15 Unexpected Facts About Gas Fired Patio Heaters That You'd Never Been Educated About
Gas Fired Patio Heaters
Gas fired patio heaters are becoming more popular for commercial and residential outdoor areas. They are typically freestanding and come with an reflector shield or dome to direct radiant heat downward.
These models usually connect to a natural gas line and eliminate the need for propane tanks and reducing running costs. They are less portable and more susceptible to strong winds than propane models.
Efficiency
Patio heaters are renowned for extending outdoor dining to the winter months. However, they can be a fire risk when not used correctly. The Technical Standards & Safety Authority and the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs warn that heaters for patios can cause fires, carbon monoxide poisoning or even death if not installed, operated or maintained correctly. The good news is that there are a few easy steps you can take to prevent these dangers.
Make sure the heater's vents are checked first. Patio heaters that use propane or natural gas emit dangerous carbon monoxide. You should not use these heaters inside or in enclosed spaces. Don't store tanks of propane in a closed space. Propane tanks are designed to be used for a specific amount of time, and if they are stored for a long time, they could lead to corrosion. If you don't intend to use your heater, ensure that it is vented properly or that you have a propane cover.
Heat efficiency can also be influenced by the type of fuel used and the environment. These are important as windy weather can disperse the heat, whereas cooler temperatures require more energy to keep the warmth.
The design of the patio heater is also important. The design of the patio heater could influence its heating capacity as well as power. Freestanding models are generally less efficient than those mounted. Some models are designed with reflectors, which help increase the heat output and increase efficiency.
It is also essential to verify the power output prior to deciding to use them. This will ensure that they can offer enough heat to your space, and that you don't end up wasting gas or electricity. For instance, you might require a greater output of British Thermal Units (BTUs) when your patio is huge or you're looking to warm up an outdoor gathering.
For bars, restaurants, hotels and other hospitality establishments the variety of gas-fired patio heaters makes them a popular option. They can be powered by gas or liquid propane and plugged into standard electrical outlets. These heaters are often more efficient than electric patio heaters in larger spaces because they can be controlled remotely or via the use of a timer. They also look more appealing than other types of commercial heaters and are perfect for spaces that require a modern and stylish appearance.
Safety
Gas-fired patio heaters can be used in restaurants and at homes to provide warmth and comfort during cooler weather. To prevent injury or fire hazards, they must be used and maintained correctly. Before using, make sure your heater is UL or Canadian Standards Association (CSA) registered and comes with a device to prevent flames from exploding which shuts off the gas flow in the event that a burner tips over for any reason.
It is also essential to read the instructions and warnings of the manufacturer especially those that pertain to fuel use. A fire extinguisher must be kept nearby in case of an accident. You should also have a bucket or bucket of water as well as a class C or B fire extinguisher, based on the type of fuel your heater uses.
Since gas patio heaters are usually free-standing, it's recommended to keep them at least a few feet away from combustible objects such as gazebos, tent walls tables, tablecloths, decorations and paper products. Also, make sure they aren't placed in the path of an air intake or near an exit.
They can also be top heavy, making them vulnerable to tipping or falling. It is recommended that you secure them with sandbags, or water weights.
For the best security, it is recommended to ensure that pets and children are kept a minimum of three feet away from any heater while they're operating to avoid burning. You should also never leave them unattended or turn them off when you're not in the area. Use only natural gas heaters that have been approved by your local plumber and are in good shape.
Gas patio heaters are affected by wind depending on the type of fuel. If it's a propane model, a strong wind could blow the cylinder away or cause the fire to die. Natural gas and propane models that have an attached hose must be connected to a long-lasting gas line and positioned outside to reduce the risk of explosion or fire.
Comfort
Patio heaters are available in a range of styles and are powered by different fuel sources. The ideal one for your home will depend on the size of the outdoor space you wish to heat as well as the power source available and your preferences regarding appearance and control.
Gas-powered patio heaters are able to warm an area with more heat than other types of patio heaters. patio heater natural gas , CEO and founder of Triple T Hospitality, says that's one reason his restaurants primarily use dome-top and pyramid-shaped patio heaters in their New York and New Jersey locations. "The high heat output enables us to keep our customers cozy while they enjoy the outdoors during the winter," he explains.
Another consideration is the energy efficiency of a gas-powered heater. A heater with a high BTU output will typically warm an area faster and more efficiently than one with an inferior rating. Multiplying the square footage of the outdoor area by 20 will yield the amount of BTUs required to warm it.
The most well-liked choice for homeowners is propane-powered heaters. They can be portable and use the standard 20-pound propane tanks (like the ones used to fuel your grill) which can be purchased at most hardware stores. But propane-powered heaters are also known to use more power than other models, making them less environmentally friendly than other fuel options.
Electric heaters require plugs to operate. They're also safer than propane-powered ones because they don't release harmful fumes and do not cause fires like gas heaters for patios do. Electric patio heaters aren't as hot as other options, and they are also limited in the amount of heat that they can produce.
Natural gas-powered heaters are a great choice for those who want to connect their heaters for patio use already connected to a gas line. They require professional installation and could be a bit more expensive to run than other kinds of patio heaters. Natural gas heaters are the quickest and most consistent of all three options. This may justify the cost.
Versatility
There are many choices when it comes to outdoor heating using propane. It doesn't matter whether you select a freestanding patio heater, firepit or restaurant-style overhead unit. The key is to abide by the most basic safety guidelines. They aren't easy to master, especially when you're dealing with a flaming flame or hot ashes that could remain hot for up to two days. But, with the right knowledge you can be sure you're using your propane patio heater with care, and maximizing its capabilities.
Gas patio heaters can be used to warm large areas, ranging from to 20m2. Gas patio heaters can be controlled via remote control or timer, or even natural gas. They require a minimum 25 percent of space open for airflow to prevent carbon monoxide from building up which could cause fatalities if not ventilated properly.
Gas patio heaters, aside from the need to ventilate the space, are usually very easy to manage and maintain. They can be permanently placed in areas exposed to the elements, or recessed into ceilings with flat surfaces and are usually equipped with an anti-tilt feature that shuts off the unit if it detects that it's not upright.
Wood-burning patio heaters, on the other hand are more difficult to operate and are a risk if not properly used. The primary issue with these types of heaters is that they need to be continuously fed with fuel, and the smoke and ash generated should be disposed of in a secure location. They are also much more difficult to light, and they can produce sparks that could ignite or cause injury.
No matter what kind of patio heater you opt for, safety should be the top priority when it comes to usage and maintenance. Keep a fire extinguisher in the vicinity, and remind children to keep away from the heaters. Do not ignore any unusual smells or temperature changes that could indicate an odor of gas. Both natural and propane gasses contain mercaptan that can produce a foul odor if they leak.