Showing posts with label Patio. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Patio. Show all posts

Tuesday, 1 May 2012

Patio Heaters: 5 Important Things To Think About Before Buying

Patio heater buying can end up bad if you don't really know what to go for. Buying a heater isn't as simple as going out to the local home improvement store and buying the first one you get your hands on. You need to think about some things before going through the purchase.

If you are lost in this whole thing and don't know what to do or where to start, we have found the way! For you buying needs, we give you: 5 important things to think about before buying a
patio heater.

Gas 
Heaters

There are different types of
heaters. One of them would be the gas or fuel powered heaters that are either propane or natural gas powered. These are among the most powerful heaters out there. propane heaters needs constant checking with their tanks to make sure it does not run out. Natural gas heaters however will continue to heat your patio as long as it is connected to your gas line.

Electric 
Heaters

Unlike gas
heaters, All you need to do for this heater to work is to plug it in the nearest power socket and crank up the heat meter to the desired temp. But as convenient as it may be, it does not pack that much power when compared to gas heaters. However, if you have a small patio, then this heater will suffice.

Safety Measures


This is one very important point to consider when buying a
patio heater. Make sure you buy a heater with stability. This is to avoid chances of it getting knocked over. Standing types should have a weighted base for stability. In the unlikely occasion that it tips over, make sure that it has an auto shut-off system for it.

Materials Used


This is one point to consider as well as the quality of the materials used to manufacture the
heater would reflect the overall quality of it. Normally, heaters out in the market today are made of steel, though there are some basic ones made out of aluminum. Just remember that you get what you pay for when buying heaters.

Dome Size


The dome is the top part of the
patio heater and it is one of the main proponents that would help emit heat in a given area. You should look at its size in diameter as the bigger they are the more efficient the heat distribution would be.

Though this article may have been a great help in your buying decision, make sure to check out more articles about
patio heaters on the internet. There are a lot more sources of information regarding heaters online like other articles on a given brand or in-depth reviews on the leading ones in the market today.

Thursday, 1 March 2012

Patio Heaters 101: Types, Benefits and What You Should Know

Since many people are putting as much time and money into their outdoor space as they do their home, the use of an outdoor heater has become more popular than ever. These outdoor patio heaters allow the homeowner to extend their outdoor time for social gatherings with family and friends. Outdoor heaters provide warmth while also maintaining a safe environment. Just because the temperature has dropped does not mean that outside socializing has to be over. If you are someone that enjoys social gatherings year round the benefits outweigh the additional expense.

Outdoor patio heaters come in many shapes and styles. Many of the heaters blend in so well with their surroundings that you do not even know that they are there. There are portable heaters that require very little installation or you can put in a permanent structure if so desired. Depending on your budget and size of the area you are looking to cover the cost will vary.

Types of Outdoor Patio Heaters

Electric heaters - These heaters are more expensive than most other outdoor heaters, but they are permanent. The electric heater is mounted and virtually maintenance free. They have no annoying red glare and produce no fumes, making them very safe. The heater is controlled by a switch allowing you to easily turn on or off with ease. They come in a variety of styles to blend in with any home décor. Professional installation is required as it is recommended by the manufacturer that they have their own designated electric line.

Natural gas heaters - These types of outdoor patio heaters can be portable or permanent structures. They use either a propane tank or a natural gas line and professional installation is required for the line. These are energy efficient and produce an abundance of heat. These heaters are most often less expensive than the electric heater.

Considerations

As with any heater proper installation is a must. Follow the installation instructions to avoid a fire hazard. Safety should always be your first concern. Do not place your outdoor heater near debris, wood, plastic or plants. If purchasing a table top model ensure the area is large enough to support the heater.

Outdoor patio heaters are good for maintaining warmth outside while the weather is cool. While there are some considerations to keep in mind, outdoor patio heaters are generally a safe way to ensure that your outdoor living does not end before you are ready.

Tuesday, 31 January 2012

Defining Outdoor Patio Heater and Its Uses

What exactly is an outdoor patio heater? Well, it's a modern based outdoor heater that can be used for all the outdoor activities. Due to their appealing outlook and attractive designs, these heaters have become a household commodity now.

