10 Natural Gas Gas Patio Heater Tricks All Pros Recommend
Natural Gas Patio Heater A natural gas patio heater is a great option to keep outdoor spaces warm. Its primary benefit is that it can be connected to existing natural gas (NG) lines, which means you do not have to worry about filling propane tanks. However there are a few factors to take into consideration before you choose one. This article will explore the different options available, including the heat output, safety and installation. Cost A natural gas patio heater can allow you to relax in your outdoor space well into the night. These units are available in a variety of sizes and can be wall-mounted, freestanding or mounted to the post. The ideal model should have features that make outdoor use more secure and easy. For instance, you could locate a model with an anti-slant design which will stop the burner when it is tilted more than 47 degrees. Some models are made from durable materials such as aluminium and stainless steel to provide strength and corrosion-resistance. They can be powered by propane, electricity or natural gas and produce up to 46,000 British Thermal Units (BTUs). Electric models plug into 120-volt outlets, which are the most simple to set up and operate, but they don't heat as well as natural gas or propane models. Propane patio heaters are tall and umbrella-like. They typically have an open base that houses 20-pound liquid propane tanks, similar to the type you'd use for a gas grill. The tanks are cheaper, but they must be refilled regularly and can't easily be moved. There are also smaller propane heaters that are tabletop designed to sit on top of tabletops and use 1-pound propane tanks. The cost of a natural gas patio heater is based on its size and features like an automatic shut-off, wheels for effortless mobility, a quick ignition and a remote control with various settings. You can pick from a variety of finishes to match your outdoor decor, such as resin wicker, hammered brass and decorative stone facing. Natural-gas-burning and hardwired electric patio heaters need professional installation and can't be moved as easily as propane or gas versions, but they have a more permanent appearance and function just like an indoor space heater. You can also get a snazzy looking model that threads into rigid gas lines to add a fashionable touch. However, the cost of a natural gas patio heater is usually more expensive than those that run on propane or electricity. Heat Output When shopping for a natural gas patio heater, pay special focus on the power output. The number of BTUs indicates the warmth your guests will feel as well as how long it will keep your patio and balcony warm. The more BTUs, the larger your space can be heated. Gas patio heaters can be used to enjoy the outdoors all year long, whether your area is covered or not. The majority of models are adjustable and are powered by natural gas or propane. They can be installed free-standing or mounted on the wall or ceiling. If floor space is limited, consider a portable natural gas patio heater with wheels that utilizes propane tanks that are readily available to power the burner. When mounting a patio heater, look for options like gas shut-offs to avoid leaks in the event that a flame is not lit or an anti-tilt feature that shuts off the supply of fuel when the unit is tilted more than 47 degrees. The best natural-gas patio heaters provide ample warmth on your deck or in your backyard without taking up too much space. Large free-standing models that resemble floor lamps offer radiant heat over larger areas and feature durable metal construction. Tabletop models with a smaller footprint are great for intimate dining spaces. There are models that run on natural gas or propane and come in a variety of appealing finishes. For a more sophisticated look, there are patio heaters that use natural gas or propane with an hammered-bronze or resin-wicker front, or a decorative stone front. gas or electric patio heater to look for include the ignition system that is a push button and an auto shut-off safety valve if the unit is tippy and a rotary dial control which lets you easily alter and set the flame. Some of the best propane patio heaters are constructed using stainless steel to ensure durability and strength, while others are constructed from aluminum to make them lighter in weight. Safety Gas patio heaters can be a great method to extend your time outdoors. Patio heaters made of gas come in a variety of styles, ranging from those that stand by themselves and utilize propane tanks to those that are connected to your home's gas line. The type you choose depends on your budget and the amount you're looking to heat your space. Propane-powered units are usually a pole or stand with an reflector dome or shield and a base that is able to hold the 20-pound propane (LP) tank. These heaters are available in a variety of power outputs, from 41,000 BTUs to more than 100,000. These heaters come with security features like an automatic shut-off valve and an electronic lighter to enable easy ignition. The tip-over switch automatically shuts off gas flow when the unit is tipped over. Portable LP gas patio heaters should be used outdoors on hard, flat noncombustible, nonflammable surfaces. They should be kept at a minimum of three feet away from any material that is flammable and at least 12 inches away from any object that can catch fire like fences and trees. The fuel cylinder should always be kept outside and at least three feet from any building, stairways, windows and doors. Check the hoses and connection points of a propane patio heater for leaks frequently. You can test these connections by using the use of a soapy water solution. Examine the UL or CSA marks on a patio heater made from propane to ensure it meets the safety standards of the national standard. A natural gas patio heater is connected to the gas line of your home. It has a higher BTU rating in comparison to propane units. It can be more expensive to operate but it's safer and doesn't require the replacement of propane tanks. These units are perfect for outdoor patios, restaurant patios, and common areas in apartment and condominium buildings. Whatever type of patio heaters you choose ensure that they are approved for outdoor or indoor use. Propane and natural gas patio heaters could release carbon monoxide when they are used indoors in an enclosed space, which can be fatal. Electric patio heaters don't emit any pollutants and can be used safely in a closed space. Installation Natural gas patio heaters are connected to the gas line of your home. They don't need a propane tank, like other types of outdoor heating. This makes them a more practical and safer option than traditional propane heaters. They also emit less smoke than propane heaters. They do require professional installation, and are more expensive than propane heaters. They are a very popular feature for both residential and commercial properties. They can keep your patio a comfortable place to be even when temperatures dip below freezing. They are extremely safe to use because they do not emit heat from the exterior of the heater, rather, they emit heat from the inside of the silvered hood. They are extremely efficient in that they do not require much electricity. Patio heaters can be wall-mounted or freestanding. If they are wall-mounted the heaters should be at least 8 feet above the ground, so that no one gets in the way of the heat radiating from them. Freestanding heaters, on the contrary, require a clearance of at least 14 feet to avoid coming into contact with combustible objects in the vicinity. These heaters come with safety features that protect both property and people in the event of an accident. For example, most include a tilt shut-off device that causes the heater to stop using power (whether it is electricity or fuel) in the event that it happens to tilt or fall over. They also have a flame sensor that detects the presence of flames to stop accidental ignition. In order to ensure that the gas heaters are safe to use, a licensed plumber should be hired to install them. They should be acquainted with state and local plumbing and heating codes to ensure that the gas lines are correctly calibrated to the heaters. They should be certified to look for leaks of gas in appliances. In addition to the expense of the materials and labor required for the installation of a gas patio heater additional expenses could be incurred for removing and replacing structures or finishes that are damaged during the process. These expenses include framing and surface finishes as well as plumbing systems. These costs could also include updating existing systems to meet current building codes. These costs should be included in the overall estimate for the job.