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Choosing a Gas Or Electric Patio Heater Most patio heaters use either electricity or propane for power. Electric heaters are easier to operate and are less expensive than propane heaters. If you plan to use the heater for a prolonged period it is crucial that you are close to an outlet and that you use extension cords with outdoor ratings. Also, regular inspections of the power cord for frayed areas are crucial to avoid hazards. How to Select the Best Heater You must consider the BTU power (boiler-rated total heat output), to ensure that your patio heater will effectively heat your space. This is based on the square footage of your area and is therefore important to know this before selecting the model. If you're not sure how to do, a general rule of thumb is to multiply your square footage by 20, which should give you an approximate estimate of the amount of heat you require. Propane models typically have higher BTUs than electric options which is why they are the best choice for areas with a lot of ventilation. Gas heaters are also more expensive to run than their electric counterparts. This is due to the expense of purchasing propane tanks and gas lines and the energy costs associated with heating your heater. If you're planning to purchase an outdoor gas heater for your home, you'll need to make sure that the heater comes with a thermocouple safety device. This is a crucial component of any gas-powered heater since it stops the flame when it goes out of control or fails to ignite. This simple feature can help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, in addition to other dangers. There are plenty of options when it comes time to pick an electric patio heater. You can pick wall-mounted models, bar-shaped heaters with stands, parasol heaters, and tall freestanding designs. Some models are super fashionable while others are more practical and utilitarian. Electric patio heaters offer an advantage because they don't produce emissions and can be used inside small enclosed spaces, without venting. Electric patio heaters are less expensive and less trouble-prone to maintain than gas-powered ones, which makes them an ideal choice for homeowners looking to minimize their environmental impact. There are many models available with a range of shades to match your decor, and they can be installed in ceilings to provide an even more discreet installation. Safety Patio heaters aren't any different. They come with their own safety concerns. For one, they generate plenty of heat, which means they need to be kept away from any flammable items like furniture, curtains, carpets and decorations. They also need to be placed on non-flammable materials, like tiles or concrete. To ensure commercial gas patio heaters , experts recommend keeping a minimum of three feet of clearance on the entire heater. Since they emit carbon monoxide and other noxious gases, gas patio heaters should not be used indoors or in any partially enclosed space where the gases could build up and poison the people who live there. Propane or natural gas patio heaters should be used outdoors, with plenty of ventilation. This will stop dangerous fumes from entering. The advantage of electric patio heaters is that they don't emit any fumes, making them the most secure option of all four types of outdoor heating. Electric patio heaters are powered by a continuous supply of electricity. This is advantageous since it doesn't require refueling, or replacing cylinders or pipes. The heaters can only be used for as long as electricity is available. Consult your local fire department or your city's building codes to learn more about the rules and warnings applicable to your region if you plan to use heaters outside. If you're going to go with natural gas, propane, or an electric model, be sure to purchase one that comes with a long-lasting warranty in case there are any issues. Both electric and gas models should be inspected by a professional prior to the beginning of every season. This will ensure that they are working properly and won't develop any safety issues in the future. Propane and natural gas patio heaters that use a cylinder will need to be replaced frequently, which adds to the cost of these heaters. The convenience of being able to put the new gas cylinder into place is worth the cost for many homeowners. Installation It is crucial to allow professionals to install your new patio heater. Gas (propane natural gas) and electric systems both require a huge mounted system that must be securely fixed. They also run on higher voltages, and as such, they require a great deal of attention to their installation. If you're using a gas patio heater, make sure that it is properly vented at all times. This will prevent the buildup of carbon monoxide in your home, which can cause death. It is recommended to only use approved tanks and have your propane tank topped off whenever needed. Gas patio heaters are usually more efficient than electric models however, they may be less portable since the propane tank will have to be replenished regularly. Installing electric models in a covered space will help reduce heat loss. In addition it will aid in protecting the heater from weather conditions and debris that can cause damage. In certain situations, you may need to install an extension cable for outdoor use with your electric heater, but be sure that it is a robust model and it is designed for outdoor use. Electric and gas patio heaters come in a variety of styles, such as ceiling-mounted, wall-mounted and freestanding. They can also be found in a variety of finishes and colors that match your existing decor. Some of the most sought-after options include matte black, oil-rubbed bronze and brushed stainless steel. The best method to determine which kind of heater is best for you will depend on a number of factors, including the average heating area and the energy costs in your region. But the most important factor to consider is security. Make sure that the appliance you buy has a built-in flame sensor that will shut the system off if the flame goes away. Some models also have protective guards around the burner to avoid accidents and reduce the chance of fire. Maintenance No matter what kind of heater you pick the need for proper maintenance is essential to ensure safe and efficient operation. This is particularly true for outdoor heaters that run on gas because they are more likely to have issues than electrical heaters because of the fuel source. Examine regularly for the presence of carbon deposits in the pilot tube orifices of heaters that run on gasoline. They can impede combustion, leading to a decrease in energy output and an increase in fire risk. The thermocouple as well as the regulator must also be examined to ensure that they are in good working order. These components should be replaced if necessary, or repaired by an expert. Propane and natural gas patio heaters should be inspected for leaking gas lines and other safety concerns at least once per year. This inspection should be performed by a gas professional who is licensed and includes looking for damage to the electrical wiring, which could be damaged through exposure to elements and curious critters. Infrared electric patio heaters, however, require less maintenance than gas-powered models. Radiant heating is used to warm objects and people instead of just heating the air. This is why they are more efficient at warming patios. Gas heaters release greenhouse gases and carbon dioxide into the air when they are in use. They do not. If you're using propane or natural gas patio heater, be sure to keep a fire extinguisher nearby and remind guests to be cautious when they are sitting too close to. It's also essential to regularly clean the dome of your patio heater and burner screen to remove dust and other debris from the gas ports. If you notice a buildup of carbon that could slow the flame, you might require replacing the element or igniter. Make sure the hose is properly connected to the regulator each time you change your gas bottle. The jubilee clip must be tight, and there should not be any movement between the two pieces. Also, you should give the hose an “soap test” every so often to make sure it is not leaky.