Shape And Functions:

An outdoor patio heater comes in different shapes and sizes. So, how does it look like? Generally, it looks like an umbrella with its upper body installed on a long stem. There is a gadget beneath the upper part or let's say at its top. What does this gadget do? Mainly, this gadget serves the purpose of maintaining and releasing heat. The trapped heat circulates throughout the heater. The heating can be controlled by a cooking unit lookalike regulator, which can easily increase or decrease the heat.

Range Of Heat:

The heaters have the ability to produce heat up to a range of six meters. Quite a good range for any efficient heater isn't it? Such heater can run on electricity, LPG and propane other than gas.

Modified Outdoor Patio Heaters:

The modified form of outdoor patio heaters is known as Infra Red type of heaters, which are run on grid electrical energy.

Uses of Heaters:

Why outdoor patio heaters are getting all popular? Whether you want to enjoy the cool winter breeze or just want to enjoy watching the rain while sitting in your balcony, these heaters will offer you pure comfort by keeping the temperature warm.

These days, the trend of opening up outdoor restaurants is on the rise. The main purpose of these open-air bars or restaurants is to increase the sitting time of their customers. People can enjoy various entertaining activities arranged by the bars and restaurants owners for instance comedy shows, magic shows, karaoke parties and much more even in the coolest of weathers. These heaters are just amazing and can keep us warm in the coolest of the weather.

Affordability:

These outdoor heaters are worth the price and do not fall heavy on your pocket. Yes! Offering the perfect combination of performance and affordability, an outdoor patio heater is the perfect choice for group meetings, get together, birthday/wedding functions and all kind of outdoor parties and events. What's better than a multipurpose heater especially when you don't want to go overboard with your finances as well? The best suggestion at this time is to go for an outdoor patio heater today!

Thursday, 12 January 2012

Patio Heaters for a Warm and Comfortable Patio to Stay

Perhaps you already feel the chilly wind when you stay few minutes in your patio. Before everything turns to unbearable coldness, you better prepare and acquire a patio heater. This outdoor item is very helpful for individuals who love to spend time outdoors to relax. It fights off the cold atmosphere thus giving a cozy ambiance for a comfortable place to stay.

Some types of patio heaters are fire pits, fireplaces chiminea and the latest addition is the umbrella type patio heaters. These heaters use different fuel sources such as propane, natural gas, electricity and wood. All of these types offer efficient heating performance that is very useful for enjoying and extending time in the patio without getting cold.

When choosing the heater, determine first the size of the space you want to heat up. A 20lbs. propane tank used in propane patio heaters can heat up areas up to 20ft. in diameter. You must also consider the fuel source to which you think is efficient and to help you save money.

Heaters for outdoor use come in elegant finishes such as bronze, copper and stainless steel so it could also add beauty to your outdoor space.

There are some safety reminders that you have to follow when using the heaters for outdoor use. First, since it is intended for outdoor utilization, it must not be used inside the house. When storing, store the heater and its accessories in a safe garden or tool shed and lock so children won't easily open it.

When the heater is on in the patio, don't allow children to touch and play near the unit to avoid burns and other hazard. Also remind adults to be careful since there is the heater burning on the side. Moreover, place the heater in the corner where it can be easily reach by the children.

With the heating efficiency of the patio heaters, pastime activities, having a cup of coffee in the patio or even an overnight party celebration can happen comfortably. Everyone will enjoy the outdoor while sitting down on one the of the outdoor furniture comfortably.

Tuesday, 27 December 2011

Buying a Patio Heater With Confidence

Outdoor patio heaters can be found on offer at numerous E-commerce stores as well as major brick and mortar stores. The question then becomes where to buy from and more importantly which brand is going to give the best bang for the buck. Another very important consideration is the fuel source that you have available to you at your location.

Price isn't everything - Test their Outdoor Heater Knowledge

Where to buy from - it is so important to be sure of all of the needs above are dealt with that you should ask questions and run as fast as you can if you are not given specific answers that you can verify. On-line stores generally offer best pricing, but I recommend that you call and speak with their customer service as you do need to ask the questions. If they do not appear to be knowledgeable about the product call another company.

Which Outdoor Patio Heater is Right

Look for outdoor electric and gas heaters that operate on the principal of generating the heat via infra-red rays. The benefit of this that the heat generated does not heat the air but heats the object. The object being, the human body, concrete/tile floor etc. One should also be aware that although gas heaters are sold as infra-red heaters, for them to operate in this manner, they need to be run on their high heat setting.

