How Do Patio Heaters Work?

How Patio Heaters Work? Patio heaters either burn a fuel such as propane or natural gas, or they heat using electricity. Instead of blowing hot air that will dissipate into the space between you and the heater, like space heaters do, radiant heat travels through the air to keep you toasty and warm.

Do patio heaters use a lot of propane?

The average portable propane patio heater houses a 20lb propane tank or about 4.7 gallons of fuel. A 20lb propane tank can last up to 10 hours and costs between $15 – $20 to fill up, making the average cost per hour between $1.5 – $2. A typical 40,000 BTU patio heater will cost about $1.70 per hour to use.

How much heat does a patio heater give off?

How much heat does a propane patio heater emit? A typical free-standing propane patio heater produces upwards of 40,000 BTUs of energy, capable of heating a roughly 20-foot radius – or more than 300 square feet of space.

How effective are electric patio heaters?

Not only are electric patio heaters extremely effective they are also NOT being considered for banning by the EU as they do not emit any carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Electric heaters also use 85% less energy than gas patio heaters. Electric heaters are also smell and toxin free which is extremely beneficial.

How long does a 20 lb propane tank last in a patio heater?

The most common patio heaters produce roughly 40,000 BTUs per hour – meaning a 20-pound propane tank will provide upwards of 10 hours of heat on the highest setting.

How long will a 20lb propane tank last on a heater?

A standard 20lb. propane cylinder will last for up to 10 hours in an outdoor gas heater. Natural gas patio heaters are less costly to operate than propane patio heaters since there are no upfront fuel costs.

How close can a patio heater be to the ceiling?

Since mushroom-style heaters use infrared heat technology to distribute heat, there are no dangers of exposure to open flames. This is why they can safely be used as long as there is a minimum of 2 feet of clearance between them and the roof of the patio.

How big of an area will a patio heater heat?

On average, outdoor heaters can warm an area of approximately 100 square feet. So, if your outdoor space is larger than 10 feet by 10 feet, then odds are you’ll need multiple outdoor heaters to properly warm it.

Can you use a patio heater in the winter?

Yes, patio heaters work in the winter by emitting radiant heat and infrared rays that travel through the air to your body, just like the sun. You’ll often see patio heaters during the winter at restaurants, bars and work offices.

Do patio heaters work in the wind?

These heaters use propane or electricity to effectively warm up your outdoor area, but thanks to features like weighted bases and tip-over protection, they can safely stand up to windy weather. Electric heaters, on the other hand, give off less heat, but don’t lose their effectiveness if a breeze kicks up.

Are patio heaters safe on decks?

Patio heaters can be used on wooden decks provided that they are never left unattended. Like any fire, a responsible adult must be present at all times during use.

Does the top of a patio heater get hot?

No, the base of a patio heater will not get hot during operation since it doesn’t come into direct contact with the heat source. The emitter screen and dome, however, will get hot.

How long does a 13kg gas bottle last in a patio heater?

A typical 13kW gas patio heater will burn gas at a rate of 1230g/h when used on its maximum setting. This means a 13kg gas cylinder will last for about 10 hours of use – or significantly more if you use the heater on a lower setting.

Can you leave a propane heater on all night?

Sleeping with a propane space heater on is dangerous and potentially deadly for you and your family. If you are using a vent-free propane space heater, using it while sleeping puts you in danger of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

Can patio heaters be left in the rain?

The answer to this question is while you can leave gas and propane outdoor heaters exposed to rain, it is not recommended. The outdoor heaters are designed in such a manner that they can withstand occasional drizzle.