Patio Electric Heater
Patio electric heaters offer a modern way to extend your outdoor living space. Unlike older natural gas and propane-powered patio heaters that emit carbon monoxide, electric heaters don't require ventilation and are safe to use in closed areas as long as they are not left unattended.
To determine the power (BTUs) required to heat your space, calculate the cubic footage of your space and the degree of temperature rise you want to achieve.
Power
Patio heaters can keep outdoor living spaces comfortable and warm even when the sun sets and temperatures drop. Radiant heat is emitted from the heaters to nearby surfaces and objects. Electric, propane and gas models are available. The fuel and power source availability will determine the most suitable option for you. Gas and propane patio heating systems rely on natural or liquid fuels, whereas electric patio heaters generate heat using electricity. In general, propane and natural gas patio heaters have higher BTU ratings than electric patio heaters.
Electric patio heaters are easiest to install because they plug into the standard 120-volt outlets. Electric patio heaters may not produce more heat than models powered by propane or natural gases but they can also increase your electric bill. Propane patio heats, like our top choice, the AZ Patio Heaters propane patio heater, utilize 20-pound tanks of propane that you can refill at local convenience stores or gasoline stations. They are portable, and can be moved around to keep the area heated as the sun moves across.
There are now free-standing electric heaters that can be utilized in pubs. They are available in addition to the parasol or wall mounted units. They can be affixed to the parasol struts or the main pole. However, this can make them susceptible to theft, so careful consideration needs be given to the location of such an item.
Bromic's newest range of freestanding electric heaters are the top in design and function. They have sleek designs and are available in a number of stylish finishes to suit any decor. They are quick heating and can be set to 500W or 1.5kW depending on the requirements of your home. They also come with an integrated digital LED fire display that can improve the appearance and feel of your outdoor space.
The BTU rating of a patio heater can be used to determine its heat output. The rating indicates the amount of Btu it generates each hour. A patio heater with 40,000 BTUs can provide heat to an area of 150 square feet. If you are looking to heat larger areas should consider using multiple patio heaters or a combination of freestanding heaters and firepits that can create zones that have different degrees of warmth.
Heat Output
Patio electric heaters provide warm, comfortable heat without the necessity of chimneys or fuel. They plug into standard electrical outlets and can be moved, making them an ideal choice for outdoor seating areas and backyard nooks. The amount of heat a patio heater is able to provide is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs) and the higher the BTU's, the higher the heating capacity. Electric patio heaters can be capable of providing up to 46,000 Btu in an hour.
The amount of BTUs you need will depend on the size of your patio, and the temperature you'd like to attain. To get an idea of the amount of energy you require multiply the square footage by the desired temperature. Divide the amount by 1,000 and you will get the power consumption of your heater. You can then use the wattage rate, found in the owner's manual, or on your local utility statement, to estimate the amount your patio heater will cost you per hour.
Gas patio heaters use natural gas, liquid petroleum gas (LPG), propane or butane to produce a flame that heats a perforated metal screen, which emits the warmth into your outdoor living space. A reflector over the burner directs heat downward to maximize efficiency and enhance its effectiveness in windy weather conditions.
Gas patio heaters provide similar heating power to electric models, but they require a higher initial investment since they need to be connected to a natural gas or propane line. They are ideal for large, well ventilated spaces that can be turned on and off at will or controlled using an alarm clock.
Some gas patio heaters have a built-in electronic ignition system and others require you to light them manually with a torch or grill lighter. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines to safely light them and ensure that the propane or natural gas is turned off before attempting to start the burner. They are available as wall or ceiling mounted models and come with a range of control options. These include dimmers as well as timers that turn off and on according to set intervals.
Design
A good patio heater can make all the difference in your outdoor space. A electric patio heater will keep your outdoor space warm and inviting long after the sun sets.
A tabletop model could suffice for temporary installations but a wall-mounted freestanding model is typically more suitable for an installation that lasts for a long time. This will ensure that the heater is positioned correctly to provide maximum coverage. The the height at which you put in the patio heater will be a significant factor in how much heat it will produce. Some models have tilting features that let you to adjust the direction of the heat.
If you're looking to bring a modern touch to your outdoor space, an outdoor heater with halogen or an infrared model is the best way to go. While halogen lamps emit an orange glow while infrared models emit a soothing blue-colored light that resembles natural sunlight and helps you to unwind. Some models also come with an integrated speaker that plays music with the touch of a button.
A flush mount patio heater is another popular option. It can be incorporated on the ceiling of an outdoor living area. This is a great option for rooms that aren't able to support a fixture suspended due to space limitations or ceilings that are too steep. The flush mount is available in all of Bromic's Electric heater series and works with a variety of mounting poles to meet your needs.
There are infrared patio heater electric that permit you to easily control your heating for those who prefer the simplicity of single element patio heating. These switches let you take pleasure in the warmth of your heater at full power, half power or even completely off.
Additionally, there are gas patio heaters for those who prefer the traditional flame-based method of heating their outdoor areas. These heaters burn either natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or propane to fuel a burner which then radiates the heated air onto the surrounding surfaces. These appliances are usually powered by an insignificant propane tank that needs to be replenished on a regular basis.
Installation
A patio electric heater is an ideal way to enjoy outdoor dining or entertaining even after the sun goes down. They are simple to use, inexpensive and practical, delivering powerful radiant heat that will keep your guests warm, particularly during the cold winter evenings. To ensure the safety and longevity of your unit they must be correctly installed. Before attempting any professional installation, you need to follow the manufacturer's guidelines and speak with an electrician, or a plumber if you're using a gas-powered model.
When you decide to purchase an electric patio heater, you should first determine how much area you want it to heat. Most often, a heater with a greater BTU (British Thermodynamic Unit) rating is more powerful and can provide greater coverage. However, a warmer BTU rating will also require more power to operate.
It is also important to consider whether you want to install your electric patio heater on the wall or ceiling. Both options have their advantages and drawbacks. Wall-mounted units are less bulky and can be put in a variety of places. They are also more difficult to reach, and their nozzles may require regular cleaning.
A ceiling-mounted patio heater can give a modern, sleek appearance and is perfect for areas with high ceilings. This is an option that is available for all Bromic electric models and requires a minimum space within the ceiling, depending on the model.
Finally, you can choose a natural or propane gas-powered patio heater. While they're not as portable as their electric counterparts, these models still provide plenty of warmth and can be easily switched off or on using a remote or by a built-in timer. Gas-powered models, however, aren't as safe as their electric counterparts since they rely on combustion to function. They also require regular maintenance.
For those who prefer a more traditional approach to outdoor heating, wood-burning models such as metal fire pits, chimineas, or built-in brick fireplaces are very attractive and add a rustic look to your outdoor space. However, these kinds of units can be challenging to maintain due to the frequent need to clean up debris and ash, and could cause sparks that could be hazardous if not taken care of correctly.