Which is the correct heater for your needs - outside heaters are available in versions running off liquid propane, natural gas and electricity. From a cost of running perspective, natural gas is generally the most cost effective followed by the other two forms at about an equal cost? For the casual user the cost of running will not be a significant issue due to the generally low hours that the heater is used for on a daily basis. For commercial installations this can very quickly become an issue. Both electric and gas heaters come in formats that are free standing or wall mounted. Where possible a wall mounted heater is the preferred choice due to the fact that you then free up floor space and avoid loose wires or gas feeds to trip on.

Outdoor Electric Heaters

Electric heaters are available predominantly in 120V or 240V format. The power rating of the heater is limited by the voltage. You therefore will not see 120V heaters running at more than 1500W which is equivalent to most ladies hair dryers. These 120V heaters are mostly used where you have one or two chairs closely situated and you would place the heater next to the chair or between them and receive very localized heat. In moving up to 240v electric supply your power options increase substantially with the 6000W heater generally being about the most powerful unit that you will find. At this point it becomes very important that you select the correct heater based on your criteria. You need to look at the height at which you will be able to install the heater, how large an area you want to heat and what your prevailing temperature will be at the time that you want to use the heater. With outdoor electric heaters matching the heater to the installation height is critical. By not being aware of this criterion you will invariably find that you have less heat than what you expected or needed or if the heater is too powerful for the installation height, you will constantly be uncomfortable with a feeling of being overheated or worse yet cooked. It is best practice to install a heater that is slightly more powerful than what you estimated your need to be and then be sure to use a controller that allows you to control the heat output as needed.

Gas Patio Heaters

Gas heaters - come in free standing versions and wall mount and as mentioned, use propane or natural gas as the fuel, otherwise know as, outdoor gas heaters. Free standing heaters have an average output ranging between thirty to fifty thousand BTU. The available brands and models range in price from $199 to $1500. As is the case in most instances in life, you get what you pay for. The low cost versions generally burn at a lower heat than advertised, don't have parts availability and will need replacing far sooner than the better quality units. Wall mount gas heaters are available in versions that use a low voltage electrical current to ignite the heater from a switch on the wall or via a remote.

Whatever your choice or installation, it is always recommended to purchase from a company that is knowledgeable about their product.

Tuesday, 29 November 2011

Patio Heaters –– Give Comfort In A Chilling Winter This Summer

Patios are awesome places. These can be the places where you spend the most of your leisure time in summers. And all your guests would have arrived there and often breakfast and dinner would have been served there. But when the winters arrive the whole scene gets entirely changed. The patios are turned extremely chilling and the place and the comfort and coziness of the patios is lost. But you can undo this with the use of patio heaters. Since the winters are arriving and you are already feeling chilly and before the conditions get worse than this it is essential that you get the patio heater.

The patio heaters are an amazing device that can be installed in your patios and these can supply a very cozy and comfortable environment for your patios. Basically the patio heaters consist of heat roads. A heating wire is coiled around a clay road and when the electric supply is switched on the wire gets heated and spreads the warmth all around. Also the patio heaters come with the heating fans. Along with the heating filament there is a fan that gets pumps out the heated air to get the entire area heated up.

Most of the patio heaters are portable types and these can be set any where throughout your home when you want it. And some of these could be the folding ones as well that will get folded up and can be placed in the corner without catching up much space. Basically the patio heaters operate of the gas line or electricity socket. While some other patio heaters can be set over the walls or poles. Also you can have the ceiling heaters. These can be hung right above your head and can spread the warmth from the top of the room to all parts of the area. These can give an extended heating over the place and can be kept out of reach of small kids.

Also there are table top patio heaters that you can place over the table. These can be portable as well and you can place them by your side while sitting or having a small nap over your chair. While shopping for the patio heaters the thing that you need to consider is that you have taken into account all the safety features with a particular patio heater. Besides the much more advanced heating appliances sense the presence of individual sitting or would detect the over heating of a particular place and would automatically switch off. Beside you can also consider the power consumption ability of particular product and in that the area to be heated also matters a lot.

