How to Choose a Patio Heat Lamp Electric
You have many options when you want to heat your patio. In contrast to propane heaters that require refills electric heaters can provide instant heat by simply flicking a switch or pressing a button.
These units don't emit any gases that could be a health hazard. Some offer adjustable heat settings for varying distances.
Heater Type
You can relax in your outdoor living space all through the evening and throughout the year with the proper patio heater. Patio heaters are available in a variety of varieties that include freestanding propane or natural gas models, as well as ceiling or wall-mounted electric radiant heaters. Your choice will depend on the dimensions of the space, power sources available and personal preference.
Most patio heaters are powered by electricity or natural or liquid gas and produce heat through a combination of convection and radiant heating. The output of patio heaters is measured in watts, which can be converted to British thermal units (BTUs), for comparison. Some models have adjustable heating settings for greater flexibility.
Patio heat lamps include the use of a burner that is mounted on a pole with an open-pored screen that reflects the flames and radiates heat downwards to warm people, objects and furniture. Some patio heat lamps come with reflective reflectors on top of the burner, which can be silvered to limit the amount of heat is lost upwards.
The most well-known type of patio heater, a gas patio heater is usually found in outdoor seating areas of bars and restaurants since they generate a lot of heat quickly and distribute equally across all directions, making them ideal to heat tables. These patio heaters can be portable and run from propane tanks or plumbed into your natural gas line with the latter offering more convenience and lower upfront cost of installation, but needing ongoing costs for fuel.
Gas patio heaters are becoming more popular as more houses have natural gas lines. They are easy to install, however they require a gas line that is properly installed and functioning to be safe. Natural gas heaters that are portable are available with extension hoses that can help overcome this limitation, but they can pose a tripping risk and can create an additional fire risk when not being used.
Safety
Electric patio heaters can be used in enclosed areas, since they permit heat to radiate upwards and not outwards. However, they're not meant to be used on an open roof. The heater should be set at least 18" from the walls adjacent to it or 6" from the ceiling to avoid fire hazards.
The propane and gas patio heaters are typically suitable for use in enclosed areas and are protected by an enduring cover made for outdoor use. These covers are usually made of fire-resistant fabric and come with a roof which can be closed. The safety issues with these types of outdoor patio heaters are related to the flame and fumes they release. They should be placed away from objects that can ignite, such as curtains and chairs.
When installing a patio heat lamp electric or any kind of patio heater, make sure you adhere to the manufacturer's instructions and safety guidelines carefully. Choose a model that has received UL and CSA safety certifications. Also, be sure to go through the owner's instruction manual thoroughly. Be sure that the heater is out of reach of children and pets. Some patio heaters that are freestanding, such as EUROM, have a built-in tipping safeguard that automatically shuts off the device if it falls over.
If your patio heater is connected to a natural gas line, you must be sure to check the condition of the line regularly and test it by a qualified professional for leaks. If the line needs to be replaced, be sure to hire an authorized plumber. A professional can determine if the line has been properly routed or should be run through an underground pipe. In donyer power electric patio heater , a professional can make sure 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 of the patio heater determines how much heat it radiates into the room. It is important to place the heater at a safe distance from the surface like plastic which can deform as well as wood, which can become too hot. Depending on the model of the heater you can decide to mount it on a wall or a structure using conventional mounting brackets. Some models feature soft starters that lowers the current at the highest level to safeguard your circuits.