[Updated on 1 June 2020] Even though summer is over, that doesn’t mean you have to retreat from the outdoors. An outdoor heater can bring back the comfort of summer and that indoor warmth while enjoying a cold winter night. Patio heaters will actually extend your living space. A patio heater will turn your outdoor space or patio into a comfortable space all year long. There are different types of outdoor heaters to select from. The propane patio heater is one of the most popular heaters.
Patio heaters burn fuel like propane, or they heat with electricity. Whatever the power source, patio heaters give out radiant heat. Instead of emitting hot air that will vanish into space between you and the radiator, radiant heat flows through the air to keep you warm.
Types of patio heaters
PROPANE HEATERS
Propane heaters are referred to as the kings of outdoor heaters. Majority of outdoor appliances make use of propane. They can be installed everywhere since they do not require any complex installation process.
Advantage: they have a higher heating capacity than electric heaters.
Disadvantage: Propane is quite expensive
ELECTRIC HEATERS
Electric heaters are more cost-intensive than natural gas heaters but less than propane heaters. They do not issue any problem and work effectively. You will never have to refill them again since all they need is a power outlet.
NATURAL GAS
Natural gas heaters are the cheapest of the three. Once installed, you will not have to worry about them since there will always be a constant supply of fuel. However, as with all-natural gas appliances, they must be professionally installed. So the cost of set-up and installation is higher than that of propane or electric heater. These are permanent installations and cannot be removed.
Do propane Patio heaters work
A propane patio heater is made up of the following parts:
- Head assembly with a heater burner screen
- Reflector assembly
- Cylinder housing for the propane tank
- Gas regulator
- Gas hose
- The base of the heater with optional wheels.
The heater uses propane gas as fuel. It is operated in much the same way as any cooking equipment that runs on gas. The gas regulator is used to turn up or reduce the heat. Propane gas is very fuel-efficient and distributes heat uniformly over an average range of 17 to 20 square meters if it’s a tabletop model. There are bigger models known as lamp-type heaters which have a bigger range of heat dispersion.
Propane Patio heaters are normally used in cold wintry weather, for outdoor events/gatherings on the lawn or on the patio or to keep people warm anytime they prefer to sit outside their homes in the cold weather. The heaters come in various styles and sizes. The tabletop models are good for patios that are enclosed with glass. The heat that it emits is sufficient for a space of about 25 square meters. If the patio is not enclosed and space is more, It is better to go for the bigger propane patio heaters which are also called the lamp-like heaters. By and large, propane heaters usually require very little maintenance as compared to electrical ones.
Propane patio heaters have several advantages over other outdoor heaters. The most beneficial feature that propane heaters offer is portability. Most propane heaters can be easily moved from around when they are not connected to a permanent gas line. Propane outdoor heaters are usually self-containing, meaning that they do not need to be connected to either a gas or an electrical line. The propane tank is hidden away inside a compartment such that it is not visible outside. But you can easily access the tank whenever you want to or need to.
Piezo ignition
Another benefit of propane heaters is the wide availability of propane tanks and gasoline stations. Most places even offer a tank exchange club. In other words, you pay only a specified amount of money per month and you are allowed to go exchange your empty tank for a filled one anytime you run out. That is super convenient.
One of the important factors to look for when trying to purchase a Propane Patio heater is its capacity to disperse heat. It should have a good range that can satisfy your requirements. All other factors relating to the parts and their functions are secondary. Most of the manufacturers produce good quality heaters and hence there is very little to worry about. Another important factor is the nozzle through which gas comes out. It should be good enough and without any fault.
One of the most effective ways to take care of your propane patio heater is by always ensuring the propane tank section is connected to the heater, even when there’s no gas inside of it. Do not separate them. This is to prevent dust from getting in and around the nozzle. On the top of the heater, there is a part that houses a perforated cylinder which emits heat as it glows red when the gas is burned. This section should be regularly cleaned with a strong and stiff brush.
Propane patio heaters are really worth buying since they are not only fuel-efficient but also beat other heaters in performance.
Can propane heaters be used indoors?
As with any type of gas heater, there are always questions regarding health and safety when they are used inside the home. You may or may not be aware of the many concerns government legislators and activists have brought up regarding the use of gas heaters in confined spaces, especially the propane-fueled ones.
Issues and concerns that arose in the past do not concern present times. Many manufacturers integrating the latest features to ensure that if you purchase a propane heater for indoor use it will bring you no harm.
Some of the latest features being included in the new generation of propane heaters include oxygen depletion sensors and automatic valve cut off mechanisms. There is no reason not to buy one of these heaters. Propane fuelled heaters are inexpensive to run and the fuel source can be readily purchased from many large retailers. For outdoor use, you could purchase one of the many portable models. They are not only safe for outside use but can be used in the home for a short term basis making them great value for money compared to other types available.
Depending on wherever you want to place your propane heater in your house, you may want to check out various styles and designs. Unique designs will give each room a different feel and look in terms of interior aesthetics. For business owners who wish to purchase for commercial purposes, you might want to check out various manufacturers, because some will cater better than others. Then again, people also have the option of getting themselves a portable heater. This will give them more options in terms of where they want the heater to be, saving themselves the hassle, inconvenience, and costs.
It’s important to ensure that whatever the type of heating system you have, you follow the safety guidelines given by the manufacturer. This is to ensure you and your family’s safety. Larger units such as the big propane heaters and stoves available for purchase require careful monitoring and consistent maintenance. This is to ensure they not only last for a very long time but also bring no harm to your health.
Lastly, it is important when choosing the type of heater you want to buy that you consider the brand name. If you decide to buy an unbranded heater, keep it in mind that should something go wrong with your heater, it may be difficult to replace any broken parts. Therefore, it is advised that you go for a brand name one, so if needed you can take the product back to the store or manufacturers and have it replaced.
Whatever heater you decide to purchase, propane heaters are a great way to bring a warm, and friendly atmosphere to your home or business.
Best Outdoor Heater
Our pick AmazonBasics Commercial Patio Heater, Slate Grey
Key Features of The Product :
- 46,000 BTU heating capacity
- Piezo ignition
- 89-inch overall height
- Attached wheels
- Powder-coated for long term durability
- Solid Steel with a powder-coat finish
Criticisms of this unit are not much. But one problem that some buyers have pointed at is that the manufacturers’ instructions could be made a little clearer.
This Amazon Basics patio heater is a great option for keeping patios and outdoor spaces well-heated during the cold periods of the year. It gives 46,000 BTUs of heat output, this makes it one of the best patio heaters in its price range. It is able to distribute sufficient heat to keep a patio area heated efficiently. It also has a solid construction which is a major bonus, as some lower-quality patio heaters tend to rust out in a few seasons of use.
One of the significant advantages of this model is the piezoelectric push-button starter. This feature saves users the hassle of lighting the heater with a source of flame. An added safety feature is also present in the form of a tilt-over shutoff that will automatically turn the heater off if it gets tipped over. The biggest benefit of this patio heater is that it has a pair of durable wheels attached on one side. These wheels make easy to be tilted back and easily rolled from place to place as needed. If you frequently find yourself needing to heat different areas outside of your house, this heater may be a good option for you. The unit is easy to navigate with its lighter weight of only 40 pounds.
Comments are closed.