The Benefits of Installing Outdoor Patio Heaters
The environmental benefits of fire pits and outdoor patio heaters are not clear. While experts advise burning firewood in small, hot fires, they should only be used when there is no danger of wildfire or air quality is unaffected by pollution. Propane and natural gas have little odor, but they still consume energy and emit carbon dioxide. Propane patio heaters can add to the number of days your patio can be used every year.
Electric patio heaters are easy to install
The first step in installing an electric patio heater is determining the size of the unit. You can choose an overhead or tabletop model. Overhead models are usually hardwired to the home, while tabletop models are self-contained and can be easily moved around. If you are concerned about the space they take up, you can also get a recessed unit for less space. You can also choose a remote control if you are worried about the wires.
Propane and natural gas patio heaters require a line to connect to a natural gas line. Neither are easy to install, but propane heaters are the most convenient and affordable. But natural gas patio heaters require a line installed in the home, while electric patio heaters only need a power outlet. Electric patio heaters have one significant disadvantage compared to their gas counterparts: they require a line, which may not be present in all areas of the home.
Natural gas heaters are another popular option. Although they are more expensive than electric heaters, they are permanent. Propane patio heaters plug into your home’s gas line, so you don’t need to worry about running out of gas or refilling the propane tank. Additionally, natural gas heaters are more affordable to operate in the long run since they do not need to be refueled as often. They also last longer than propane heaters, which is a bonus for those of us who enjoy outdoor living.
Natural gas patio heaters may cost more in the long run
Gas patio heaters are typically priced by the British Thermal Unit (BTU) per square foot. The more BTUs they produce, the warmer the patio will become. A typical full-sized natural gas heater will put out 40,000 BTUs and heat an area about 20 feet across. However, the actual range will depend on the design and wind conditions. Natural Gas costs vary, but generally provide 950 to 1,050 BTUs per standard cubic foot.
A 20-pound propane tank can provide nine to 15 hours of heat. A propane patio heater can be bulky and heavy, and they may not be suitable for enclosed areas. But they are more energy-efficient than their electric counterparts. A natural gas heater can be much cheaper to operate than a traditional electric heater. The only downside of propane is the cost of filling a tank. It can cost $1.60 per hour to fill up, and the energy bill isn’t very high.
A natural gas patio heater may be the best option for those with a smaller patio or deck. However, they may cost more in the long run. It is important to check whether you can afford them and what their lifetime costs are. Compared to electricity, they may actually save you money. And if you can’t afford to spend more than you can afford, it’s still a good investment.
Propane patio heaters may increase the number of days your patio is open every year
Propane patio heaters have several benefits, but you need to know how to take care of them properly to get the maximum amount of use out of them. Propane patio heaters should be tucked away in an area where it can breathe, preferably outdoors. Propane patio heaters should also be stored with care, as they may be susceptible to damage if they’re exposed to extreme cold and humidity.
Propane patio heaters can be difficult to operate, so some users prefer tabletop propane heaters. But they can also be quite expensive. Propane patio heaters can increase the number of days your patio is open every year. Propane patio heaters can be used even in freezing temperatures, so they’re a good investment for homeowners who enjoy entertaining outdoors.
The Fire Sense Compact Heater is one propane patio heater we tested, and it’s attractive and portable. A single canister of propane lasts three hours. Some users recommend using a 20-pound tank, but we didn’t find this necessary. The Fire Sense heater also features 10,000 BTUs of adjustable power. It’s easy to move around and requires less storage space than its competitors.
