Sunday 2 August 2009

Why Buy Electric Patio Heaters Over Gas Patio Heaters?

There are a number of benefits of electric patio heaters. Electric patio heaters do not produce any emissions, they are very efficient, some can be mounted out of reach of children and pets and they are fairly affordable.

Why don't electric patio heaters produce emissions?

Electric patio heaters do not produce any emissions because they do not burn any type of gas. These heaters use electric energy to create radiant heat. This heat directly and instantly warm objects and people. Radiant heat is like the heat that the sun creates which isn't stuffy or dry but these heaters do not emit ultra violet rays which can be harmful.

Why are electric heaters so efficient?

Electric heaters are so efficient because they do not waste any energy warming up the air. The heat that is produced by electric heaters is instant heat which means you are not wasting fuel or energy waiting for a space or a heater to warm up because these heaters heat objects and people directly without warming the air around them. Many electric heaters have regulators which allow you to adjust the heat levels, saving even more on costs.

Will my heater take up a lot of space?

Strip-style electric heaters can be mounted near ceilings so that they are out of reach of children, animals and guests. They do not take up any space and they are usually well out of view so they do not take away from the ambience of the space. Since these heaters do not produce an open flame they can be mounted closer to walls and ceilings than the gas fueled heaters. This is really beneficial for people that do not have a lot of space to spare.

How much will a heater cost?

Since cost always plays a role in my decisions to buy products you may be surprised at how affordable an electric heater can be. You can find units for around $200 and up. Just make sure you know how much space you want to heat so you can pick the right heater to do the job. Not only do these heaters come in different strengths (watts) they also come in different lengths which allows you to customize your heater purchase.

How To Choose The Right Commercial Patio Heaters

If you own a business, such as a restaurant or cafe, and are thinking of purchasing patio heaters for your outdoor area the following article will provide you with some valuable information.

Commercial patio heaters are truly an asset to business owners because they allow you to utilize your outdoor space during cooler months, which can add to increased revenue. Many people remember restaurants by whether they have an outdoor patio, but they will also remember if they have heaters to warm that area. So here are some tips that should help you decide on the right heaters for your outdoor space.

Electric Radiant Heaters

Electric radiant heaters can be mounted to walls or ceilings and use infrared heat, like the sun, to heat objects and people efficiently. There are also smaller portable heaters that can be placed anywhere you need warmth. The strip style heaters, that are mounted out of reach, come in a range of lengths which allow you to customize your heaters for your specific space. These types of heaters range in wattage from approximately 1500 watts to 4000 watts, the higher the wattage the more powerful the heater. Electric heaters require less space for ceiling and wall clearances which makes them a good choice for smaller spaces. It is suggested to have a professional install these heaters to make sure that they comply with local codes.

Propane Patio Heaters

Propane patio heaters are usually the post and cap style heaters that are basically self contained units that are fueled by propane gas tanks. These heaters provide heat by burning propane gas and radiating heat off of burner grids located at the top of the heater. These heaters can radiate heat out to a diameter up to around 20 feet depending on the specific BTU output of the heater. The higher the BTU's the more powerful the heater. These heaters are nice for restaurant owners because they do not require any installation and they can be moved around as needed. Many models come equipped with built-in wheels which makes moving them easy. Ceiling clearances for propane heaters are typically around 18 inches which is important to keep in mind when you are selecting your heaters.

Natural Gas Patio Heaters

Another type of commercial heater is the natural gas heaters. The main advantage of these heaters, over propane heaters, is that they are directly connected to gas lines, so there is no need to be constantly checking and refilling propane tanks. They are permanently mounted, so they cannot be moved around, so make sure that you are purchasing enough heaters to effectively cover your outdoor space. These heaters, like some electric heaters, do require professional installation, but once they are installed they are relatively worry free. You should definitely look for models that are made of corrosion resistant materials and have features like safety shut-offs, and stainless steel fasteners.

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