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How Do Patio Heaters Work

Many people want to save as much money as they possible can and this often means obtaining portable heating units for their small porches to extend their small living areas. How do patio heaters work is the number one question homeowners ask when ordering an installation for their screened in porch. A homeowner must understand before they go about getting a warming unit for their home that there is a difference between a fire pit and heater for a patio.

A heat source for a patio could be controlled by propane, electricity or natural gases. A fire pit or fireplace typically will only warm a small group of people. A source of heat for a patio powered by electricity is usually portable and will heat a wider area and more people in a room than the fire pits. The electrical heat sources for patios are simply plugged and go or plug and heat.

The electrical units for heat can be hung on a wall or mounted to the ceiling and then plugged into the nearest electrical socket. A patio or porch usually has a covering when this type of heat source is used. When they are used, it may feel as if the sun is shining down on you and your family or guest because of the great warmth they give. There are a variety of strengths such as 4000-watts or 8000-watts.

Another style of heat unit for outdoors looks similar to a lamp post with a tall, thin pole and a heat light at the top. This type is typically used in the center of the room and could be either electric or propane. Many homeowners choose the electric for parties so that no one can knock over the propane or burn themselves if they get too close. They are, however, more expensive than the propane models.

The natural gas and propane heating units for patios are more popular than the electric with many homeowners. This is because they save more energy and provide a good, strong heat source for a wider area. There are many different styles and types of patio propane or natural gas heat sources to choose from and it all depends on the space and decor of the porch area.

For the gas or propane heating units used on a patios, there are regulators and temperature adjustment systems to help keep the homeowners comfortable throughout their stay on the porch. Many homeowners enjoy winter evenings on their screened in porches where they can remain warm and keep the rest of the house cooler and save energy and money. Enjoying an evening on the patio or porch with a heating system is a great way for a family or couple to bond on a cold winter’s night.

Some of the heat sources for patios and enclosed porches are referred to as propane space heating units. These heating systems often have fans as part of the working components and can be noise at times. Although this type of heater can produce a lot of heat for a large area, most homeowners do not tolerate the noise and would rather work with a quieter style of heating unit.

The question of how do patio heaters work depends on the style and type of heating system a homeowner chooses. These heaters range in price, type of fuel needed to operate and energy consumption. Additional items to consider before making a purchase is the overall range the heat will reach when it is placed or mounted in place on a porch.

It’s smart to ask yourself the question, “Are patio heaters safe?”. It’s something your family, kids, and pets can all take comfort under on a chilly night. However, there are concerns you should have when using them. They are a great resource if you enjoy the outdoors, you already have a nice outdoor space, and you don’t want to have to stop using it when it gets cold or windy outside. They can easily extend your enjoyment of your porch or deck by months, but there are considerations you must make in order to be safe. They aren’t fun toys you throw out on the deck and use indiscriminately.

For starters, heaters are hot. You’re thinking that’s obvious and that may be an over-simplification, but they’re extremely hot and they cannot be touched for any reason. Children and pets especially must be very careful around them because they may not understand that they cannot touch them. Letting the kids and pets play inside while the grown-ups enjoy a drink outside may be a better option for you.

Plus, the heaters tend to look benign to your guests, and they may casually lean up against them. Again, a very bad idea. If you must, you may want to put a fun little sign near the unit that alerts people to not touch it. As much as you may enjoy it you have to make sure everyone knows that it is not a toy or a signpost.

The heater is also not the place to dry things. Whether you’re trying to dry a book, a towel from the pool, or a shirt you splashed while you were watering the plants, you simply cannot dry fabric and papers there. Anything that is flammable cannot be left near the unit when it’s operating.

Because they produce so much heat, any flammable object that is left unattended could catch fire. It may be a wise decision to add to your sign and remind yourself (and your guests) that it is not a clothing line or book rack.

Be sure to keep the unit on a flat surface and don’t use it when there are very high winds. If it is knocked over it could start a fire, and if the flame is blown out gas fumes will escape (and that is also quite dangerous.) It’s easy to forget that you’re dealing with an open flame. Please, treat the flame with respect.

For a more common sense approach, do not attempt to use your heater indoors. It is meant to heat an open area and it is very dangerous to have that much energy trapped in an enclosed space. In fact, leaving it indoors at all is not the best of ideas. Simply keep it covered outside and away from chemicals that you may use in the backyard. You can think of it more as a decorative piece that creates heat than an appliance you can move about the property.

Let’s answer the “burning question”. Yes, patio heaters are safe. You just have to use your better judgment in keeping hands off, the unit outdoors, and in an area where it can’t be knocked down. You can truly enjoy your heater as long as you use it safely.