Buying patio heaters can be very easy there are so many online store from where you can buy these products and other similar appliances like Dehumidifiers, humidifiers, hunter fans, air coolers and many more. You simply have to log on to the website and will be able to look over for the wide range of products and will be able to shop for them online.You can find such very best quality products you can simply log on to: www.aircomfortcentre.com

Friday, 22 July 2011

Looking at Patio Heaters From Both Sides

Patio is often the main reception for events especially for summer. In winter, people draw back to their homes. With limited space, for some, or expensive porcelains, instead of having a well spent winter, you are there worried on the negative "what ifs." You can still enjoy the warmness of summer in your patio even during winter. This warm embracing feeling can be given by heaters.

There are different types, characteristics, details, and benefits of using heating system. Most heaters are propelled by electricity, propane or natural gas. There are heaters that are comfortable to use and can be easily stored. There are as well those with different designs and shapes. The most common shape is cylindrical.

The often most purchased type of patio heater is propane heating system. The main benefit derived from this type of heater is its ability to consume little amount of energy but still releases enough heat. This leads to saving more money. On the other hand, its downfall is its long-range capability to distribute heat. It can only heat a small area. This setback requires that it should be located to the main floor of events causing obstruction of communication and other activities there from.

The second most common patio heater is electric patio heater. The good thing about this is that it answers to the set back of the propane outdoor heaters. With its automatically adjustable temperature, one can easily cover all corners of your patio being able to share the heat to your entire guest.

Electric patio heater can be place on an area far from the main course of event. You can put it in a corner of your patio because its heat can still reach amazing distance. An electrical patio heater as well can be placed on ceilings or walls. This definitely saves space. This advantage is not true or applicable for all electric heating system. There are electric outdoor heating system whose range is similar with that of propane heaters.

Electric patio heater is also environmentally friendly and is more pro health. It is odorless compared to gas propelled outdoor heating system. It eliminates irritations and allergies for some. You cannot allow gas fresher in your patio.

Many consumers have a stereotype that because this heater is propelled by electricity that it will already gigantically increase your electric bill. It is not like your oven or refrigerator that requires some time before reaching the desired temperature. Electric heater functions by means of infrared radiant heat. This means that it can warm people aside without actually having to wait substantial time to heat up. Then, because its temperature is adjustable or can be regulated, you can just specify the desired temperature.

Since electric heater is located outside, it would also be better if you choose electric heater with fashionable and timely designs. There are those that are specially twisted and curved to bring elegance and classic aesthetics. This will also bring your patio into a new dimension.

Nonetheless, electric patio heater, similar with those propane heating system, has also some disadvantages. There is high humidity on winters. This causes the wirings and other electrical passages prone to being wet. This could probably lead to a larger heater propelled not by electricity but by the house itself. Electric patio heater requires more attention and care. Nonetheless, this does not conclude that propane heaters are safer. Its flammable gas heater that utilizes liquefied petroleum gas can cause unwanted fire as well. This states that both can be safety, as well as dangerous, if proper or negligent actions are accorded into accordingly.

Another setback for electric patio heater is its price. It is more expensive compared to propane heaters. Its price comes with its quality nonetheless. Just ensure that the wirings are well thickly coated. There are cheap electric outdoor heaters but its long range consequences makes you feel sorry for investing on a cheap one.

heaters may come in different types, designs, quality, and price, what counts the most is what make it counts in your patio - its heat. Just ensure that this heat is sufficient and accommodate you and your guests during winters.

Sunday, 10 July 2011

Patio Heaters to Fight Coldness Away

It's starting to get cold outside. And you know what would be the possible things to happen when the coldness becomes an extreme freezing temperature. More or less, outdoor activities are about to wait for the next fine weather or when the temperature becomes tolerable.

Yet, before the temperature reach the lowest degree, be sure that you have patio heaters ready to use so anytime you want to spend time in your patio but the weather is freezing, you will have something to keep you warm. Outdoor heater is one of the popular outdoor necessities nowadays because of the comfort it provides during cold moths for people who loved to spend time outside doing outdoor activities.

There are several types of outdoor heating units to choose from such as Umbrella heater, fire pit, chiminea and fire places. Each of these heaters uses different fuel sources like wood, propane, natural gas and electricity.

