Patio heaters are available in a wide array of styles and power. They can be fueled by propane, electricity or gas. Depending on style, they can sit on the patio floor or on a table, be mounted on a wall, or suspended from a ceiling. They can be permanent or portable. Whichever type is chosen, the basic operation is much the same. The heaters radiate heat to the surrounding area, making the patio comfortable, even after the calendar suggests that it is time to go back inside until next year.
Choosing from among the many heaters on the market would be difficult without some guidelines. Perhaps the first decision to be made is the method by which the heater is fueled. Propane, natural gas and electricity all have their advantages and disadvantages. Propane heaters do not require any wiring, nor do they have to be connected to the gas line. On the other hand, a 20 pound tank of propane lasts roughly only about 8 to 10 hours before it needs to be replaced. Heaters fueled by natural gas or electricity have a steady supply of fuel, but installation requires tapping into the gas line or electrical wiring. Convenience, fuel efficiency and cost, and set up requirements all have to be considered.
How large an area is the heater intended to cover? Will it be used to heat just the sitting area or the dining table, or is heat required over a larger area? Not surprisingly, the larger the area the more power required. Power output for heaters is measured in BTUs, or British Thermal Units. One BTU is defined as the amount of heat required to heat one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit. The higher the BTU rating for a heater, the higher is its heat output, and the greater the area that can benefit from that output. Heaters which put out between 10,000 and 20,000 BTUs fall into the Regular Power Level, those between 21,000 and 39,000 BTUs are in the High Power Level, and those between 40,000 and 50,000 BTUs are at the Turbo Power Level.
There are many great commercial patio heaters and residential models as well. Residential models like the Fire Sense patio heater or the Benzomatic patio heater are great for table top patio heater situations. Other fantastic options include Garden Sun, Charmglow and Endless Summer models.
Safety is an important issue when choosing a heater and there are several features to look for. Focus on models that have an automatic shut off feature. This type of heater will automatically shut the unit off if it is in danger of overheating. It is also important to have a model with a tilt switch that will turn the unit off if it is tilted or knocked over. For heaters powered by natural gas or propane, it is also recommended that they are designed to automatically switch off if the flame is blown out by the wind. Also consider where the heater will be placed on your patio. It is imperative that adequate clearance from combustibles be available above, below, and around the heater.
So, examine the options, make your decisions, and choose a heater that fits your style and needs. Then all you have to do is get it home and enjoy.