a quick wash and thorough drying.
Freezing of the Regulator
Do you Still Have Questions?
Tools And Resources To Find Propane And Propane Appliances
To find the right propane heater for your needs, visit Ferrellgas reseller partners, such as Ace Hardware. Remember to consider your specific needs to find the style and size of heater that will provide your family with reliable comfort throughout the winter. And make sure youll never run low on fuel by visiting our propane finder tool – which can point you to the nearest refilling station or Blue Rhino tank exchange center.
Safety Guide To Propane Patio Heater Use
October 22, 2020 ____Outdoor Living Tips, Safety
Propane patio heaters extend the life of your open-air get-togethers, keeping you comfortable in cooler weather and providing ambiance and warmth on chilly days or nights so you can experience endless backyard enjoyment. To get the most from your patio heater its important to understand its safe use and follow the manufacturer instructions. Proper patio heater safety measures mean peace of mind while welcoming a new day with a warming cup of aromatic java, a relaxing afternoon cup of your favorite tea, or delightful toddy on the chilliest of evenings, right in the comfort of your backyard. This guide will help ensure you enjoy your outdoor space all year long safely.
What Propane Patio Heater Is Best for You? The right choice should always include safety considerations. A patio heaters heat capacity and fuel efficiency in relation to your outdoor space should be top of mind. Consider units that emit around 5,000 BTUs per each 100 square feet. From there, many styles and models are available like compact tabletop patio heaters perfect for smaller outdoor spaces; stylish domed heaters; or in vogue pyramid-shaped heaters all from modern stainless models to classic brushed copper and enamel-painted options. Other style considerations include portable versus stationary .
Safety Rating. Ensure there is a CSA rating. This means the unit has undergone and met a rigorous set of standards and approved as safe for use in the USA.
How To Solve Some Common Problems Of Patio Heaters
Climate plays a major role in outdoor entertainment; from tropical rainstorms to Midwestern winters predicting weather conditions is no easy. However, this shouldn’t stop you from having a great fun time with your loved ones. When unpleasant cold kick in, outdoor patio heaters will keep you snug, while uplifting the look of your backyard. Chances are you might experience some issues from time to time, which may be a cinch. On that rare occasion, when your patio heater requires an overhaul, these troubleshooting techniques is said to help.
Whether you need some extra heat on those spring evenings or just wanted to have it as a style statement, patio heaters are a useful addition to your yards or outdoor areas. Irrespective of the type of heater you own, be it an electric heater, propane heater or a natural gas heater, each has its own troubleshooting techniques, so always refer the manual for general safety information.
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Gazebos Pergolas Awnings Or In A Screen Porches
Traditional propane patio heaters are not suitable for use under a gazebo, pergola, awning, or in a screen porch area. Its possible for the heat to cause damage to such structures, and theres an increased risk of fire. To ensure the safest use possible, always make sure your heater is used in an open and well ventilated area.
Are Patio Heaters Safe
Any heating device can cause personal injury, damage, or fire if used incorrectly. The best way to safely use a patio heater of any kind is to follow all manufacturer instructions, limit direct contact with the heater, and give the heater plenty of empty space surrounding it.
One of the major questions people have about patio heaters is whether they can be used in certain settings.
| Yes, but watch for escaping embers. | No. |
Another major concern for many patio heater owners is how to keep them from tipping over and potentially starting a fire. Many models come with an auto shut-off triggered by tipping the unit, but its best to be on the safe side and ensure that your patio heater is firmly weighted and anchored. This is especially true if you live in an area with high winds.
Also, be sure to check whether your patio heater needs to be covered or taken inside after use. Whether a patio heater is waterproof or not depends on the manufacturer, but its generally a good idea to have a cover for it anyway to prevent water, insects, and other debris from getting inside the heater. You may not be able to prevent all debris, but a cover will help protect it from the elements.
Your patio heater should also be cleaned regularly, once a year at minimum. This helps reduce the buildup of dust and other debris, which could increase the fire danger or simply make your patio heater stop working.
The complete guide to extending your time outside
How Long Does A Propane Tank For A Patio Heater Last
There are plenty of benefits to propane-powered patio heaters. Theyre low maintenance, they can be portable or permanent, and theyre usually equipped with some great safety features.
If youre looking forward to powering up your patio heater for the first time with the help of a propane tank, then youre probably going to want to know how long you can expect it to last.
There are a few variables, such as the size of the propane tank, the BTUs on a patio heater, and the size of space youre heating.
Most patio heaters utilize a 20-pound propane tank and will use somewhere around 40,000 BTUs.
A 20 lbs. pound propane tank will, on average, provide about 10 hours of heat for patio heaters.
It could last longer or shorter depending on the variables youre working with, but this is a good guideline to get an estimate of what your patio heater will cost to run.