Well, the most in demand type of patio heater is the umbrella heater because of its many characteristics like portability and efficiency. It comes in floor-standing and tabletop units. A propane patio heater that uses 20lbs. propane tank can heat up area up to 20ft diameter in approximately 10 hours. Electric outdoor patio heaters on the other hand can be used continuously yet it might affect your electricity consumption.

No matter what form of outdoor heating-provider unit you choose it is still best if you spend time doing a research about the type of heater you prefer. Choose the unit very carefully so that you will be happy using it as you can have sufficient amount of heating. Moreover, it will also help you to determine how to use it properly and the safety measures necessary regarding with the unit.

Patio heaters will let you extend the time you want to spend in your patio. It will keep you comfortable as it fights off the coldness giving you a warm ambiance. No doubt that this thing is one of the many things you have to purchase to provide the family the comfort they deserve. This is as valuable as your outdoor furniture for the comfort they provide.

Tuesday, 5 July 2011

Enjoy the Outdoors - With Patio Heaters Or Propane Heaters

You, being a lover of the outdoors can do no wrong with patio heaters. Patio heaters are not limited to use at home. Why not get some for your office? Then your staff can enjoy the outdoors during breaks and lunches. This gives them another place to hang out and who knows, may even boosts everyone's moral. patio heaters are also popular at outdoor dining spots.

The patio heaters can help those who need to have cigarette breaks out of the office. Smokers smoke outside so the heaters can help them keep warm.

For starters, you will need an electric starter as oppose to matches as the former is safer.

You can expect a coverage of between 10 and 20 feet in radius and between 10 and 30 degrees Fahrenheit raise in temperature.

You can find heaters that are mounted high on the wall in order to facilitate the downwards blowing of the heat. You can also find heaters that are attached to the ceiling. As well, free standing ones.

Heaters that can switch off automatically when it has reached its desired temperature is one that is ideal. For this reason, wood heaters are commonly used. For this type of heater, you can choose to have copper fire pit or stainless steel heater. The flame is well contained by a protective gate. Use your own firewood to save money but be careful about breaking the laws regarding wood combustion.

Cover the your outdoor heaters for protection.

Nevertheless, patio heaters not exactly meant for winters, rather, fall and spring. They work by means of radiated heat, which is more affordable because while the area is warmed up, the air is not heated. Unlike convection, which consumes more energy in order to heat the air and thus giving less heat to the area.

The patio heater may cost up to $300 depending on the features it has. Some of the features are emergency cut off valves, flame controllers, sealed burners and tilt switches. Newer versions of the heaters may have these incorporated features available.

The antique bronze and stainless steel version of the heaters are chic and elegant.

Like the name implies, propane heaters are self contained units that are fueled by propane gas tanks. These heaters look like antique light posts. So you can start to see that the heaters serve a double purpose; besides warming the area, they are decorative items in and of themselves, so much so that they hardly look like heaters.

There are quite a few propane heaters to choose from. It depends on how you want to use it and the layout of the area it is to heat.

The amount of heat a propane heater will release depends on the BTU that is the British Thermal Unit. The highest BTU unit is between 40,000 and 46,000. Thus, the heaters can heat the area of up to 175 square foot.

The BTU is the quantity of heat vital to increase temperature of 1 pound of water by 1 degree fahrenheit. Higher BTU would mean warmer temperature; however, this also depends on the design of the heater to heat certain amount of space.

How much heat you can feel also depends some on the surroundings. When walls and gates can shield the area from the wind and trap heat within, the heating capacity can be optimum.

The propane heaters will need 18 inches clearance on the ceilings.

Propane heaters can also be in a movable version. They come with wheels and therefore useful especially on bad weather days. Therefore, with this type of heater, you can choose between movable or permanent ones. Table top propane heaters are also affordable however, getting the heaters depend on how you intend to use it.

The propane heaters use the same fuel as the ones used for barbeques. They will not require installation by specialists. You will only need them if you are installing heaters that use electricity or gas line.

Monday, 6 June 2011

Enjoy Extended Outdoor Living With Patio Heaters

Outdoor living has never been the same with the growing popularity and convenience of patio heaters. Nowadays, you no longer see them only in restaurants and bars. Many homeowners are beginning to be sensitive to the practicality of maximizing the enjoyment and use of their backyard. patio heaters provide the answer. There are also many commercial establishments who have them as necessary features. Many community pools and parks, hotels, resorts, country clubs and corporate properties are making full use of patio heaters.

