How to Choose a Patio Heat Lamp Electric
There are many options available when you want to heat your patio. In contrast to propane heaters that require refills, electric heaters can deliver instant heat by simply flipping a switch or pressing a button.
They don't emit gasses that could cause a health hazard. Certain units come with adjustable heat settings to accommodate varying distances.
Type of Heater
With the proper patio heater, you will be able to comfortably enjoy your outdoor living spaces into the night and throughout the seasons. Patio heaters come in many different styles that include freestanding propane or natural gas models as well as ceiling or wall mounted electric radiant heaters. The choice you make will depend on the size of your space, current power sources, and your personal preference.
Most patio heaters are powered by electricity or liquid or natural gas and emit heat via convection as well as radiant heating. The heat output is measured in watts, and can be converted to British thermal units (BTUs) to compare. Some models can be adjusted in heat settings to give you more flexibility.
A patio heat lamp combines the burner on top of a pole with a perforated metal screen that reflects the flames and radiates the heat downward to warm people, furniture and other objects. Some come with a reflector atop the burner, which can be silvered to reduce the amount of heat lost upwards.
Gas patio heaters are the most popular patio heaters. They can heat multiple tables quickly and evenly. These heaters are portable and run on propane tanks or connected to your natural gas line. The latter is more convenient and comes with lower upfront costs, but requires fuel.
A increasing number of homes are outfitted with natural gas lines, which makes them the ideal solution for those who prefer using a gas-powered patio heater. click the next page to set up, but require a dedicated and properly functioning gas line to function safely. There are portable natural gas heaters with extension hoses which can help overcome this restriction however they can also be a risk of tripping and an additional fire danger when not being used.
Safety
Electric patio heaters can be used safely in enclosed areas, since they permit heat to radiate upwards and not outwards. They are not intended to be used on an unprotected roof. The heater must be placed at least 6" away from the ceiling or 18" away from the wall adjacent to avoid fire hazards.
The propane and gas patio heaters are generally only suitable for use in enclosed areas and are protected by the proper cover specifically designed for use in open air. These types of covers are typically made of fire-resistant canvas and have the option of having a roof that is closed. These kinds of patio heaters have safety concerns related to the flames and fumes they produce. They should be kept away from objects that ignite, such as curtains and chairs.
Follow the safety and instructions measures of the manufacturer before installing a patio heater or patio heat lamp. Make sure you select one that has UL and CSA certifications, and also read the owner's guide carefully. Be especially careful around children and pets and make sure the heater isn't in their reach while it's operating. Some patio heaters that are freestanding, such as EUROM, come with a built-in tipping safety that shuts down the heater if it is tipped over.
If your patio heater is connected to a natural-gas line, you must check its condition periodically and have it tested by a licensed professional to identify leaks. If the line needs to be replaced, be sure to hire a licensed plumber. A professional will be in a position to determine if the line is required to be routed through an underground pipe or not. A professional can also make sure that the heater in the patio is plugged in to an outlet that is GFCI-rated (ground fault circuit interruptioner) to guard against electric sparks and fires.
Installation
The height of the patio heater will determine the amount of heat it emits into the space. It is crucial to place the heater at an appropriate distance from any surfaces such as plastic which can deform and wood, which can become too hot. Depending on the model of heater, you can choose to place it on a wall or a structure using traditional mounting brackets. Certain models come with soft starters that lowers the peak current to protect your circuits.