Electric Patio Heater Buyer's Guide

Introduction to Electric Patio Heatersthe pool. If there is an opportunity for an area to
Gone are the days of hiding inside your house onbe benefited with a heat source outside, then
a chilly evening with your guests, or freezing yourconsider the use of a fitted electric patio heater.
customers in the restaurant garden. TechnologyThere are some limitations to certain high intensity
has over the years thrown out some very simpleelectric heaters, so paying careful attention to the
but effective tools to beat the cold when youmanufacturers support documentation or
entertain your family, friends or clientele.instructions is very much advised.
Electric patio heaters once installed haveInstallation Limitations
advantages that outweigh those heaters that runWhen considering the use of an electric patio
on gas. The benefits are the smaller sizes orheater, there has to be some safety aspects
easier fit, and no need to refill gas cylindersconsidered. When installed the heater has to be
making the electronic version much moresited at least seven feet above floor level. Make
aesthetic and less cumbersome.sure you know the height of your patio ceiling
Does an Electric Patio Heater work better thanroof, as you may need to plan around installation.
Gas?You should also not install the heater against a wall
There is not much to tell the two apart, as bothat low level, including staircases. Electric patio
electric and gas will heat a patio area effectively.heaters do get very hot - which is why you
The big differences are really in efficiency andshould not risk anybody touching them directly.
safety. Electricity is far superior to gas on theConsider the size of the area in which the
cost side; refilling gas cylinders can be expensiveheater(s) are to be used, as a small area may
as they just do not last long. Whereas the use ofonly need very few heaters. On the other hand if
electric which emits radiant heat by virtue of inyou have an extensive patio area to heat, then a
most cases an infrared filament.bit of careful planning and strategic locating may
Is Electric Really Safer?work better than installing a large number of
If you have children, or just have more generalheaters.
safety concerns then the use of an electric patioConclusion
heater has to be first choice. They are far lessThe electric patio heater comes in many sizes and
likely to be knocked over causing fire, and are notdesigns, so you can be as adventurous as you like
regarded as an explosive hazard. If you arewhen deciding on which heater will look better
energy conscious and are worried about highwith your decor. With a gas heater you are
electric bills as well as safety, then the use of lowsimply not able to do this without compromising
power infrared electric patio heaters are the waysafety somewhere, especially in a crowded
to go.location.
Electric heaters need to be installed and fitted byThe use of low power electric infrared heaters
a qualified handy person advisably, which makesare very energy efficient and cost effective, and
the electric version less portable as it will be staticcan be placed in areas that you simply would not
in its installed location - but definitely much safer.be able to place a large and bulky gas heater.
Where can I use an Electric Patio Heater?There is also the ability to rig a system that can
There are so many places that an electric patiowork with solar power, thus bringing the down
heater can be used, many of these uses are incost of heating your patio area and being a much
the restaurant and bar industry on outdoor decks.greener for the environment.
There is the obvious patio at home and even by