Infrared Heaters Are Most Efficient Especially With Controls
Electric infrared radiant patio heaters are among the most energy efficient outdoor forms of heating, transferring heat up to 80% more efficiently than classical convective heaters. They do so by targeting objects rather than the air. Like the sun’s rays, they only emit heat when their radiant infrared light heat waves strike an object, and they remain effective as temperatures plunge. However, there is a point where even infrared patio heaters can’t keep up with a cold Canadian winter.
To make an infrared heater even more efficient, consider installing a heating control. Wall-mounted controls often come with dimming options in addition to an on/off control, and some models have wireless controls that can be linked by an app to your mobile phone. Occupancy sensors, which turn heat on only when a space is occupied, can be an option, but only use them after consulting a heating vendor or electrician.
A 1,500-watt electric infrared patio heater operating at four hours a day for 15 days a month would cost around $10 per month to power, based on BC;Hydro’s residential rate. By using controls, you could reduce that amount by up to 30%.
Accumulated Dirt On The Heater
Some people forget to take care of their patio heaters. As a result, dust is likely to settle on the outdoor heater. Other forms of dirt accumulated overtime on warmth generating devices will damage it.
Consequently, a need for regular heater maintenance arises. First, switch the device off. Second, wet a rag and use it to remove it from the patio heaters top to bottom. To clean spider webs and dust, look for a clean towel and use it to wipe the outdoor heater gently.
How To Keep Your Patio Heater From Tipping Over
Were spending more time than ever outdoors with our loved ones, which means looking for solutions to stay warm in the colder months. Theres no shortage of amazing backyard landscaping ideas.
For many, this means buying a patio heater. If youre planning on using a patio heater, its important to learn how to prevent it from tipping over.
To keep your patio heater from tipping over, try the following tips:
- Make sure the base of your patio heater is stabilized
- Place your patio heater in a safe area away from hazards
- Test the anti-tilt features in your patio heater, if included
- Consider a mounted patio heater
In this article, well show you how to make sure your patio heater is a safe, secure way to keep you warm this fall and winter.
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Electric 1500w Patio Heater By Womir
This device provides instant heating within a 3 to 5-meter range using carbon infrared heating technology. The head and height are adjustable and the long pull switch makes it easy to operate. Its made with durable metal and plastic materials with coated surfaces for extra protection, and the tip-over protection feature ensures safety around pets and small kids.
This sleek patio heater is designed with 3 heat settings of 600W, 900W, and 1500W. And because its powered by electricity, its free from emissions and perfectly safe for the environment as well.
To learn more, click here.
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.
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How Wind Conditions Affect Patio Heaters
You may already know that its not recommended to use your patio in windy conditions, as the wind prevents your patio heater from working efficiently. It can also be easy to forget about an unused patio heater on a windy day.
But before you shelter indoors on a windy day, remember to check on your outdoor patio heater.
- Making sure it is safely secured or weighted
- Add additional security by tying it down
- Cover your patio heater if there is also a chance of rain
- Safely store it inside when not in use
Take care to also ensure that any furniture placed near your patio heater isnt in danger of blowing away. If they are not secured or stored on a windy day, there is a possibility that your chairs or tables could knock into your patio heater. To mitigate this risk, weigh or tie down your patio furniture to keep them in place on windy days.
To secure your outdoor furniture, you can use:
How To Use Weights Or Ties To Keep Your Heater From Falling Over
Most heaters — particularly gas ones — are designed to automatically shut off if they tilt too far in any direction. This is a built-in safety feature that keeps your heater from setting things on fire if it falls over. However, the residual heat from a fallen heater can still pose a fire risk, especially during dry winters or if your patio backs up against the woods or tree line.
You can keep your heater secure by placing sandbags, water weights, or other fireproof stabilizers at the base. You could also use non-flammable ties; like high quality nylon or certain types of bungee cords; to secure your heater to the ground, much like stabilizing a tent. Again, this should only be done if your heater stands at least three feet away from anything flammable; I doubt the fire department would approve of a patio heater lashed to a wooden fence!
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How We Picked And Tested
Outdoor patio heaters come in many shapes and forms, from wall-mounted infrared heat lamps to permanently installed fire pits that run on the same natural-gas line as your stove. Seeking something versatile and ready for immediate use, we limited our search to more-portable options, which typically rely on one of two heat sources: electric or propane.
Electric patio heaters are pretty much the same as your standard indoor space heater; they even tend to produce about the same power, maxing out at 1,500 watts, or the equivalent of about 5,100 British thermal units . The energy they produce is infrared, which means it works like direct sunlight and is absorbed straight into your skin and clothes, instead of the air around you. As you do with your average indoor space heater, you simply plug em into an outlet and flip em on, and you should be good to go.
However, electric patio heaters present considerations beyond the standard indoor heater safety practices. AZ Patio Heaterss McMillen recommends an Ingress Protection Code rating of 55 or higher, which means the unit should be protected from the ingress of dust and light water sprays. We did find a few decent-looking models that were rated IP 44 .1 Anything rated lower than thatincluding any of our indoor-space-heater picks is an accident waiting to happen.
Tips On Using Gas Patio Heaters Safely This Winter
Many restaurants, bars and other establishments have introduced or expanded outdoor patios and seating areas for their patrons, in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Outdoor seating can support natural ventilation and promote physical distancing, but as the winter weather looms, a heating supply is a must!
