Sunday 2 August 2009

Tips for Buying Electric Patio Heaters

Electric patio heaters can be used indoors or outdoors because they do not produce any emissions. These heaters are very efficient because they use radiant heat, like the sun, to warm objects and not air; therefore there is no heat that is lost. There are a few factors that need to be taken into consideration when looking at strip style patio heaters including mounting height, ceiling and wall clearances, length of ceiling and heat coverage area. Each of these factors help to determine which patio heater length and strength is appropriate for your space.


Determine Length of Area and Mounting Height

These measurements are important because they directly affect the wattage of the heater you will need. The higher the mounting height the higher wattage heater is needed to provide adequate heat. The other important factor is the amount of space or ceiling/wall length you have to cover with the patio heater. For example, if you have a wall that is ten feet long and seven feet high you could purchase two 1500 watt strip heaters that will each cover a 5 foot square area. If you have a wall that is ten feet long and eleven feet high you may want to purchase one 4000 watt strip heater that will heat a 10 foot square area.


Determine All Clearance Requirements

Electric heaters have smaller clearance requirements than gas fueled heaters so if space is an issue you will surely want to look at electric patio heaters. Some examples of clearance requirements are 18" from sides, 6" from rear and 6" from ceiling. These measurements do differ for each product, so it is important that you read the specifications for any heater you are purchasing.


Determine the Required Heat Coverage Area

This simply means the length and width of the space you need to heat. If you have a patio that is 10 feet by 10 feet you will want to pick a heater or multiple heaters that can effectively heat the required area.


Other Tips for Electric Patio Heaters

You will want to know if your heating unit has multi-zone control systems so you can turn off patio heaters that are not necessary. Make sure your unit has a safety shut off; some electric patio heaterselectric even come with optional heat regulators. If the patio heaters will be installed in a humid area make sure they are made of corrosive resistant materials.


Tag : patio heaters, outdoor patio heaters,electric patio heaters,gas patio heaters