Sunday 29 May 2011

Patio Heaters That Fit Your Love of Outdoor Living

Patio heaters, also known as umbrella or mushroom heaters, are heaters designed for outdoor use. They are gaining more popularity since many people these days enjoy spending time in their backyards or patios. They are also usually used in bars and restaurants which have tables outside. Patio heaters allows individuals to stay outdoors even during cold weathers. However, some people are concerned that heaters might bring negative effects to the environment.

Patio heaters come in different styles and sizes. Heaters either use either LPG or propane to provide heat. The LPG or propane is burned and the flames are directed to a metal screen where the heat is radiated in a circular pattern. Some burners have a reflector on top to prevent heat from escaping upwards. There are many stores and online shops selling all kinds of heaters for outdoor use. Because of the use of propane or LPG gas, some environmentalists are concerned however many people still continue to use heaters especially during the colder months.

Propane heaters

There are several kinds of outdoor heaters to choose from. propane heaters are one of the most common. As the name implies, this kind is powered by propane gas. One of the benefits of propane heaters is that they are very easy to assemble. In addition, they also come with a safety tilt switch. This device can prevent fire hazards because it automatically turns off the gas when the propane heater reaches 18 degrees or higher. Another advantage of propane heaters is that they can survive most weather conditions and they are also low maintenance. propane heaters are usually used for barbecue parties and other gatherings.

Electric heaters

Another popular choice is the electric heater which is also known as radiant patio heater. This kind of device does not use wood. Instead, it relies on electricity to provide the needed heat by using the shortwave heating technology. It also has some benefits. One of them is that it can be permanently installed. Just like the propane heater, it is also low maintenance. Another advantage is that it can quickly warm up people and objects near it. A new kind of electric heater is the Infrared patio heaters which uses grid electricity. Manufacturers claim that this type of heater is environmental friendly.

Portable patio heaters

portable patio heaters are also popular especially among those who travel a lot since they can bring their own heaters any where they go. Portable heaters are fueled either by natural gas, propane gas or electricity. Portable heaters have different styles: mobile, tabletop, commercial, freestanding, ground mount and ceiling or wall mount. They are very beneficial since you can move them inside or outside they house. They are especially useful during the winter season.

Monday 23 May 2011

Types of Patio Heaters And Their Fuel Options

If you like to hold outdoor parties or simply like to spend more time outdoors, a patio heater may prove a very handy device for you. Patio heaters come in different styles, sizes and fuel options. So you can choose one keeping your particular requirements in mind. Previously, the steep prices of these heaters mostly kept them out of general use. But due to greater demand, the prices have come down in recent years and these days you can get a decent propane heater for as low as $150.

As for fuel options, these outdoor heaters come in three different types - propane heaters, electric and infrared heaters, and gas heaters. propane heaters are the most commonly used type since they do not need any extension cords or outlets and can be placed in the exact location the owner wants. For gas heaters, which are fueled by natural gas, and electric heaters, you will however have to have a nearby natural gas or electrical outlet near to the heater stand. Because of this, it is often not possible to install electric or gas heaters in the location you want without installing a new outlet.

Propane patio heaters come in two different styles - the stand alone and the table top models. If it is a small area and the guests will mostly remain seated, the table top heaters are a good option. It is recommended to place the heater at a lower level than the normal seating arrangements. Since the heat will mostly be directed upwards, this will be a more comfortable arrangement. Some of these heaters, however, come with a mushroom top that reflects a part of the heat downwards. The fuel option for these heaters is the disposable propane canisters. A single bottle can last from two to three hours, so if you are planning to spend a longer time outdoors, it is best to go for stand alone heaters.

These heaters are placed on top of a post and can be fueled by disposable bottles or an LPG hose that will be connected to a larger propane tank. These heaters can operate for longer times and the heat is spread over a larger area. You lose the portability option, but you will save more on fuel since disposable propane bottles result in greater fuel costs.

As for the fuel costs, you can save the most on that by using gas heaters. But since they require professional installation and cost significantly more than the propane heaters, people generally shy away from using them. Electric heaters cost less in fuel than propane heaters, too.

So if you are thinking about buying one of these heaters, keep these factors in mind. You can shop for patio heaters online or at local retailers. Be precise about your requirements and finding the right outdoor heater will not be difficult.

Saturday 21 May 2011

Patio Heaters And Their Alternatives

These days, most homeowners want to construct a patio in their gardens or yards to enhance the attractiveness and comfort of their homes. During summer days, it is the best place in the home to relax, entertain friends and spend time with your family. If you put a heater in the patio, you can use it in winter times also. There are different types of outdoor patio heaters that come in various sizes, shapes, and varieties and are fueled by a variety of sources, including propane, natural gas, wood, and electricity.