When you want to stay for a longer time outdoors in your home, coldness of the weather cut it short. patio heaters provide the radiant heat to keep you warm. Then, you can spend quiet moments by yourself in the stillness of the night. Or you can enjoy lively conversation with friends and family while sipping lemonade.

There are different kinds of patio heaters. When you hear people talking about mushroom or umbrella heaters, they mean the same. Manufacturers and their designers are combining beauty and functionality in their heaters. You can now scan all available models and make your choice depending on your taste and budget.

Consumers are now looking at the latest model in the market. If you want to enjoy a cleaner and eco-friendly heat, try the Infrared patio heaters. It is operated by grid electricity. These heaters do not emit carbon monoxide and other greenhouse gases. Infrared models are energy efficient and safe for outdoor and indoor use. What is notable is the recyclability of its components and packing materials. They come in different styles and finishes. Check out these infrared patio heaters.

Many people who want to operate their heaters inexpensively chose models being fueled by natural gas or propane. It can be amazing when you see the durability and quality of these fixtures. When you see one heater being offered at a discounted price and notice its wonderful features, who can blame you if right there and then, you bring out your credit card and buy the unit impulsively.

Just take a look at a Free standing stainless steel heater fueled by natural gas and being offered for $ 200. It provides around 40,000 BTUs and gives a 15'-20' circle of warmth. It raises the temperature to 10-20 degrees with adjustable temperature setting component. What more can you want from a heater which can provide your family outdoor pleasure even during winter and fall.

When a full standing heater is not necessary and you just need a more personalized heater, take a look at a portable table top model. You will be amazed at what it can do. This heater is perfect for small areas. You will have a seven foot circle of radiant heat. It operates on standard propane cylinder lasting for about 8-10 hours. Observe the safety features. It incorporates latest in burner technology and safety systems. An oxygen depletion sensor will shut the unit off if there is lack of oxygen. It has a tilt switch that automatically shuts the heater if it gets knocked over. The heater includes a safety pilot system that stops the gas flow if the burner should blow out.

In the event you have decided to invest in patio heaters, know that they come in various finishes like bronze, black, green, silver, stainless steel and other finishes. They can also be a Free Standing, Mobile, Tabletop, Ceiling/Wall Mounted or Ground Mounted types. There are lots of branded heaters in the market. Just take time to canvass and compare prices, features, freebies and warranties. If you want an extended outdoor experience during chilly days or nights, access yourself with the warmth and comfort provided by these wonderful patio heaters!

Saturday, 4 June 2011

Propane Patio Heaters - Your Option When Choosing for Patio Heaters

You probably want to spend a little in the patio before going to bed. However, the cold weather prevents you from doing whatever activity you want to do. Indeed, when the cold season comes, the outdoor activities are limited.

Fortunately, there are patio heaters that come very useful during winter days and night. This outdoor item helps keep the patio warm and cozy to stay so you can use the place the whole year round no matter how cold or hot the season is.

Outdoor heaters are available in several forms such as the free-standing heaters and wall-mounted. There are also fire pits and outdoor fireplaces. The heaters are operated using different fuel sources such as propane, natural gas and electricity. The heaters use the fuel efficiently thus giving you more hours to enjoy the warmness of the patio.

Free-standing heater units such as the floor-standing and tabletop are mostly used by homeowners. This type of heater offers portability. The floor-standing units are equipped with rear wheels thus you can move the unit easily and so as the tabletop heating units that are lightweight. These heaters are mostly operated using propane fuel. This form of heater is mostly called Umbrella or Mushroom patio heaters.

Mostly, a tabletop patio heaters produce heat up to 7,000 to 11,000 BTU can provide heat range up to 7ft. diameter. For example, a 16 oz. Propane cylinder can provide two to three hours of heating effect. This is ideal for simple outdoor dining.

On the other hand, the 40,000BTU floor-standing propane heaters can provide heat in areas up to 18ft in diameter. This heater uses 20lbs. standard disposable propane tank and heating consumption for up to 10hours. This is ideal for outdoor parties that can be extended until midnight.

Most propane patio heaters are equipped with safety features such auto tilt valve that automatically shuts off the heater incase the unit accidentally falls. The heaters also feature Piezo igniter for easy ignition.