Faqs About Gas Patio Heaters
Gas patio heaters offer instant heat and ambiance and bring a world of atmosphere to outdoor living spaces. A gas patio heater extends the outdoor season by generating a warm blanket of heat so you can enjoy your outdoor area long into the cold fall and winter seasons. Gas patio heaters are available in an assortment of sizes, styles and fuel types that are designed to enhance your outdoor experience.
We’ve compiled this list of frequently asked questions and answers about gas patio heaters to help you get the most use and enjoyment out of your outdoor area.
What Are Patio Heaters
A patio heater is exactly what it sounds likea device to heat your patio. But theres a lot more to them than that, and knowing the whole field before you buy will ensure you get the right heater for your needs.
First, lets talk about how they work. Like any other form of heater, a patio heater uses fuel of some kind to keep a space warm. Patio heaters are designed for outdoor use, though they may also be suitable for covered porches and similar spaces depending on manufacturer specifications.
Patio heaters can be floor-standing, hanging, wall-mounted, or sit nicely on a tabletop. They can also include fire pits and chimineas, as both of those can also provide a good amount of heat to an outdoor space. Heaters frequently come in one of four forms: natural gas, electric, propane, and wood-burning.
Propane Heater Safety By Outdoor Space
There are propane patio heaters safe for decks, terraces, gardens, porches and nearly any outdoor area you want to enjoy.
When looking for a propane heater, its a good idea to consider your needs and how youll use the heater during the cooler months. Some heaters are more portable, making them ideal for smaller spaces or in varied locations. Others will take a more permanent place on your deck or patio. You will want to make sure you have the right heater for your space, and your intended use.
How To Connect An Lp Propane Tank To A Hot Water Heater
You can connect a propane tank of nearly any size to your household hot water heater as long as you satisfy three conditions: You need to install a pressure regulator between the tank and hot water heater, ensure that the hot water heater is equipped for propane rather than natural gas, and maintain the correct safe distance between the tank and the hot water heater. The sizes of some fittings might vary with the needs of your water heater control box. Some gas appliances come with kits that include some of the fittings you’ll need. Improve safety and simplify the task by having the hardware store cut and thread your pipes.
1
Set the propane tank on a low, flat platform made of bricks or cinder blocks, so that it is stable and level. The propane tank needs to be at least 10 feet from the water heater. Some municipalities might require a greater distance, so check local regulations in case you need more than 10 feet. The propane tank should not be under an awning or other shelter that could retain vented gas from the propane tank.
2
Dig a 12-inch-deep trench between the water heater and the propane tank. Some municipalities might require a greater depth, so check local regulations.
3
4
Put plumber’s paste on the threading of one end of a 20-inch piece of 1/2-inch pipe and screw it into one of the elbows. Hand tighten and use a pipe wrench on each side of the union to tighten them one more turn. Repeat at the other end of the 10-foot pipe.
Which Gas Patio Heater Is Best For You
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a gas patio heater? We’ll list them below.
- You’re not bothered by cords because these patio heaters are mobile.
- The fire of a gas patio heater increases the atmosphere.
- Gas patio heaters have a wide range
- Gas is relatively more expensive than electricity.
- A gas patio heater is always visible.
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 , which puts out 41,000 BTUs in a circle, wed need seven of them to fully heat our entire patio to 70 degrees.
Gas Delivery To The Burner
With a full cylinder in place, turn on the gas and listen near the burner. Do you hear the gas? Or do you smell the gas? Once you smell the gas, let it set for a while before trying to light it.
If the patio heater has an electronic piezo ignition system, there should be a spark. can you hear the spark? If the heater does not light, try using a lighter to light the burner. If it still does not light, there may be a problem with the gas regulator.
Solutions for Gas delivery
The gas regulator is the little silver thing usually very close to the tank. This device reduces the pressure to 10, 20 or 30PSI dependent on the manufacture. They are usually are low pressure preset units for heaters, however they make adjustable ones. There are also high pressure regulators which are usually for higher BTUs.
Most heaters that are portable would have a low pressure regulator, if you cant get the actual manufacturers replacement an adjustable regulator would do the trick. Check out these on Amazon.
If you get an adjustable regulator replacement, you would want to start at about a 1/4 of the way open, and adjust from there.
Much depends on the manufacture, typically the rise in height the regulator will ad the pressure needed. Just make sure you have a 3/8 hose size when purchasing you replacemnt fot the average portable heat situation.
Piezo Igniter Problems
If it does start, you need to replace the worn-out igniter with a new one
Size Power And Heating Diameter
These are the three vital features to consider when choosing the ideal propane patio heater. It is crucial to consider the patio heater physical size, the power measurable in BTUs, and the units heat. Different varieties have varying heating diameters depending on the style of the heater and its brand. Make sure you choose a heater ideal in size and power to cover the area you require to heat.
