Patio Heater Information... Patio heaters have become one of the fastest growing trends in the United States for people who are looking to relax more in the outdoor environment. Whether you have a pool area, backyard garden deck, spa, or even a small balcony, you can now find warmth through the season with many new styles that are available. Patio heater sizes and styles range from small Table Top Patio Heater models to large commercial heater units that can be permanently installed on the roof of your patio covering, or mounted directly in the concrete decking. If a permanent heater is not what you are looking for, you can rest assured they make many types of portable patio heater units with wheels that can be moved around to the various areas of your outdoor environment. Heater manufactures like Endless Summer, Blue Rhino, Arctic, Patio Comfort and Dayva are making very safe and elegant looking units for residential application with various colors to choose from. As well, other manufactures like Sunpak and Infrared Technologies manufacture outdoor heater units that last many times longer for the continuous usage needs like commercial restaurants and outdoor dinning areas. What ever need you may have, be sure to do your home work and purchase an outdoor heater that is best suited for your lifestyle and particular outdoor requirements.
A Guide to Patio Heaters
Temperatures can drop outdoors and almost any time of year. Whether you are a homeowner wanting to spend as much time as possible in your beautiful backyard patio or deck area, a business owner wanting to expand seating capacity at your restaurant or hotel wishing to keep your poolside warm and inviting, outdoor patio heaters can provide the warmth and comfort you desire.
Types of Outdoor Heater Solutions to consider:
Different outdoor locations typically demand a different type of heater. Propane Patio Heaters throw heat in a circle radius, while hanging Strip Heaters are typically focused in one direction. Strip heaters are usually mounted 6 to 11 feet high with brackets, while patio heaters generally come in portable, tabletop, ceiling-mount, and in-ground forms.
Patio heaters can provide circular heat up to 15-20 feet in diameter by raising the temperatures anywhere from 10 to 25 degrees depending on size and BTU. Strip heaters do a better job when more focused, intense heat is needed. Patio heaters are also designed with aesthetics in mind to compliment your restaurant, patio, poolside or deck. Strip heaters, as the work horse of the outdoor heaters, have are streamlined appearance designed around their function that can be hidden or placed in out of the way areas above tables and seating locations.
Important Information when Choosing Your Outdoor Heater
Portable Patio Heaters – Full-sized patio heaters without a fixed fuel line. These outdoor heating units are moveable and provide up to a 20 foot warmth diameter. If flexibility is what you need, a portable Patio Heater can be moved to wherever more warmth is desired. Most are designed with a compartment for their propane fuel tanks and can easily be moved with added wheels or simply rolling on there base to the needed location. Propane outdoor heater units can provide up to 40,000 BTU’s of radiant heat and typically include adjustable thermostats so you can enjoy a comfortable setting for your barbeque or outdoor activities.
Tabletop Patio Heaters – Compact, portable, and typically inexpensive Portable Tabletop Outdoor Heaters are the perfect option for providing warmth over a small circle. Many are designed with bases that house fuel tanks. Keep in mind that Table Top Heaters cover a much smaller area of space up to a 6-7 foot circle in non windy conditions.
Strip Heaters (Ceiling/Wall Mount) – Looking to keep your space uncluttered? Consider a ceiling/wall mount strip heater model. These outdoor heaters are designed to be permanently installed out of the reach of children and pets. Ceiling mount strip heaters are available in propane (LP), natural gas and electric models. Electric power is measured in watts; propane or gas spot heater power is measured in BTUs.
Along with their standard use in heating specific outdoor and indoor areas (like outdoor dining areas, decks and warehouse aisles) strip heaters are an excellent solution for garages and greenhouses, or anywhere they can be tucked under a balcony or awning to provide inconspicuous warmth and comfort.
In-Ground Patio Heaters – Built to provide power and stability in a permanent installation, in-ground heaters generally heat a broader radius than portable models. These heating units are designed to tap into an established natural gas supply.
Construction – Most patio and strip heaters are constructed of steel, although some at the lower end of the price range include aluminum parts. The type of steel used – stainless, or weather-treated – varies by price, as does the size of the base (for portable heaters) and the diameter of the pole.
Another important feature of the construction is the dome. Domes with larger diameters allow for more effective heat distribution. Most patio heaters have single-dome construction, but the Endless Summer Triple Dome Commercial Outdoor Patio Heater is easily distinguished by its triple-dome construction, which guards the heating element against wind and diffusion.
Fuel – Most patio heaters are fueled by liquid propane (LP) tanks; some are designed to tap into an established natural gas source. Others come in two models, allowing you to order by fuel preference. Please note that for models that use tanks, the fuel is sold separately.
Ignition – Only the most basic models require anything more than the push of a button to ignite. Many models come standard with a form of piezo electric ignition, which produces sparks that interact with the fuel; higher-end heaters may have automatic or electronic ignition.
Safety Features – Patio heaters are available with a wide range of safety features – the most basic of which is the automatic shut-off to prevent overheating, and safety tilt shut-off switches, to prevent heaters from lighting objects on fire should they tip over. Other features include heat adjustment, pilot lights, tip-resistant construction, and shut-off switches to guard against severe weather.
Outdoor Heater Accessories –Accessories for patio heaters include covers (to guard against dust, dirt, and insects – all of which shorten a heater’s life and limit effectiveness), wheel kits and propane tanks.
The following is a general list of items sold by Patio Heater Shoppers.com
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