Jetta Regalado

How to Choose a Patio Heat Lamp Electric

There are many options available when it comes to heating up your patio. Unlike propane models that require refills electric patio heater reviews heaters can provide instant heat by simply flipping an switch or pressing the button.

They don't emit gasses that could cause a health hazard. Some models have adjustable temperature settings for varying distances.

Heater Type

With the proper patio heater, you can comfortably enjoy your outdoor electric heater patio living spaces well into the night and across the seasons. Patio heaters are available in a variety of varieties including freestanding propane models, natural gas models, as well as ceiling or wall-mounted electric radiant heaters. Your choice depends on the dimensions of your space, your power source and personal preference.

Most patio heaters are powered by electricity or liquid gas, or natural, and emit heat via convection as well as radiant heating. Their heat output is measured in watts and then converted to British thermal units (BTUs) for comparison. Some models have adjustable heating settings for greater flexibility.

A patio heat lamp is an electric burner on a pole with a perforated 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 that sit over the burner and can be silvered to reduce the amount that heat is lost upwards.

The most well-known kind of patio heater that is a gas patio heater, is often seen in outdoor areas of bars and restaurants because they produce a lot of heat quickly and distribute it evenly across all directions, making them ideal for warming tables. These heaters are portable and can be powered by a propane tank or be connected to your natural gas line. This is more convenient and comes with lower upfront costs, but requires fuel.

Gas patio heaters are becoming increasingly popular as more homes have natural gas lines. They're easy to set up, but require a dedicated and functioning gas line to function in a safe manner. There are portable natural gas heaters that come with extension hoses which can help overcome this restriction, but they can pose a tripping risk and also a fire hazard when not being used.

Safety

Electric patio heaters can be used safely in enclosed areas since they allow heat to radiate upwards and not outwards. However, they're not intended to be used on an open roof; the heater must be installed at minimum 18" from the walls adjacent to it or 6" from the ceiling to prevent fire hazards.

Patio heaters made of propane and gas are usually safe to install in enclosed areas and are protected by the proper cover designed for open-air use. The covers are typically made of fire-resistant fabrics and have an open roof that can be closed. These types of patio heaters have safety concerns related to the flames and fumes they create. They should be located away from any objects that could ignite, such as chairs and curtains.

When installing a patio heat lamp electric or any other type of patio heater, always follow the manufacturer's directions and safety guidelines carefully. Make sure you select one that has UL and CSA certifications, and read the owner's guide thoroughly. Make sure that the heater is out of reach of pets and children. Some patio heaters that stand on their own like EUROM's include a tipping safety feature that shuts down the device in the event of a fall.

If your patio heater runs on a natural gas line, it's important to check the condition of the line periodically and to test it for leaks by a certified professional. If the line needs to be replaced then you should hire a licensed plumbing professional. A professional can determine whether the line is properly routed or if it should be routed through an underground pipe. In addition, a professional can also make sure the heater in the patio is plugged into an outlet that is GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) designed to guard against electrical shocks and fires.

Installation

The height of a patio heater will determine the amount of heat it emits into the room. It is crucial that the heater be mounted in an appropriate distance from any surfaces like plastic, which can deform and also wood, which may get too hot. You can mount the heater on a wall, structure or any other surface with traditional mounting brackets. Some models have soft start, which lowers the current peak to protect your circuits.