Important Factors For Those Thinking About Getting A Patio Heater
Time was when you would most likely find a patio heater on the terrace of a trendy restaurant or bar. However, more and more patio heaters are showing up on backyard decks, patios and porches. There are reasons for this.
You may not be able to grab your beach towel and sunbathe in the middle of a northeast winter, but outdoor patio heaters radiate heat in circles and increase temperatures in a 10′ to 20′ space by as much as 25 degrees. That is significant enough to increase the special times you share with others outside.
An outdoor patio heater is designed simply to generate heat and direct it to a small area outdoors where people have gathered. This is accomplished by positioning a gas burner or electric heating element on top of a standard. The burner or heating element generates heat against a perforated metal screen, which then radiates the heat in a circular pattern. A reflector at the top of the unit keeps the heat from escaping upwardly and directs it to the area around the heater.
Aluminum, copper, chrome, nickel and stainless steel are some of the durable and fashionable finishes that may be featured. Some patio heaters display striking colors and textures, not to mention various shapes and sizes. Some look like floor lamps, others like table lamps or street lights. Still others are six-sided, square, round or have triple domes or bullet bases.
Rest assured, outdoor patio heaters are safe to use. Of course, it is not recommended that you use any patio heater not equipped with basic safety features, such as safety tilt switches and emergency shut-off valves, that are in good operating condition. In addition, technology has greatly helped ensure the safe use and storage of the different fuels used with patio heaters. Ultimately, however, no assurance can replace common sense. For example, all the safety features in the world will not mean much to the person operating a patio heater close to gasoline and other flammable or combustible liquids, materials or vapors. Likewise, the safest electric heater is not safe if it is used in a rain storm.
Electricity, propane and natural gas are the three main fuel sources for outdoor patio heaters. Which one is best for you depends on the availability of the fuel source and how well the advantages of each one fits your particular needs and preferences. If you have a grounded electrical outlet on your patio or deck, then you may want to choose an electric patio heater, because they are easy and convenient to use.
On the other hand, propane patio heaters are the choice for many people, because connecting them to a small propane tank allows them to position the heater in a greater number of places. Comparatively speaking, propane also is cost-effective, and burning propane does not hurt the environment.
The third main fuel source, natural gas, is a great option for those who have (or can have) a gas line installed. As with electric patio heaters, using natural gas limits where the heater may be located. However, natural gas is environmentally safe, odorless, cost-effective, and does not require refilling a gas tank.
No need to shut down one of your favorite places for the season. Outdoor patio heaters are a stylish and effective way to turn your outdoor deck, patio or porch into a special gathering place for friends and family when the days and nights turn cold.
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