How to Choose a Patio Heat Lamp Electric
When it comes to heating your patio, you've got several options. electric garden patio heater www.fireplacesandstoves.uk are more convenient than propane models, which require refueling. They can be heated immediately by pressing a button or flipping the switch.
They also don't emit gasses that could cause health risks. Certain units come with adjustable heat settings to accommodate varying distances.
Type of Heater
You can relax outside all through the evening and throughout the seasons with the proper patio heater. There are a variety of patio heaters, including freestanding propane and natural gas models, as in addition to ceiling or wall-mounted electric radiant heaters. The choice you make will depend on the dimensions of your patio, existing power sources and personal preference.
The majority of patio heaters use electricity, liquid or natural gas to generate heat. They emit heat through convection heating as well as radiant heating. The heat output is measured in watts, and can be converted to British thermal units (BTUs) to compare. Some models also have adjustable heat settings to allow for greater flexibility.
A patio heat lamp combines the burner on top of a pole with a perforated screen that reflect the flames and sends the heat downward to warm furniture, people and other objects. Some patio heat lamps include reflective reflectors that sit on top of the burner and can be silvered in order to limit the amount of heat is lost upwards.
The most well-known type of patio heater is a gas patio heater is typically found in outdoor seating areas of restaurants and bars as they generate lots of heat quickly and spread it evenly across all directions, making them ideal to heat tables. These patio heaters are portable and run on propane tanks, or they can be connected to your natural gas line. The latter is more convenient and has lower upfront costs, but requires fuel.
Gas patio heaters are becoming more popular as more homes are equipped with natural gas lines. They are easy to set up, however they do require a specialized and functioning gas line to perform in a safe manner. There are portable natural gas heaters with extension hoses that can help overcome this restriction however they can also create a tripping hazard and a fire risk when not in use.
Safety
Electric patio heaters are safe to use in covered areas, as they allow heat to radiate upward and not outwards. They are not designed to be used on an unprotected roof. The heater must be placed at least 6" away from the ceiling and 18" away from the adjacent wall to avoid fire hazards.
The propane and gas patio heaters are typically safe to install in enclosed areas and are protected by the proper cover made for outdoor use. These covers are usually made of fire-resistant fabrics and have a roof which can be closed. The safety concerns with these kinds of outdoor patio heaters are due to the flame and fumes they produce. They should be placed away from objects that can 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 received UL and CSA safety certifications. Be sure to read the user's manual thoroughly. Be especially careful around children and pets and ensure that the heater is not in their reach while it's in operation. Some patio heaters that stand on their own like EUROM's come with an automatic tipping safety that shuts the device off if it falls.
If your patio heater is connected to a natural-gas line, you must check its condition periodically and have it tested by a certified professional for leaks. If the line is in need of replacement then you should hire an expert plumber who is licensed. A professional will be able to determine if the line is required to be run through an underground pipe or not. A professional can also ensure that the heater for your patio is connected to an outlet that is GFCI-rated (ground fault circuit interruptioner) to safeguard against electric shocks and fires.
Installation
The height of the patio heater determines the amount of heat it radiates into the space. It is important that the heater is placed at a safe distance from the surface such as plastic, which can deform and wood, which can get too hot. Depending on the model of the heater you may choose to mount it on a wall or a structure using traditional mounting brackets. Some models have a soft start, which decreases the peak current in order to protect your circuits.