Natural Gas Patio Heater
A natural gas patio heater is a great method to keep outdoor areas warm. Its main benefit is that it connects to existing natural gas (NG) lines, meaning that you do not have to worry about filling propane tanks.
There are several factors to take into account before selecting one. This article will examine the various options, including heat output and security, as well as the installation.
Cost
You can enjoy your outdoor space all through the evening by installing an outdoor heater that is natural gas. These units can be installed as freestanding units, wall-mounted or anchored via a post in the ground and come in several sizes to heat larger areas. The ideal model will come with features that can make using your patio more secure and less hassle. You can find units with an anti-slant feature which will shut off the stove whenever it tilts more than 47 degrees. Some models are also made of durable materials such as aluminum and stainless steel to provide strength and corrosion resistance.
These units are powered by natural gas, propane or electricity and produce a maximum of about 46,000 British thermal units (BTUs). Electric models are plugged directly into standard 120-volt outlets. They are the simplest and most practical to use however they don't provide the same heat as natural gas or propane models.
Propane patio heaters look like umbrellas and come with hollow bases that can hold tanks of propane that weigh 20 pounds similar to those used in gas grills. They are less expensive than the fuel used for an indoor space heater, however they require refills frequently and they can't be moved as easily. There are also smaller, tabletop propane heaters designed to sit on tables and hold camp-style 1-pound propane tanks.
The cost of a natural gas patio heater is based on its size and the features it has like an automatic shut-off, wheels for easy mobility, a rapid ignition and a remote control with different settings. You can pick from a variety of finishes to complement your outdoor decor, such as hammered brass, resin wicker and decorative stone facing.
Natural-gas and electric patio heaters require expert installation. They can't be moved easily, unlike propane and gas models. However, they look more durable and function as well as an indoor space heater. You can find a stylish model that runs through rigid gas lines to give it a stylish appearance. The price of a patio heater that is powered on natural gas is generally more expensive than heaters powered by propane or electricity.
Heat Output
When shopping for a natural gas patio heater, pay close attention to its heat output. The number of BTUs it generates is a measure of how warm it will make your guests feel, and also how many hours it can keep your porch or balcony cozy. The higher the number of BTUs the more area will be heated.
Whether your outdoor area is covered or open or covered, gas patio heaters can allow you to enjoy your outdoor space all year long. The majority of models come with adjustable heat settings and run on propane or natural gas. They can be hung on the ceiling or walls, or they can stand alone. If space on the floor is limited, choose a portable natural gas patio heater that has wheels that uses propane tanks that are readily available to fuel the burner. Look for features like gas shutoffs to stop leaks in the event of a flame burning out or an anti-tilt feature that stops the fuel supply automatically when the unit is tilted over 47 degrees.
The best natural-gas patio heaters offer plenty of warmth to your patio or deck without taking up a lot of space. Large freestanding models that resemble floor lamps provide radiant heat over wider areas, and have a sturdy metal construction. Tabletop models with small footprints are ideal in intimate dining areas. Models that use propane or natural gas are available in a range of appealing finishes.
For a more sophisticated look, there are patio heaters that use natural gas or propane with a hammered-bronze, resin-wicker or a decorative stone front. Other features to look out for include a push-button ignition system that shuts off the safety valve in the event that the unit tips over and a rotary dial control which allows you to easily adjust and set the flame. The best propane patio heaters are constructed from stainless steel to guarantee durability and strength, while others are made of aluminum to make them lighter in weight.
Safety
Gas patio heaters are a common way to increase the amount of time you spend in your outdoor space. Patio heaters made of gas come in a variety of styles, from ones that stand on their own and use a propane tank to others which are connected to the gas line of your home. The style you pick will depend on your budget and how much you'd like to heat your space.
Propane-powered heaters are typically an upright, pole or shield that has a reflector or shield. The base holds a 20-pound propane tank (LP). These heaters offer a broad range of power outputs between 41,000 BTU's and more than 100,000. They are equipped with safety features, such as an auto shut-off valve as well as an electronic lighter for quick starting. The tip-over switch automatically shuts off the gas flow when the unit is tipped over.
Portable patio heaters LP are intended to be used outdoors on flat, non-combustible, non-slip surfaces. They should be kept at least three feet away from any combustible material and at least 12 inches away from anything that could catch fire like fences and trees. The fuel cylinder must be kept outdoors, at least three feet from any structure or structure, including stairways doors, windows and. If you are using a propane patio heater, be sure to check the connection points and hose regularly for leaks. You can test the connections with a solution of soapy water. Check for the UL or CSA mark on the propane patio heater to make sure it meets the safety standards of the nation.
A natural gas patio heater is connected to the gas line of your home. It has an increased BTU rating when in comparison to propane heaters. It is more expensive to operate, but it is much safer and doesn't require the replacement of a propane tank. These units are perfect for patios in residential buildings as well as restaurants, apartment and condominium buildings.
No matter which style of patio heater you pick, you should make sure it is suitable for outdoor or indoor use. Natural gas and propane patio heaters could release carbon monoxide when they are employed indoors in an enclosed space, which can be fatal. Electric patio heaters, on contrary, do not emit any harmful pollutant and can be employed in a closed space.
Installation
Natural gas patio heaters are connected to your gas line in your home and don't require the propane tank that other kinds of outdoor heaters do. This makes them a much more convenient and safer alternative to traditional propane heaters. Additionally, they don't emit as much smoke as propane heaters emit. However, they will require professional installation and come at a higher costs than propane heaters.
These heaters are popular in both residential and commercial buildings. They can make your patio more comfortable even when temperatures fall below freezing. They are safe to use since they do not emit heat from the surface of the heater, rather, they emit heat from inside the hood, which is silver-colored. They are extremely energy efficient as they do not require much electricity.
Patio heaters can either be wall-mounted or freestanding. If commercial gas patio heaters -mounted, the heaters must be at least 8 feet off the ground, so that no one gets in the way of the radiant heat. Freestanding heaters on the contrary, require an area of at 14 feet in order to avoid contact with any combustible items in the vicinity.
They come with security features that protect the user and their property in the event of a malfunction. The majority of heaters have an automatic shut-off valve for tilt that stops the heater from consuming electricity or fuel in the event that it slides or tilts. They also have a flame sensor which detects the presence of flames to stop accidental ignition.
To ensure that gas heaters are safe to use, it's best to hire an experienced plumber licensed to install them. They should be acquainted with state and local plumbing and heating codes to ensure that the gas lines are calibrated to the heaters. They should also be certified to inspect gas appliances for leaks.
In addition to the expense of the labor and materials required for the installation of a gas patio heater Other expenses could be incurred to remove and replacing surfaces or structures that have been damaged during the work. These costs include framing and surfaces as well as plumbing systems. These costs may also include upgrading existing systems to meet current building codes. These costs should be considered as part of the overall estimate.