If you enjoy spending time on the Patio Heaters with friends in the winter, you must invest in dependable and safe outdoor heating. There are numerous patio heaters on the market, ranging from freestanding to tabletop to wall mounted.
But the real question is whether your patio heater is safe. Because of their portability and ability to heat outdoor seating areas and patios, outdoor heaters are becoming increasingly popular. Continue reading to learn how to use patio heaters indoors and outdoors without endangering your loved ones’ health.
Also check: Furnace Maintenance Checklist – 7 Easy Steps
What Is the Function of a Patio Heater?
As you may know, heating systems are intended to heat enclosed indoor spaces. On the other hand, patio heaters have a different mechanism for heating small outdoor spaces. Most patio heaters use a radiant heat transfer process to transfer heat to nearby objects. When a heating element, for example, reaches a certain high temperature, it transmits heat via electromagnetic waves.
On the other hand, some patio heaters radiate heat via a convective process in which current flows through a resistance. A resistor then converts the electrical energy into heat, which warms the environment. This heater is designed to heat a small or restricted outdoor space, so you’ll need to sit close to it to get it warm.
In addition, dome patio heaters and wall-mounted patio heaters are available. Similarly, if you use a propane patio heater in your living room, you should have adequate ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide buildup. Fortunately, many advanced outdoor heaters include safety features such as an Automatic stop in the event of an unintentional fall. Furthermore, it automatically turns off if someone tries to tip the patio heater while in use.
Heavy weights can cause the patio heater to topple over if it is not placed on a flat surface. Remember to close the propane tank valve when the patio heater is not used. Finally, dooms and patio heater burners can get extremely hot, reaching temperatures up to 1600 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep pets and children away from the unit.
Which Patio Can Heaters Be Used Indoors?
Most patio heaters use propane, but some also use electricity or natural gas. Propane heaters are portable because the propane tank can be removed and moved to another location. On the other hand, natural Gas Heaters necessitate proper installation, whereas electric patio heaters necessitate sockets.
For example, the Briza Infrared Patio Heater is a sophisticated electric heater with built-in safety features, timers, and multiple heat settings. Using the remote control, you can adjust the heating level to 900 W, 1200 W, or up to 1500 W.; there is no need to turn off the heater manually. The timer can be set from 1 hour to 9 hours.
There are several types of portable heaters on the market, including:
- Self-contained – This patio heater comprises a pole, base, heating source, and reflector.
- Mounted – The mounted heaters can be permanently installed on the walls to warm the patio.
- Tabletop – Because tabletop heaters are smaller, they can be placed in the center
- Infrared – This energy-efficient heater heats up quickly once turned on.
Can a Patio Heater Be Used in a Garage?
Because most garages do not have insulated walls, it gets extremely cold in the winter.
If you have no other option, you can use your garage patio heater while working with the door open. We recommend investing in a wall or ceiling-mounted space heater for safety reasons.
One of the primary reasons to avoid using a patio heater in your garage is that heaters emit harmful greenhouse gases such as:
- Carbon monoxide (CO)
- nitrous oxide
- nitrogen oxide
Carbon dioxide emissions from propane patio heaters can be dangerous and deadly because garages are fenced without proper ventilation.
Tips for Patio Heater Safety and Maintenance
Patio heaters heat your outdoor seating effectively but keep the following safety and maintenance tips in mind.
Placement
Recognizing that patio heaters are not intended to radiate heat over long distances is critical. Instead, their primary function is to keep people sitting nearby warm. However, do not place the heater near combustible materials that could cause a serious fire.
As a general rule, keep your patio heater away from:
- Planters
- Plants in pots
- Tree branches
- Vines that dangle
- Thinner fluid
- Propane tanks used for grilling
You must leave at least three feet between the objects listed above and the patio heater.
Fuel
Outdoor heaters, as previously stated, use a variety of fuel types. However, natural gas, propane, and electric patio heaters are the most commonly used. You are very likely to trip over the cable from the Electric Heater. Furthermore, because propane and natural gas heater gases are flammable, the following precautions should be taken:
- All fuel gas containers must be certified.
- Always change the fuel tank when there is no one around.
- After changing gas cylinders, always inspect hoses and valves for leaks.
General Safety Precautions
- Pets and children should be kept away from the heater.
- After the outdoor party, do not leave the heater unattended.
- Turn off the patio heater and move it to a different location.
Also check: Does Your Furnace Use Freon?
Conclusion
In conclusion, patio heaters are the best way to stay warm outside without breaking the bank. You can ensure your safety and avoid health risks by following the safety tips outlined in the guide above. Finally, depending on your dimensions, overall cost, design, and power requirements, you will need to purchase an infrared, gas, or electric patio heater.
FAQ
Can a Patio Heater Be Used Inside?
Is it safe to use patio heaters indoors? Patio heaters should not be used indoors. Patio heaters, on the other hand, are dangerous to use indoors. As part of their combustion gases, patio heaters can emit poisonous Carbon Monoxide – CO.
Can Patio Heaters Be Used Inside a Garage?
Is it permissible to use any patio heater in your garage? The short answer is yes, but there are a few factors to consider. Patio heaters come in various styles, including infrared, propane, electric, oil, and many others.
Where Should a Patio Heater Not Be Used?
Place nothing above or below your patio heater, and always follow the manufacturer’s recommended inches of clearance, which varies depending on the number of BTUs the heater emits. In addition, never place your patio heater directly on the grass, as this can cause the unit to become unstable.
Do Patio Heaters Produce Carbon Monoxide?
Patio heaters emit carbon monoxide and are not subject to the same regulations as indoor heaters. If a patio heater uses propane gas, which poses a health risk, it can contain enough carbon monoxide to suffocate or kill you.
