Choosing a Patio Heater Electric
For spaces with a focus on design and want to preserve the minimalist, sleek look wall-mounted electric heaters are the way to go. They are easy to use and are less costly to run than propane models.
Patio heaters, regardless of the fuel type used, should be kept clear from fire-prone items and should not be left unattended. Take a look at these safety tips for patio heaters for more information.
Choosing the Right Heater
Outdoor living spaces are very popular with Australian homeowners, with a large number of homeowners using their patios as a relaxing retreat for entertaining and unwinding. The cold temperatures can however make it difficult to enjoy these spaces. Patio heaters provide targeted, effective heating to extend outdoor use throughout the entire year. It is crucial to select the best patio heater to ensure maximum performance, safety and design. When purchasing a heater you must consider a variety of factors, including the installation requirements and fuel source.
Certain patio heaters require a professional installation. They are fixed permanently. Tabletop and freestanding heaters on the other hand, offer more flexible options. Portable electric patio heaters, like can be moved around your garden or yard to meet your requirements. Certain models come with handles that make it easy to move. For additional convenience, certain portable electric patio heaters can be used with remote controls that allow for simple operation.
When choosing a patio heater, take into consideration the size of the area and how many people will be using it at once. A large space requires more power than smaller ones, so you'll need to select the model that has enough wattage to provide sufficient heating. It is also important to think about the amount of time per day that you plan to utilize the heater. This will impact the battery life and energy consumption of the device.
Depending on the kind of patio heater you select you'll also have to think about the fuel source. Electric patio heaters are powered by electricity and don't produce emissions, whereas natural gas patio heaters require your home be plumbed for gas lines. Liquid propane patio heaters, however do not require installation and are simple to operate. They are the least cost-effective alternative because they must be recharged regularly.
If you have children at your home, it is important to select a heater with safety features. Choose an electric heater that automatically shuts off when it's tilted past a certain degree and a flame detector to prevent accidental ignition. You might want to buy a fire extinguisher for emergencies.
Installation
A free-standing patio heater can be a great option to extend your outdoor living space past the warmest months of the year. Electric and gas-powered models are available in different designs. When purchasing the right patio heater, you need to think about the amount of heat your patio needs and how much weight the heater can handle.
There are several ways to install an outdoor heater. The most common method is with a ceiling-mounted heater. This is the best option for patios with covered areas since it doesn't sacrifice floor-space and ensures an even distribution of heat across the entire area.
This mounting option is available for all of Bromic's Electric heaters. A variety of poles for ceiling mounting are available to meet your specific style and to accommodate any ceiling height. If your room has an angled ceiling by putting a wedge on the pole will allow the heater to be mounted perpendicularly on the floor while still being able to meet the minimum clearance requirements.
You can also place your patio heater on the wall. It is possible to do this with the wide selection of Electric heaters. A assortment of mounting brackets are available for each model. The brackets of our Platinum and Tungsten Electric Heaters can be placed at an angle between 15 and 45 degrees, depending on the model. They should be set 6 feet above ground level and at least five feet from any structures over the heater.
Propane: These heaters use tanks of 20 pounds of propane that can be refilled at most gas stations and convenience stores. They produce more heat than electric heaters however, they do require a gas line be installed. These heaters are available as free-standing units or mounted on a structure like a deck, fence or pergola.
Some free-standing models can be adjusted to heating settings, which are helpful if you're hosting guests who need a higher or less intense level of warmth. If you're choosing a free-standing propane patio heater, make sure to select a model with an ignition stopper, since these are designed to reduce the possibility of fires resulting to the uncontrolled combustion of explosive materials.
Safety
Patio heaters can be ideal for extending your outdoor enjoyment and add comfort. However, they do pose some safety concerns. Keep small electric patio heater at least 3 feet from any flammable objects like furniture and potted plants. It's also recommended to place an appropriate mat under the heater, especially for decks made of wood.
The kind of heater you are using and the fuel source it is using will determine what precautions to take. For example propane gas patio heaters are typically capable of warming a greater area than electric models, but require regular refills of the tanks and could cause carbon monoxide accumulating. It is also crucial to select models with features such as the anti-tilt switch as well as automatic shutoffs to reduce the possibility of the possibility of a fire.
Apart from the different types of heaters, how they are installed and used will also affect their safety. While a lot of patio heaters have safety features built-in, it is best to follow the instructions of the manufacturer for optimal performance and security. If you want to mount your heaters on the wall or ceiling there are a number of installation options available for each Bromic product line to accommodate different ceiling heights. There are also longer mounting poles available for hanging patio heaters which will provide the perfect secure distance from ceilings and walls as in fabrics such as tablecloths and awnings.
To avoid them falling over, freestanding heaters need to be weighted or anchored. Even when the heaters are off, strong winds could cause them to move or tip over, causing an injury or fire risk. If you live in an area which is susceptible to frequent winds that are gusty, think about using sandbags or bungee cables as anchors for your patio heaters.
It is recommended that you keep a fire-extinguisher near your heater, irrespective of the fuel type. It is essential to select the appropriate class of extinguisher based on the fuel type of your heater (Class B for electric, Class C for gas, or a multi-purpose one for both). Never leave a heater running unattended. Accidents could happen.
Maintenance
Incorrect maintenance and usage practices are the cause of many patio heater problems. However, you can avoid most of these issues by implementing some basic maintenance and usage best practices. Clean the heater frequently with an anti-abrasive soap and an air hose to clean the vents.
Do not use an extension cord for a patio heater. Plug the heater into an electrical outlet. An extension cord can over-charge circuits and create electrical fires. It is also recommended to keep the heater away from combustible materials such as curtains and wood.
If your propane patio heater keeps shutting off, you may have a gas leak. It is a good idea to have a professional inspect the gas line for blockages or leaks at least once per year.
Propane patio heaters should be stored in a dry, cool space away from wind and rain. During storage, you should remove the propane tank (it needs to be empty for storage in the long term) and wrap the tank in a cover. When not in use the heater should be placed in a well ventilated area or under a canopy that is protected. This will help prevent corrosion and rust. It will also stop it from falling over.