Why People Don't Care About Patio Heat Lamp Electric
How to Choose a Patio Heat Lamp Electric
When it comes to heating your patio, there are several options. Electric heaters are more efficient than propane models, which require refueling. They can be heated in a matter of minutes by pressing a button, or flicking the switch.
Best patio heater electric don't emit gasses that might be harmful to health. Some offer adjustable heat settings for varying distances.
Type of Heater
With the appropriate patio heater, you will be able to comfortably enjoy your outdoor living spaces well into the night and throughout the seasons. Patio heaters are available in many varieties, including freestanding propane or natural gas models and ceiling or wall mounted electric radiant heaters. The choice you make will depend on the size of the space, the power sources available, and your personal preferences.
The majority of patio heaters are powered by electricity or natural or liquid gas and emit heat in a combination of convection and radiant heating. The heat output of patio heaters is measured in watts, which can be converted into British thermal units (BTUs), for comparison. Some models have adjustable heat settings to give you more flexibility.
Patio heat lamps incorporate a burner mounted on a pole with an open-pored screen that reflects the flames and radiates heat downwards to warm people, objects and furniture. Some come with a reflector above the burner that can be plated with silver to decrease the amount of heat lost upwards.
The most popular kind of patio heater, a gas patio heater is typically found in outdoor seating areas at bars and restaurants because they generate lots of heat quickly and distribute equally across all directions, making them ideal to heat tables. These patio heaters can be portable and run from a propane tank or plumbed into your natural gas line with the latter providing more convenience and lower installation costs, but also they require ongoing expenses for fuel.
Gas patio heaters are becoming more popular as more homes have natural gas lines. They are easy to install, however they require a gas line that is properly installed and working to be secure. There are portable natural gas heaters that come with extension hoses which can aid in overcoming this issue however they can also pose a tripping risk and an additional fire danger when not being used.
Safety
Electric patio heaters are safe to use in covered areas, as they allow heat to radiate upward and not outwards. They are not intended for use under an unprotected roof. The heater must be placed at least 6" away from the ceiling and 18" away from the wall in order to avoid fire hazards.
The propane and gas patio heaters are usually suitable for use in enclosed areas with the proper cover designed for open-air use. These types of covers are typically made of fire-retardant canvas and have the option of having a roof that is closed. The safety issues with these kinds of outdoor patio heaters are related to the fumes and flames they release. They should be kept away from any objects that could ignite like chairs and curtains.
Follow the guidelines and safety measures of the manufacturer before installing the patio heater or heat lamp. Choose a system that has been awarded UL and CSA safety certifications. Be sure to read the user's manual thoroughly. Be extra careful when it comes to pets and children, and ensure that the heater isn't near them when it's running. Some patio heaters that stand on their own such as EUROM's come with an automatic tipping safety that shuts down the device when it falls.
If your patio heater uses a natural gas line it is essential to inspect the condition of the line on a regular basis and have it tested for leaks by an experienced professional. If the line has to be replaced, make sure to hire an authorized plumber. A professional is able to determine if the line is required to be connected to an underground pipe or not. A professional will also be able to ensure that the patio heater is plugged in to an outlet that is GFCI-rated (ground fault circuit interruptioner) to guard against electric fires and shocks.
Installation
The height of the patio heater determines the amount of heat it radiates into the room. It is important that the heater be mounted in a safe distance from the surface like plastic which can deform and also wood, which can become too hot. Depending on the heater model, you can choose to mount it on a wall or structure using conventional mounting brackets. Some models feature soft starters that reduces the peak current to protect your circuits.