These heaters are highly beneficial to provide comfortable warmth during the chilly days and nights of winter season. One of the most popular types of heaters is umbrella patio heater, a beautifully designed unit that is run by propane gas. This type of heating system also requires only a little space as it does have a thin vertical shape. The wood burning heaters are environment friendly and are less expensive than others. Moreover, if you want, you can add a cooking grill to your wood burning heater.

The gas outdoor patio heaters are lightweight and are available in various styles and shapes. These are very easy to install and can be controlled with a remote control. The electric ones are perfect to be used both indoors and outdoors. They are the easiest way to warm a patio. The electric Infrared heaters can heat the patio very quickly and are ideal to use in windy weather.

The major criticism against outdoor patio heaters is that they are hazardous to environment as they emit a substantial amount of carbon dioxide in the air. Hence, it has been strongly recommended to use other methods to heat the patios. Fortunately, there are many alternatives to these. outdoor patio fireplaces are a best option to heat patios. They are made from a number of materials, including stainless steel, cast iron, stone, clay, brick, stucco, copper, and cast aluminum. Both wood-burning outdoor fireplaces and gas-fueled outdoor fireplaces are available in the market. The outdoor fireplaces are in fact more attractive than the patio heaters.

The outdoor patio chimineas are a good alternative to outdoor patio heaters. They also add more natural beauty and elegance to your patio. Woods are generally used as fuel for chimineas. The other fuel sources that can be used in chiminea include charcoal, propane and alcohol gel. Fire pits are another effective way to give warmth to the area. There are a wide variety of patio fire pits available in the market in different shapes and various materials. Usually, fire pits are fueled by gas or wood.

Wednesday 11 May 2011

Did You Know That Gas Patio Heater Has The Lowest Operating Cost?

Most of the people who have a patio or a terrace will surely have some type of patio furniture of that space. They might not have a full set, but they might at least have some weather chairs. In case even if you don't have those chairs it is high time that you get some. If you don't furnish the patio properly, it will be the most unutilized place in the house, and so it will result in nobody willing to spend much time there

On the other hand the necessitate to spend some part of the day in the open air is good but can never be overemphasized and so you can in turn try to induce your family to do so by just paying quite an attention to its decor. Now buying an expensive set of patio furniture is not work out. Actually, if you have ideas, money should never be the main decisive factor, although the importance of that can never be exaggerated

See to it that all your patio furniture are weatherproof. It is a very tough job to pull this furniture's in and out each time you want to sit outdoor, so this furniture's must be made in such type of material which can withstand both rain and shine equally. Can you believe that there is no dearth for such weatherproof materials which can be fashioned into patio furniture? Sometimes you just need to put some patio furniture cover on them and that situation will also arise when you feel that you will not be using for a quite a long period or in case the temperature reaches sub-zero. Or else you can leave them uncovered for as

patio furniture can be made from all kinds of materials, the only condition being that they will be weatherproof. Most popular of them are:

• Teak wood has some unique qualities. It is sturdy and yet lightweight. Teak furniture is water and UV resistant. Neither termites nor any other pest can get at it. Moreover, it does not need any care and yet will last more than a lifetime.
• Other than teak, three other variety of suitable for making patio furniture are shorea, cedar and eucalyptus. They are all weather resistant and durable.
• Wicker patio furniture is not made out of natural wicker because the later is not at all weatherproof. Synthetic wicker is and so most of them are made from synthetic wicker.
• Resin or other synthetic materials such as molded plastic are also good as patio furniture material. They no longer look cheap, but some of them also have wood finish.
• Metals like aluminum and wrought iron is also good as patio furniture material. Some are contemporary in design while others can be ethnic.

Now let us discuss about the different kinds of furniture available for use in the patio. Select the bistro table with suitable number of chairs which is a common item because the main purposes of the patios are used as outdoor eating area quite often. The table generally has a hole in the centre for the umbrella poles to pass. Apart from that sofas, chaise lounges, ottoman, benches, rocking chairs, gliders are all available in weatherproof material for patio use.

Make sure that your patio has both the patio umbrella and patio heater. If you want a portable heater then you have to choose a gas heater as it runs on gas. It is not only portable; these gas patio heaters also have the lowest operating cost. The problem with such heaters is that unless they are connected to the gas line directly, it requires periodic refilling. That is why if you use the patio extensively, it is not a very practical choice

patio gas heater with 40,000 BTU and 20 pound tank will have the capacity to heat for 10 to 12 hours continuously. Once it is done then it has to be refilled. The BTU is other wise called as the British Thermal Unit denotes the heating capacity of a heater and if the heater has 40,000 BTU it means such a heater can increase the temperature by 25 degree within a diameter of 15' to 20'. If it is for a residential use then it will be more than enough.

