Are The Other Options For Patio Deck And Garden Heaters
There are actually 2 categories electric and gas. Gas can be broke-down into propane and natural gases.
There are advantages for each and to put our two cents to work here
Electric patio heaters are best for stationary uses, such as in a gazebo or pavilion, or at least close to an outlet, so people do not trip over the cords and knock them over.
Natural gas is also restricted due to its supply line of natural gas. This should not be something lying on top of the ground.
Propane gas gives the most portability for open heating areas because they are an enclosed heat supply system.
To learn more about our choices on Electric patio, deck, and garden heaters,
To learn more about our choices on Propane patio, deck, and garden heaters for outdoors, .
Which Gas Patio Heater Is Best For You
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a gas patio heater? Well list them below.
- Youre 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.
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 adjustable low pressure regulators 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
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Hiland Portable Propane Table Top Pyramid Glass Tube Patio Heater
After all the large, powerful heating devices, we believe there is also space on this list for the smaller devices, for the people who might not need to heat large rooms, but just a table. This tabletop patio heater is one of the best products for this purpose.
It uses a 1lb propane tank, which, though it might seem like too little, is enough for around 3 hours on a high setting, which you most definitely wont frequently need since the fire and heat pumped out this device is equal to 9500 BTU.
If you plan on inviting a couple of guests to have an outdoor meal, this small heater is perfect for heating people around a desk so they can enjoy their meal without worrying about the cold. !
How Much Does It Cost To Heat The Patio Per Hour
Check out the calculator above to help get your answers to your tanks local cost in your area.
There are around 4.24 lbs per gallon of propane. Meaning, a full 20 lb tank holds 4.7 gallons of propane.
At the time of writing, the national average was about $3.65 per gallon of propane . Which makes a 20 lb tank filling would cost around $17.22. Check out your prices locally they may be different.
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Lighting Up A Patio Heater With An Automatic Ignition System
There are basically two types of patio heaters. In this section, we will look at how you can light up a patio heater with an automatic ignition system:
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.
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Heaters With Pilot Light Ignition System
An igniter has been built in as part of the gas control valve, which will be activated when the valve stem is depressed and turned counter-clockwise.
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?
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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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Fuel Types For Patio Heaters
The type of fuel that powers your patio heater may influence how you go about manually lighting it. For instance, patio heaters that are powered by gas will require the proper functioning of all gas components in order to be lit manually versus one that is electronically ignited.
These are the most common fuel types of patio heaters:
- Propane
- Natural gas
- Electric fuel
Consider the type of fuel that powers your patio heater, as some may require more logistics than others. For instance, if your patio heater is powered by natural gas, you will have to keep in mind that it is connected to your gas line when manually lighting it.
Natural gas patio heaters tend to be more expensive compared to propane and electrical fuel heaters.
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.
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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 Many Pounds Of Propane Is In Exchange Tanks
We touched base on this earlier, but a 20lb exchanged propane tank usually has about 15 pounds of propane. This means that the cylinder or tank should cost approximately $12.91 for exchange.
I know I exchange my tanks because of the convenience and time constraints I seem to have. However, getting a good shape tank refilled is probably your best bet, but weigh it when you get home to see how much they are actually putting in there.
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Electric Heater Doesnt Start Or Starts But Doesnt Work Right
Damaged or corroded wiring is one of the most common causes for electric patio heater problems. This includes everything from the heater not starting at all to a whole host of malfunctions while its running.
Signs of damaged wires include corrosion, frayed wire and broken wire insulation. Exposure to the elements, rodent infestation or simply age can lead to wire issues. A wall-mounted patio heaters electrical wiring is especially prone to damage from birds if they build nests on top of them.
Damaged wiring cant be fixed. It has to be replaced. If youre comfortable splicing new wires with wire connectors, you can DIY. Otherwise, hire a professional electrician or electric appliance repair professional to replace the wires.
Know Your Patio Heater Before You Manually Light It
Lighting a patio heater by hand is simple but does require you to have a certain level of familiarity with the unit. Knowing what aspects of a patio heater are responsible for the actual heating mechanism of it is as equally important in order to for it to be properly lit.
Knowing aspects such as the type of fuel, as well as the type of ignition system, will make it easier to get your patio heater lit. Likewise, it can give you a better understanding of what may be causing the heater to malfunction if it typically ignites automatically.
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Patio Heater Won’t Stay Lit
common issue that patio heater
Thus, the thermocouple will turn off the patio heater as it tricks the gas value in to thinking that the pilot light is out. Other potential causes are not having enough gas pressure or the pilot light/orifices are more restricted due to corrosion.
Another simple cause is that a breeze is blowing just right and is blowing out the pilot light.
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.
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The Burner Goes Out After A Few Minutes
The thermocouple of a gas patio heater is a safety component designed to prevent gas leaks when the pilot goes out. Its a copper rod that sits next to the pilot tube on the other side of the spark igniter it allows gas to flow through the pilot tube when it detects heat from the pilot light.
If the thermocouple is too far away from the pilot tube, it cant detect the heat and will restrict the gas supply. Free-standing portable units are most prone to this malfunction because the thermocouple may be bumped or wiggle out of place while the heater is being moved.
To fix a thermocouple thats too far from the pilot light, remove the emitter screen to expose the ignition housing. After locating the thermocouple, use pliers to gently squeeze the thermocouple and pilot tube closer together. Reattach the screen.
Gas Heater Doesnt Stay Lit Or Heat Production Is Reduced
A gas patio heater requires proper gas pressure to function properly. Without it, the pilot tube and burner may not receive enough gas to keep the heater lit, or the burners flame and heat production will be reduced. Low gas pressure is usually caused by broken, kinked or otherwise damaged gas lines.
To fix damaged gas lines, first visually inspect all the heaters gas lines, inside and out, that connect to the primary gas source. Kinked lines are easy to spot, but cracked or broken lines that produce leaks may be more difficult. You can use a leak detection spray to make leaks more visible.
Any damaged lines should be replaced. To do this, use a wrench to loosen and remove both ends of the gas line connections. Then connect both ends of the new gas line to the heater and tighten them with the wrench.
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Check Other Gas Proponents
Patio heaters that rely on gas will require the proper functioning of all gas components in order to function. In addition to having a full gas tank, having a clean gas delivery pipe and a gas regulator that properly functions is necessary for the patio heater to light. The gas delivery pipe does exactly as it sounds: delivers gas to the heater.
Gas Delivery Pipe
This part of the patio heater is responsible for delivering gas to the heater in a timely manner which means, if not functioning properly, it will not heat as effectively.
With gas patio heaters, you should be able to hear gas traveling through the pipe once the heater is turned on via the control knob. With patio heaters that have electric ignitions, a sparking sound will indicate that the igniter has been triggered.
A soft hissing sound will be heard once the gas reaches the burner.
Some indications of a faulty gas pipe are:
- The sound of gas traveling through the pipe is absent.
- A gas odor whenever the heater is turned on.
- The slow releasing of gas when the control knob is turned on.
Replacing a broken gas delivery pipe is essential in preventing a potential disaster such as a hazardous blast. If the pipe is clogged, it is recommended to manually clean the it to remove any blockage.
Gas Regulator