The Patio Heat Lamp Electric Awards: The Best, Worst, And Weirdest Things We've Seen
How to Choose a Patio Heat Lamp Electric
You have many options when it comes to heating your patio. Electric heaters are more convenient than propane models that require fuel refills. They can be heated in a matter of minutes by pressing a button or flipping a switch.
These units don't emit any gasses that could cause an health risk. Some offer adjustable heat settings for different distances.
Heater Type
You can relax in your outdoor living space throughout the day and all through the year by using the right patio heater. Patio heaters come in many 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 size of your area, the power sources and personal preference.
The majority of patio heaters utilize electricity, natural or liquid gas to generate heat. They emit heat through a combination convection heating and radiant heating. Their output of heat is measured in watts and can be converted to British thermal units (BTUs) to compare. Some models have adjustable heating settings to allow for greater flexibility.
A patio heat lamp is an electric burner on a pole with a perforated metal screen that is reflective of the flames and radiates the heat downward to warm people, furniture and other objects. Some patio heat lamps include reflective reflectors over the burner, which can be silvered in order to limit the amount of heat is lost upwards.
Gas patio heaters are among the most common heaters for patios. They are able to heat multiple tables quickly and evenly. These patio heaters can be portable and run off a propane tank or plumbed into your natural gas line which is greater convenience and lower initial installation costs but they require ongoing expenses for fuel.
Gas patio heaters are becoming more popular as more homes have natural gas lines. They're easy to set up, but do require a dedicated and functioning gas line in order to function safely. Natural gas heaters that are portable come with extension hoses to overcome this issue, however they could be a trip hazard and may pose an additional fire hazard when not being used.
Safety
Electric patio heaters are safe to use in covered areas, as they permit heat to radiate upwards and not outwards. They are not designed to be used on an unprotected roof. The heater must be located at least 6" away from the ceiling, or 18" away from the wall in order to avoid fire hazards.
The propane and gas patio heaters are usually safe to install in enclosed areas with an enduring cover designed for open-air use. freestanding electric patio heater of covers are typically made from fire-resistant canvas and have the option of having a roof that is closed. These types of patio heaters pose safety concerns relating to the flames and fumes they create. They should be kept away from flammable items like curtains and chairs.
Follow the guidelines and safety measures of the manufacturer when installing the patio heater or heat lamp. Be sure to choose a system with UL and CSA certifications. Also, read the owner's guide carefully. Be sure that the heater is not within reach of children and pets. Some patio heaters that are freestanding like EUROM come with a built-in tipping safety that automatically shuts off the device in the event that it falls over.
If your patio heater is connected to natural gas lines, it's important to check the condition of the line on a regular basis and to be tested for leaks by an experienced professional. If the line has to be replaced, be sure to hire an authorized plumber. A professional can determine whether the line is properly routed or if it should be run through an underground pipe. A professional can make sure the heater in the patio is plugged into an outlet that's GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) rated to protect against electrical fires and shocks.
Installation
The height at which a patio heater is mounted affects the amount of heat it will radiate into the space. The heater should be placed away from any surfaces such as plastic and wood that may deform. Depending on the model of heater you can decide to mount it on a wall or a structure using traditional mounting brackets. Some models feature soft starters that lowers the current at the highest level to protect your circuits.