How to Choose a Patio Heat Lamp Electric

When it comes to heating your patio, there are many options. In contrast to propane heaters that require refills, electric heaters can deliver instant heat by simply flipping the switch or pressing a button.

They don't emit gases that could be a health hazard. Some units have adjustable heat settings to allow for different distances.

Heater Type

With the right patio heater, you can comfortably enjoy your outdoor living spaces well into the night and throughout the seasons. Patio heaters are available in a variety of different types that include freestanding propane or natural gas models as well as wall- or ceiling mounted electric radiant heaters. Your choice depends on the dimensions of your area, the current power sources, and your personal preference.

The majority of patio heaters utilize electricity, liquid or natural gas to generate heat. They emit heat via 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 have adjustable temperatures to allow more flexibility.

A patio heat lamp incorporates a burner on top of a pole with a perforated metal screen that reflect the flames and sends the heat downwards to warm people, furniture and other objects. Some patio heat lamps come with reflective reflectors on top of the burner, which can be silvered to decrease the amount of heat is lost upwards.

The most common type of patio heater, a gas patio heater is usually found in outdoor seating areas of restaurants and bars as they produce a lot of heat quickly and spread equally across all directions. They are great for warming multiple tables. They are portable and can run on propane tanks or plumbed in to your natural gas line. The latter is more convenient and comes with lower upfront costs, however it requires fuel.

amazon patio heater electric are becoming more popular as more houses have natural gas lines. These heaters are easy to install, but they require a gas line that's properly installed and functioning to be safe. There are portable natural gas heaters that come with extension hoses which can aid in overcoming this issue, but they can be a risk of tripping and an additional fire danger when not being used.

Safety

The majority of electric patio heaters are safe to use in covered areas due to their ability for heat to radiate outward instead of upwards toward material that is combustible, such as the roof. They are not intended to be used on an unprotected roof. The heater must be placed at least 6" away from the ceiling and 18" away from the wall in order to prevent fire hazards.

Gas and propane patio heaters are generally only safe to be installed in enclosed areas that have the proper cover made for outdoor use. These covers are typically made from fire-resistant canvas and come with a roof that can be closed. The safety issues with these types of outdoor patio heaters is due to the flame and fumes they produce. They should be located away from objects that ignite like chairs and curtains.

Follow the guidelines and safety measures of the manufacturer when installing a patio heater or heat lamp. Select a heater that has received UL and CSA safety certifications and be sure to read the owner's instructions thoroughly. Make sure the heater is not within reach of pets and children. Some free-standing patio heaters, such as EUROM, have a built-in tipping safeguard that automatically shuts off the device if it falls over.


If your patio heater uses natural gas lines it is important to examine the condition of the line on a regular basis and to have it tested for leaks by a qualified professional. If the line needs to be replaced get it replaced by an experienced plumbing professional who is licensed. A professional will be in a position to determine if the line is required to be run through an underground pipe or not. In addition, a professional can make sure the heater for your patio is connected into an outlet that's GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) designed to guard against electrical fires and shocks.

Installation

The height at which a patio heater is positioned determines the amount of heat it will radiate into the space. It is crucial to place the heater in a safe distance from surfaces like plastic that can deform, and also wood, which can become too hot. It is possible to mount the heater on a wall, structure or any other surface using traditional mounting brackets. Certain models come with soft start, which reduces peak current to safeguard your circuits.