How to Choose a Patio Heat Lamp Electric
When it comes to heating your patio, you've got several options. In contrast to propane heaters that require refills electric heaters can provide instant heat by simply flicking the switch or pressing a button.
electric patio heater hanging don't emit gasses that could cause the risk of health hazards. Some models have adjustable temperature settings for varying distances.
Type of Heater
You can relax outside throughout the day and throughout the year with the right patio heater. Patio heaters come in many varieties that include freestanding propane or natural gas models and ceiling or wall mounted electric radiant heaters. Your choice will be based on the size of your space, power sources available, and your personal preferences.
The majority of patio heaters utilize electricity, liquid or natural gas to generate heat. They emit heat through convection heating in combination with radiant heating. The output of heat from patio heaters is measured in watts, which can be converted into British thermal units (BTUs), for comparison. Some models can be adjusted in heat settings to give you more flexibility.
A patio heat lamp combines an electric burner on a pole with a perforated metal screen that reflect the flames and sends the heat downward to warm people, furniture and other objects. Some patio heat lamps come with reflective reflectors over the burner, which can be silvered to decrease the amount of heat is lost upwards.
The most popular type of patio heater is a gas patio heater is typically found in outdoor seating areas at bars and restaurants since they generate lots of heat quickly and spread equally across all directions. They are great for warming tables. These heaters are portable and run off propane tanks or plumbed into your natural gas line, with the latter offering more convenience and lower upfront installation costs, but also needing ongoing costs for fuel.
Gas patio heaters are becoming more popular as more homes are equipped with natural gas lines. They're simple to set up, but require a specialized and functioning gas line to function safely. There are portable natural gas heaters with extension hoses that aid in overcoming this issue however they can also be a risk of tripping and an additional fire danger when not in use.
Safety
Most electric patio heaters are safe to use in enclosed areas because they allow heat to radiate outward instead of upward toward things that ignite, like the roof. They are not designed to be used under a non-protected roof. The heater should be located at least 6" away from the ceiling and 18" away from the wall adjacent to prevent fire hazards.
Patio heaters made of propane and gas are typically safe to be installed in enclosed areas and are protected by an enduring cover designed for open-air use. These types of covers are typically made of fire-resistant canvas and have a roof that can be closed. The safety concerns with these types of outdoor patio heaters is due to the fumes and flames they emit. They should be kept away from any objects that could ignite like curtains and chairs.
When installing an electric patio heat lamp or any kind of patio heater, make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety precautions carefully. Choose a system that has been awarded UL and CSA safety certifications. Be sure to read the owner's manual thoroughly. Be sure that the heater is out of reach of children and pets. Some patio heaters that are freestanding like EUROM have a built-in tipping protection that shuts down the device in the event that it falls over.
If your patio heater uses natural gas lines, it's important to check the condition of the line on a regular basis and to have it tested for leaks by a certified professional. If the line requires to be replaced, be sure to employ an authorized plumber. A professional can determine whether the line is properly routed or should be routed through an underground pipe. Additionally, a professional can also ensure that the heater for your patio is connected into an outlet that is GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) designed to guard against electrical shocks and fires.
Installation
The height at which a patio heater is placed affects how much heat it will radiate into the area. The heater should be mounted away from surfaces like plastic and wood that may deform. Depending on the heater model you can decide to place it on a wall or a structure using conventional mounting brackets. Some models feature a soft starter that reduces the peak current to protect your circuits.