Buying A Patio Heater?

ime is here and people everywhere are lookingvirtually anywhere, as long as there is an electrical
for opportunities to shake off the winter bluesoutlet nearby. Great for thawing, freeze control,
and escape to the great outdoors. To help takeanimal comfort, temporary heat in the garage,
the chill off those cooler days and nights andand so much more.
extend outdoor living hours, many of these sameDo electric infrared heaters generate as much
people will be looking into buying a patio heater (orheat as gas infrared heaters?
more than one heater to cover a larger area).Electric infrared heaters normally emit 1500 watts
The good news is that there are now a widerof heat energy (equivalent to 5,120 BTU’s).
variety of outdoor patio heaters to choose fromThat’s about 4 to 7 times less
than ever before. All are consideredBTU’s than many of the bigger gas
“infrared”, which, like the sun, directinfrared patio heaters. However, electric infrared
comfortable radiant (infrared) heat energy to theheaters are smaller and can focus the infrared
surrounding area. These heater options generallyheat more directionally. In other words, they emit
include:a smaller, more focussed footprint of heat,
Ceiling mounted gas fired high intensity infraredgenerated by a highly reflective parabolic reflector.
heaters ($400 to $1,100.00)It is sometimes necessary to use more than one
Ceiling mounted gas fired infrared tube heaterselectric heater to cover a large area. But keep in
($800 - $1600)mind that a 1500 watt heater will draw about 13
Portable post mounted LP gas “umbrellaamps of power. Therefore, only one heater can
style” heaters ($199 to $599.00)operate on a 20 amp circuit. More heaters, means
Fixed LP or Nat. gas “umbrella style” heatershigher amp draw and more circuit capacity is
($399 to $699.00)required. For multiple heaters, it is best to use
Overhead electric infrared heaters ($199.00 to208V or 240V heaters and have them
$699.00)professionally wired. High voltage heaters will draw
Post mounted electric infrared heaters (399.00 tofewer amps and cost less to operate. Higher
$499.00)output 3000 watt electric heaters are available.
Of the above options, overhead electric infraredImportant: If you are searching for an electric
heaters are gaining some of the most rapidinfrared heater, be sure to search the various
growth in the patio heating industry.brands. Better units can “throw” dramatically
Why?more usable heat energy to the target area than
First, electric infrared heaters offer thecheaper ones. Also, choose a brand that offers
convenience of simply plugging the heater into athe best warranty and bulb life and make sure it
convenient electrical outlet, versus running gas oris approved for outdoor use. Some have a 1-year
filling propane tanks. Hence, the “installedwarranty and 5000 hour bulb life. Better units
cost” can be much less than gas-fired heaters.have a 2 year warranty and a 9000 hour bulb life.
Second, the purchase price can be as little asSome are approved for outdoor use and some
$299 to $349.00 for a quality electric infraredare not. Some have built-in thermostats or
heater. Third, because they are not fuel-fired,remote controls while others do not.
electric heaters don’t emit harmfulBy the way, electric infrared heaters are also
emissions into the atmosphere.excellent for use in bathrooms, laundry rooms,
Electric infrared heaters are also ideal forsunrooms, lofts, cabins, bedrooms, outdoor
focussed small area heating over a barbecue, hotsmoking areas, offices, and much more. Electric
tub, table, or door entryway. A few brands eveninfrared heaters have also been shown to offer
offer a convenient floor stand, making the heaterhealth benefits, since infrared radiation stimulates
completely portable so you can locate the heaterblood circulation.