Another problem with a gas patio heater is that it has a live flame and therefore, inflammable materials kept nearby may catch fire. Of course, the manufacturers of such heaters make sure that they do not and cover the burner with perforated sheet. Also, make sure that such heaters have anti-tilting mechanism so that if tilted, they are automatically switched off. It pays to be careful.

Friday 6 May 2011

Propane Patio Heater - Efficient Outdoor Heater

Propane patio heaters are becoming popular in every home, pubs and restaurants. Indeed for its function that extends the enjoyment outdoors even during the cold days and nights. It provides warm to the patio which makes everyone in there feel comfortable.


Propane patio heater is one of the patio heaters. This kind of heater is using propane gas to operate which is commonly used in grill gas. Some propane gas heaters also use disposable propane gas tanks.


Floor standing and table top are the types of patio type. Using propane patio is easy as the floor standing heaters are equipped with wheels and the table top heaters are lightweight and portable.


Propane patio heater features auto tilt valve and piezo igniter which makes the heater safe to use. The auto tilt valve automatically turns off the unit when it accidentally falls down. Moreover, the piezo igniter can be used to control the flame of it.


Though the heater is equipped with safety features, it is still important to have the proper knowledge in using the propane heater. What's important is to use it safely and appropriate. While the heater is operating, you should keep all the flammable objects away from the heater. Don't use the propane heater when there is the strong wind blows since it might blow the fire or ash and land to the objects near the unit.


Place the heater in a safe place where children cannot easily access. Moreover, don't let the children touch the heater while it is operating. And do not place the heater near the doorway to avoid human traffic and accidentally hit the heater. You also need to include adults in the safety measures that you have to undertake.


Propane heater has the great contribution in enjoying the outdoor living. Each time you want to spend some time in your patio anytime of the year even during the cold days or nights, propane patio is there to stay to keep you warm and comfortable.


Monday 2 May 2011

Electric Patio Heaters - Offering Indoor Comfort Outdoors

Electric space heaters have always been around providing warmth and comfort indoors. Many homeowners have depended on these heaters, from the old coil model heaters to the newer ceramic styles as a staple for their homes heating needs. Now, if you like spending time and entertaining outdoors, the latest models of electric patio heaters can provide that same warmth and comfort to your outdoor spaces too.


Outdoor heaters come in a wide array of styles and shapes. In the past, propane was the means used to power most outdoor heaters. However, new technology and innovations are making electric heating models increasingly popular. Here are some reasons homeowners love electric heaters:


Radiant Heating: Radiant heat, which is used my many electric models, heats the people and things around it and not the air. For energy efficiency and comfort radiant heat can't be beat.


Targeted Heat: Electric heaters provide directional heat. So the heat only goes in one direction letting you target the heat where you want it unlike propane heaters that over a 360 degree area. Targeted heating means you don't waste money and energy heating unnecessary areas.


Safe: Electric patio heaters are much safer than the traditional propane unit. Unlike propane, electric heaters don't have a flame, which means there is less risk for injury or fire. Most of the newer electric models even stay cool, which is really great for families with children or pets.


Portable: Even though you have to plug in electric heaters, they work on a regular outlet and are generally very portable and easily moved around your patio.


Inexpensive and Clean: Electric heaters are less expensive to operate than propane and offer a clean, odorless source of energy. Electric heaters provides maximum warmth for minimum cost.


The newest innovation in electric patio heaters is infrared heating. These models offer almost instant heat. Infrared models come in free standing and wall mounted units and usually feature slim profiles and won't stick out into your patio space.


Most electric heaters come with standard safety features. These features generally include an anti-tipping feature so that units won't tip over accidentally and an automatic shut-off switch so that the heater will shut-off instead of overheating if left on by accident. Other features that are offered are zone control and variable temperature controls. You should make sure your unit offers these features to get maximum comfort from your new heater.


It doesn't matter which electric heating model you select, you can count on it to provide years of reliable efficient warmth for your patio. When you've selected the right heater for your patio, you'll be able to enjoy your patio in comfortable warmth on even the coldest nights.


If you can't figure out the best choice between convection, radiant or infrared heating and are just generally confused by all the different heating options, then stop by electric patio heaters. This is the internet's premier site for patio resources. Check it out and discover the hottest trends and latest news in outdoor patio heaters">outdoor patio heaters styles.


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