As businesses seek to enclose outdoor patios and provide portable gas heaters, to counteract the cold weather, the risk of exposure to carbon monoxide becomes a concern, particularly where there is a lack of ventilation. Patio heaters are often fueled by propane or natural gas, which require air in order to burn efficiently. If there is insufficient air, incomplete combustion could occur, resulting in a build-up of CO.
Employers must take steps to minimize and control all risks in the workplace and exposure to CO should be included in the risk assessment process, when using portable gas heaters.
Here are some practical points to consider when preparing to heat your outdoor space using gas heaters this winter:
WorkSafeBC has published a new risk advisory for managing potential carbon monoxide exposure from heaters in outdoor spaces.
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety has developed an informative tip sheet on patios.
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Outdoor Patio Heater With Wheels And Waterproof Cover
This is a standalone propane heater with a tall, elegant design thats perfect to warm up backyards and patios. Its designed with a 48,000 BTU heat output that could easily keep a 3 to 8-ft area warm.
Made with stainless steel, this heater is pretty sturdy and durable. The waterproof cover protects it from dust and rain and prolongs the usable life of the device. And from auto shut-off valves to tip-over protection, its got some very thoughtful safety features as well.
But keep in mind that it requires some assembly. And based on customer reviews, it might be a bit too big for smaller spaces. But overall, the durable and functional design makes it a great heating device under the gas category. The 1-year warranty, 30-day risk-free guarantee, and lifetime customer support just make things even better.
To learn more, click here.
Covering A Patio From The Elements
You can cover a patio from the elements in a bunch of different ways. Some classic examples are using a gazebo, pavilion, or an enclosed porch. Theres a ton of options.
My favorite discovery is the idea of a semi-permanent patio cover.;
A permanent cover would be an enclosed patio something you cant undo. A temporary cover would be a kind of thermal sheet youd throw up at the end of every night. Or a kind of wind-block.
A semi-permanent cover is the best of both worlds. It could include something like patio curtains and a makeshift patio cover. A structure that would take maybe a day to put up then lasts until next summer.
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Can You Use Patio Heaters In The Rain
Outdoor heaters are designed to withstand water exposure. Note that neither the infrared heaters nor any other electric heater are waterproof. So, in this case, electric heaters should not be left in the rain. Propane heaters and other gas heaters can withstand the rain, but the rain will affect how they work and how long they serve you.
On the other hand, you can consider getting a cover for the outdoor heater to shield your heater from rain.
In most cases, outdoor heaters are so heavy. Carrying them in and out is a lot of work and almost impossible if you are alone. Thus, most of the time, they are left outdoor. Apart from that, you may be away from home when it rains, and it ends up being rained on. This is where a patio cover for the heater will save the day.
There are different types of outdoor heaters and are categorized into three types. Each patio heater has its resistance to rain, as indicated below.
Which Is Better: A Gas Or Electric Patio Heater
If youve decided to go for a patio heater, then youre likely torn between the gas and electric options. So, which one is better? Well, they both have their pros and cons. You just need to weigh them up to choose whats best for your needs and budgets.
Electric heaters are generally the preferred option among many homeowners. This is often because they work out cheaper in the long run. Theyre also safer since there are no open flames or carbon monoxide emissions. This also means theyre safe for the environment as well.
However, electric heaters need a power outlet to operate, so theyre limited in usability. On the other hand, gas heaters are more versatile and you can easily move them from place to place. They can also generate more heat output compared to their electric counterparts. But then again, they require some work when it comes to setting up and its hard for them to match the safety features of the electric heaters.
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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 shouldnt 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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The Right Patio Heater For The Right Space
To make sure your patio heater performs optimally, you must have the right type of patio heater for your outdoor space. There are a variety of styles to choose from, including the classic domed heaters that feature an umbrella-like reflector at the top, to pyramid-shaped heaters that contain the flame inside a glass tube or even compact tabletop patio heaters which are ideal for smaller outdoor spaces.
Each style of outdoor patio heater has its advantages and disadvantages in terms of portability and décor. However, the primary factor to consider when it comes to safety is the heat capacity and fuel efficiency of your patio heater.
The heat emitted by your patio heater is measured in British Thermal Units . There is no exact way to calculate the right number of BTUs for your outdoor space; however, it is recommended that you select a unit that offers approximately 5,000 BTUs per 100 square feet.
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Maintaining Your Patio Heater
Now that you know how to keep your patio heater from tipping over, it might be worth taking a step further to look through your manufacturers manual for more tips on maintaining your patio heater. Taking the time to ensure that your patio heater is stable and at peak performance will allow you and your loved ones to enjoy time outdoors without worrying about accidents. With proper maintenance, your patio heater will last a while meaning more time for you to spend connecting safely with friends and family. Dont forget to check out this article were we talk more about patio heaters!
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.
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Electric Outdoor Patio Heater With Adjustable Height
Heres a modern sleek electric heater thatll look great in any home. Its a free-standing unit with 3 heat settings at 650W, 1350W, and 2000W to provide instant high heat.
Safety features like overheating and tip-over protection make it perfect for homes with kids and pets. And the heating elements are all covered to prevent accidental burning. The adjustable height and head make it even more functional.
Its dust-proof and waterproof, so you can use it outdoors for a longer time. But itll work just fine indoors as well since its super quiet and doesnt produce smoke or carbon monoxide. Best of all, its cost-effective and can provide electricity savings of 40-60%, according to the manufacturer.
To read reviews, click here.