Natural Gas Patio Heater
A natural gas patio heating system is a great option for keeping outdoor areas warm. Its primary benefit is that it can be connected to existing natural gas lines (NG) which means you don't have to worry about refilling your propane tanks.
There are a few factors to consider before choosing one. This article will discuss the different choices, including heat output and safety, in addition to the installation.
Cost
A natural gas patio heater can allow you to make the most of your outdoor space into the night. These units can be installed as freestanding units, wall-mounted or fixed by a post into the ground. They come in several sizes to heat larger spaces. The ideal model will have features that can make the use of your patio more secure and less hassle. There are models that have an anti-slant function that will shut off the burner when it tilts over 47 degrees. Some models are also made from tough materials like aluminum 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 are plugged directly into standard 120-volt outlets. They are the easiest and most user-friendly however they don't heat as well as propane or natural gas ones.
Propane patio heaters are tall and umbrella-like. They typically have an open base that houses tanks of propane that weigh 20 pounds similar to those you'd use for a gas grill. The tanks are cheaper than the fuel used for an indoor space heater, but you must refill them frequently and they aren't able to be moved as easily. You can also find smaller propane heaters on tables that are designed to sit on tables and hold propane tanks of camp style.
The cost of a natural gas patio heater is contingent on its size and features like an automatic shut-off, wheels for effortless mobility, a rapid ignition, and a remote control with different settings. You can also select from a range of finishes, such as the hammered bronze finish, resin wicker and decorative stone facing to match your outdoor decor.
Natural-gas-burning and hardwired electric patio heaters need professional installation and can't be moved as easily as propane or gas models, but they do have a more lasting appearance and function as an indoor space heater. There's even one with a stylish design that connects to gas lines that are rigid for an extra stylish touch. The cost of an outdoor heater that runs on natural gas is typically more expensive than heaters powered by electricity or propane.
Heat Output
Pay attention to the power of a natural-gas patio heater when shopping. The number of BTUs it produces is an indication of how warm the unit will make your guests, and also how long it can keep your patio or balcony cozy. The larger the space you can heat, the more the BTUs.
Gas patio heaters can be used to enjoy the outdoors all year round, whether your area is covered or not. Most models are adjustable and operate on propane or natural gas. They can be a freestanding unit or hung on the ceiling or wall. When floor space is limited, consider a portable natural gas patio heater that has wheels that uses propane tanks that are readily available to fuel the burner. When putting up a patio heater, look for options like gas shut-offs to prevent leaks if the flame is not lit or an anti-tilt design that will stop the supply of fuel when the unit is tilted more than 47 degrees.
The best natural gas patio heaters provide plenty of warmth without taking up too much room on the deck or in your backyard. The large free-standing models, which resemble floor lamps, provide radiant warmth to a greater area and are constructed of sturdy metal. Tabletop models that have a small footprint work well in small dining spaces. Models that utilize natural or propane gas are available in a variety of attractive finishes.
There are propane and natural gas patio heaters with cast bronze resin wicker, a decorative stone face for an upscale appearance. Look for Highly recommended Reading like the push-button starter, a safety valve that automatically shuts off the unit when it is tipped over, as well as the ability to rotary dials to adjust and set the flame. The best propane patio heaters are constructed with stainless steel to ensure durability and strength while others are made from aluminum to help with weight.
Safety
Gas patio heaters are an excellent way to extend your time outside. Patio heaters made of gas come in a variety of styles, from those that stand alone and utilize a propane tank to others that are connected to your home's gas line. The kind of heater you pick will depend on your budget and the amount you want to heat.
Propane-fueled units are typically mounted on a pole or stand that has a reflector dome or shield and a base which is able to hold a 20-pound propane (LP) tank. These heaters are available in a variety of power outputs, from 41,000 BTUs to more than 100,000. They come with safety features like an auto shut-off valve as well as an electronic lighter that allows for simple ignition. The tip-over switch automatically shuts off the gas flow when the unit is tipped over.
Portable LP patio heaters are only to be used outdoors on non-combustible, flat, non-slip surfaces. Highly recommended Reading must be kept at least three feet away from any material that is flammable and at a minimum of 12 inches from anything that could ignite like fences and trees. The fuel cylinder must always be kept outside and at least three feet away from any windows, stairways, building and doors. Examine the hose and connections of a propane patio heater for leaks regularly. You can test the connections by using a solution of soapy water. Check for the UL or CSA marks on the patio heater made from propane to ensure it meets national safety standards.
A natural gas gas patio heater connects to the natural gas line in your home and provides more BTU than propane heaters. It is more expensive to operate, but it is much safer and doesn't require the replacement of propane tanks. These units are great for patios in homes restaurant, apartments and condominium buildings.
Whatever style of patio heaters you pick, make sure they are rated for indoor use or outdoor use. If natural gas or propane patio heaters are used in a closed area, they can release dangerous carbon monoxide. Electric patio heaters on the other hand, don't release any pollutants and can be safely used in a closed area.
Installation
Natural gas patio heaters are connected to the gas line in your home and don't require a propane tank as other kinds of outdoor heaters do. This makes them more secure and a better alternative to propane heaters that are traditional. Additionally, they don't emit more smoke than propane heaters do. However, they do require professional installation and have higher costs than propane heaters.
They are a popular addition to both commercial and residential properties. They can make your patio comfortable even when the temperatures drop below freezing. These heaters are safe to use as they don't emit heat on the surface, but instead radiate heat through the inside of the silvered cover. These heaters are also economical to run since they don't consume lots of energy.
Patio heaters come in two forms that are wall-mounted and freestanding. When wall-mounted, they should be mounted at minimum 8 feet above ground to ensure that no one is in the path of the radiant heat. Freestanding heaters require an absolute clearance of 14 feet to keep out combustible materials from the area.
They are also equipped with safety features that protect both property and people in the event of malfunction. For instance, many include a tilt shut-off device that will stop the heater from using power (whether it is electricity or fuel) in the event that it is accidentally tilted or falls over. There is also a sensor that detects flame to prevent accidental ignition.
To ensure that gas heaters are safe to use, it is recommended 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 correctly sized for the heaters. They should be trained to look for leaks of gas in appliances.
In addition to the costs of the materials and labor needed to complete the installation of a gas patio heater, other expenses may be incurred for removing, replacing or repairing any surfaces or structures that have been damaged during the installation. These costs include framing and surface finishes as well as plumbing systems. These costs could also include upgrading existing systems to comply with current building codes. These costs should be included in the total estimate for the job.