It is important that you have knowledge about the safety precautions and the proper usage of the heater . Propane patio heaters are intended for outdoor use. Do not try to turn it on inside the house as it will produce harmful gas fumes. Also avoid placing the unit when it is in operation in windy areas. The wind might affect the heating efficiency. Yet, it is necessary to place the heater in a well-ventilated area but not windy. Clear the area where the heater is standing and take all the flammable objects around the heater. Choose the unit that is UL listed to ensure that the heater passed all the quality control examination and to make sure the heater is durable and efficient.

Do a little research about the certain unit of your choice before purchasing it. This will help you determine the characteristics of the unit and can help you choose the best one and enjoy the warmth that it provides when you spend time outside feeling comfortable while relaxing in the outdoor furniture set in your patio.

Wednesday, 1 June 2011

Warming The Outdoors With The Right Kind Of Patio Heater

Getting your outdoor space nice and comfortable is very important. No matter how much time, effort and money you pump into your outdoor decorating, if it ends up uncomfortable for you and/or your guests, you will find all that energy a total waste.

Nothing turns people away more than discomfort. Whether it is the hard seats, stiff-backed chairs or cold floors, anything that distinctly spells discomfort will turn people off from that spot. Some of the most common discomforts experienced by people in outdoor spaces include:

1. Chill or dampness - even tropical countries experience some kind of chill during the cooler months. Too much rain, for instance, can really damp up even the most sheltered of outdoor spaces. Thankfully, this can be fixed by simply using or installing some kind of a patio heater. For larger spaces, a commercial patio heater is preferred as they are often more efficient for use in larger areas.

2. Cramped seats - often caused by chairs that are too small. At the risk of eating up too much space, it is usually a better idea to get bigger chairs than smaller or exactly-sized ones.

3. Insufficient lighting - nobody likes having a conversation where you would have to strain to see your company's face. If the intention is to have a conversation in the dark, then insufficient lighting is justifiable but otherwise, having enough light gives you a sense of security that makes sitting in that space all that more appealing.

4. Not enough overhead shade - rain or shine, everyone wants to have shade to shelter under. On a sunny day, it is good to have shelter from the harmful UV rays or just simply avoid getting a sunburn. As for rainy days, no one likes to get wet without a change of clothes so shade on wet days is a must. Even the slightest of drizzles can make things very uncomfortable so having enough shade then will be a most welcome sight.

Of all the problems outlined above, using or installing a patio heater will prove to be the most challenging one. For one, it would take quite an effort to find the right type of patio heater:

- Gas patio heaters are easily accessible. They work through fired-up coals that reach up to the propane gas that releases heat when they reach a certain level. Often, some light is released as well which means the heater has a dual purpose.

- Electric patio heaters are the more modern counterparts. They are preferred more for their convenience than anything else. On top of that, they are also a lot safer than gas heaters as they often come with a timer and temperature gauge, which means it cuts off automatically once the targeted heat temperature is reached or after a specified time of usage.

- Portable patio heaters are usually used for camping trips. Owners of small spaces, however, may find these more economical than installing a permanent one as these are mobile to be carted to any particular part of the area. One huge benefit of using such heaters is that its portability allows it to be used in any kind of surroundings. These are also pretty safe; almost all come with an anti-tilt feature which means anytime it is tilted or slanted more than a specifically "safe" angle, it shuts off automatically to avoid spillage and fire.

- Coal patio heaters are the least used today. Often, these were used in older days as the main method of warming up the room. Patio heaters that use coal are just as safe to use as any other type of heater as coal does not really catch fire unless it is highly concentrated at. Just like in a sauna, coal emits the warmth that spreads through a room pretty efficiently.

- Solar-powered patio heaters are rare but not totally unheard of. They are powered by batteries that are charged by the sun. These batteries are also able to store large amounts of the energy, which means they are keep the patio heaters running for a while before they finally need recharging. Unfortunately, they are also the most expensive in the market.

A commercial patio heater is often of the electric sort. This is so because on top of being highly convenient and safe, it is also very user-friendly with an On/Off switch that can be manned by even the youngest of us. And with environmental consciousness at the top of everyone's priority list, a highly-economical electric patio heaters is always in high demand.

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.