>>Propane Fueled Patio Heater with Large Power
How To Calculate The Amount Of Heat You Need
A simple formula to determine your heating needs can be found in the image below:
For example, a 1,000 square-foot workspace with 8-foot ceilings means youll be heating 8,000 cubic feet of space. If the temperature outside is 30°F and youd like it to be 70°F in your garage, the desired temperature change is 40°F. Those two numbers multiplied by .133 reveals youll need a little more than 42,500 BTUs per hour to keep your workspace at 70 degrees.
Once you know your heating needs, you can begin to get a sense of how many gallons of propane youll need to heat your space for as long as you want to heat it.
A 20-pound propane cylinder holds approximately 430,000 BTUs of liquid propane. Each gallon of propane contains 91,502 BTUs of potential heat and each pound contains approximately 21,548 BTUs. That means one 20-pound propane tank could heat that 1,000 square foot garage for more than 10 hours. For a standard Blue Rhino propane tank, which is 15 pounds, you would be able to get almost that same amount of heat. If you like formulas, and would like to calculate this for yourself, it will look like this:
What Regulator Do You Need
Gas regulators do two important jobs to control the flow of gas to the burner. Firstly, they decrease the pressure from the high level sustained inside the cylinder to the low level required by the burner. This ensures the patio heater cannot burn too fiercely. Secondly, they keep the flow of gas to the burner at a constant pressure. This ensures the heater burns steadily and does not falter with the changing pressures inside the gas cylinder.
Gas regulators vary in two important ways: first, the level of pressure they are designed to output, and second, the type of valve to which they connect.
Butane and propane cylinders require different regulators because the gases need to be kept at different levels of pressure to burn at the same rate. Butane regulators for low pressure appliances such as patio heaters provide an outlet pressure of 28mbar, whilst propane regulators have an outlet pressure of 37mbar. Butane and propane cylinders also have different valves, which makes the regulators physically incompatible. You will also find that different brands of propane gas use different valves, so its doubly important to check the compatibility of your regulator.
Most gas patio heaters come fitted with a clip-on propane regulator. If you want to use butane with the heater, you will need to replace the propane regulator with a butane regulator. Similarly, if you want to use propane cylinders with a screw-on valve, you will also need to change the regulator.
Safety Features To Look For Before Buying A Propane Heater
When shopping for your outdoor patio heater there are a few features youll want to insist are included to best meet your outdoor living needs in a safe and effective way.
No naked flames
- Look for units that dont have naked flames. While open flames are decorative and often used on restaurant patios or other outdoor venues, a patio heater that contains the flames is the safest option to heat your outdoor living area.
Look for a thermocouple
- Make sure your heater includes a thermocouple to detect the presence of a flame. If the heaters flame is extinguished, its critical that the flow of propane is immediately stopped. A thermocouple constantly watches for a flame and triggers an immediate shut off of propane if no flame is present. This safety device is critical for any outdoor patio heater – and will ensure there is no chance for an external fire.
Does it have an anti-tilt device?
- Anti-tilt devices, such as a weighted base, help ensure your heater remains upright at all times. Strong winds can topple heaters without such features, and lead to an increased risk of fire or other injury. A quality patio heater requires a device that automatically shuts off the propane tank in the event of tippage.
Check for a CSA safety rating
So Just How Long Does A Propane Tank Last On A Patio Heater
The average outdoor heater is about 41,000 BTUs. The common 20lb propane tank holds on average 432,000 BTUs. 41,000 goes into 432,000 10.53 times, which means you will get approximately 10.5 hours of heat time on a 20lb propane tank.
There are various propane tank sizes and how long the propane tank lasts depends on the size of the tank, and how many BTUs your heater is. Also, you lose a little bit of propane when lighting and at the end of the tanks life when there may not be enough pressure left to flow and stay lit.
Check out this Awesome Propane Patio Heater Calculator we found at OutdoorSpaceAccents.comWe think youll like it like we did!
So, based on that what are some other advantages to having a propane patio, deck or garden heater that are heated with propane?
How To Set Up
When youre ready to turn your heater off, make sure all knobs are in the off position and the pilot light is extinguished. Allow your heater to cool before moving or covering it. Store your propane heater outdoors, out of direct sunlight.
If you have a propane tank and all of this sounds like too much work for you, maybe a portable fire pit is more your style. Plus side of this option is making yummy winter treats.
How Long Can A Propane Heater Run
Propane is an affordable, reliable and clean fuel to heat your home, outdoor patio, or workspace but its important to know some of the science behind heat so youll always have enough propane on hand to stay ahead of any weather. Heat production is measured in BTUs , and calculating how long a propane heater will run requires an understanding of three things: 1. how many BTUs a heating source can produce 2. the square footage of the space being heated 3. the outside temperature.