As the winter months approach, you, like many homeowners, are probably looking for ways to stay comfortable outdoors as the temperature drops.
One solution: outdoor heaters. These handy appliances are finding their way onto restaurant patios and backyard decks everywhere. A sight once reserved for ski lodges, a patio heater can be a great way to get even more use out of your favorite outdoor spaces. Here’s what you need to know before you buy a patio heater.
How Does a Patio Heater Work?
Unlike an outdoor fire pit, you don’t have to huddle around a patio heater to get warm. They’re specifically designed to radiate heat outward where people are gathered. To generate heat, Patio heaters have different fuel sources – usually propane, electric or natural gas. (Keep reading to find out how to choose which one is right for you.)
Where Can I Use a Patio Heater?
Because natural gas and propane heaters use an open flame to generate heat, they can be used in well-ventilated outdoor spaces like patios, terraces, gardens, and outdoor porches or decks.
For safety, don’t use a patio heater in an enclosed area like a building or garage, or too close to the ceiling of a covered deck or patio. Using your patio heater in a poorly ventilated area could be a fire risk, or lead to suffocation or poisoning from toxic carbon monoxide fumes. Experts recommend keeping at least a three-foot clearance around your heater, unless specified otherwise by the manufacturer.
How Much Does a Patio Heater Cost?
Like other household appliances, the price you’ll pay for an outdoor patio heater will vary depending on its size and quality. A small electric tabletop heater can be purchased for as low as $100, while large commercial-style gas heaters can cost $500 or more.
What Size Patio Heater Do I Need?
The heat output of a patio heater is measured in “British Thermal Units,” or BTUs. The technical definition of a BTU is this: the amount of energy that’s required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.
Confused? In common terms, a BTU is just a uniform way to measure heat output. More BTUs = more heat. It really is that simple. And every patio heater on the market will have a BTU rating that’s supplied by the manufacturer.
To calculate the right size heater for your space, try this quick math formula: Just multiply the size of your space (in cubic feet) by the desired temperature increase.
For example, raising the temperature of a 10-by-10 foot patio by 40 degrees Fahrenheit – assuming an 8 foot heater height – would require a 32,000 BTU heater (10x10x8x40=32,000). Hint: if you’re not great at math, a square footage range is often provided by the heater’s manufacturer.
What Type of Patio Heater Should I Buy?
When it comes to purchasing an outdoor patio heater, you’ll choose from three main fuel sources. There’s no right or wrong choice, and each fuel source has its pros and cons. Here’s some information to help you choose a patio heater for your home.
- Propane patio heaters: These patio heaters work similarly to a propane barbecue grill. They are the most portable heater option because the fuel is supplied through a metal propane tank. But that also means the heater will shut off when you’re out of gas. For a 40,000 BTU patio heater, a full 5-gallon propane cylinder will last around 10 hours – so plan accordingly.
- Electric patio heaters: As the only non-gas option, electric patio heaters don’t need to be ventilated because there’s no open flame. This can make them great for areas such as covered decks and porches. Because they function