Natural Gas Patio Heater
A natural gas patio heater is an excellent method to keep outdoor areas warm. Its primary benefit is that it can be connected to existing natural gas lines (NG) and you won't have to be concerned about refilling your propane tanks.
However there are some things to consider before you decide on one. This article will go over the various options available including heat output, safety and installation.
Cost
Adding a natural gas patio heater will allow you to relax in your outdoor space well into the night. These units are available in different sizes and can be mounted on walls freestanding or affixed to posts. The right model should also have features that make patio use more secure and easy. For example, you can find a unit that has an anti-slant feature that will shut off the burner if it is tilted by more than 47 degrees. Certain models are also constructed from tough materials like aluminum and stainless steel to provide durability and resistance to corrosion.
These units are powered by propane, natural gas or electricity and generate a maximum of 46,000 British thermal units (BTUs). Electric models plug into 120-volt outlets that are the easiest to set up and operate but they don't provide heat as well as propane or natural gas models.
Propane patio heaters resemble umbrellas and have hollow bases that can hold tanks of propane that weigh 20 pounds similar to the ones used for gas grills. They are less expensive but they need to be refilled regularly and can't easily be moved. You can also find smaller propane heaters for tables that are designed to sit on table tops and are designed to hold camp-style 1-pound propane tanks.
The cost of a natural-gas patio heater is determined by its dimensions and features, such as wheels for mobility along with a quick ignition, as well as a remote with different settings. You can choose from a range of finishes to match your outdoor decor, such as resin wicker, hammered brass and decorative stone facing.
Hardwired electric and natural-gas patio heaters require a professional installation. They can't be moved easily, unlike propane and gas versions. However, they appear more durable and function as well as a space heater. You can get a stylish model that is able to thread through rigid gas lines to give it a stylish design. However, the price of a natural gas patio heater is typically higher than those that run on electricity or propane.
Heat Output
Be aware of the heat output of natural-gas patio heaters while shopping. The number of BTUs will determine the warmth your guests will feel and also how long it will keep your patio and balcony warm. The larger the space you can heat, the greater the BTUs.
Gas patio heaters can be used to enjoy the outdoors all year long, whether your area is covered or not. Most models are adjustable and run on natural gas or propane. They can be hung on the ceiling or wall or stand on their own. If you're limited on space for floor space, you might want to look into a portable natural gas patio heater on wheels that is powered by readily available propane tanks. Look for features like gas shutoffs to avoid leaks in the event of a flame going out or an anti-tilt function that stops the fuel supply immediately when the unit is tilted more than 47 degrees.
The best natural gas patio heaters provide ample warmth without taking up too much room on the deck or in your backyard. fireplacesandstoves that are freestanding that resemble floor lamps, provide radiant heat to a larger area and are constructed from sturdy metal. Tabletop models with small footprints are ideal in small dining spaces. Models that utilize natural or propane gas are available in a range of attractive finishes.
For a more sophisticated look, there are patio heaters that use natural gas or propane with an hammered-bronze or resin-wicker front, or decorative stone front. Other features to look out for include a push-button ignition system that shuts off the safety valve in the event that the unit is tippy and rotary dial control that lets you easily set and adjust the flame. The best propane patio heaters are crafted from stainless steel for durability and strength, while others are constructed from aluminum to make them lighter in weight.
Safety
Gas patio heaters are a popular way to prolong the time you spend in your outdoor space. Patio heaters made of gas come in a variety of styles, ranging from those that stand alone and use a propane tank to others which are connected to the gas line of your home. The style you pick will depend on your budget and how much you'd like to heat your home.
Propane-powered units are usually a stand or pole with a reflector dome or shield and a base which houses the 20-pound propane (LP) tank. These heaters offer a broad range of power outputs between 41,000 BTU's and more than 100,000. They have safety features including an auto shut-off valve, as well as an electronic lighter for quick starting. The tip-over switch automatically shuts off the gas flow when the unit is tipped over.
Portable gas patio heaters should be used outside on hard, flat non-combustible surfaces. They should be kept at least three feet away from all combustible materials and at least 12 inches away from anything that could catch fire, including fences and trees. The fuel cylinder should be kept outside and at least three feet away from any windows, stairways, building and doors. If you have a propane patio heater, be sure to check the hose and connections frequently for leaks. You can test these connections by using soapy water. Examine the UL or CSA marks on a patio heater constructed from propane to ensure it is in compliance with national safety standards.
A natural gas patio heater is connected to your home's gas line. It has a higher BTU rating than propane heaters. It may be more expensive to run however it's more secure and doesn't require replacing propane tanks. These units are ideal for patios in residential homes as well as restaurants, apartment and condominium buildings.
No matter which style of patio heater you choose, you should make sure it is suitable for use in open or indoor spaces. If propane or natural gas patio heaters are used in an enclosed space, they can release deadly carbon monoxide. Electric patio heaters do not emit any harmful pollutants, and can be used safely in a sealed space.
Installation
Natural gas patio heaters are connected to the gas line in your home which means they don't need the propane tank that other kinds of outdoor heaters do. This makes them more secure and a better alternative to traditional propane heaters. They also emit less smoke than propane heaters. However, they will require professional installation and are more expensive prices than propane heaters.
These heaters are widely used in both residential and commercial properties. They can make your patio more comfortable, even if temperatures drop below freezing. These heaters are safe to use since they don't release heat onto the surface, but rather radiate heat from the inside of the silvered cover. These heaters are very energy efficient as they do not consume a lot of electricity.
Patio heaters come in two types: wall-mounted and freestanding. If they're wall-mounted, the heaters should be at least 8 feet above the ground, so that people don't get in the way of the radiant heat. Freestanding heaters require a minimum clearance of 14 feet to keep out combustible materials from the vicinity.
They come with security features that protect the user and the property in the event of malfunction. The majority of heaters come with an automatic shut-off valve for tilt, which will stop the heater from consuming electricity or fuel when it falls or tilts. They also have a flame sensor which detects the presence of flames to prevent accidental ignition.
In order to ensure that the gas heaters are safe to use, a licensed plumber should be hired to install them. These professionals must be familiar with local and state plumbing and heating codes to ensure that the gas lines are correctly designed to accommodate the heaters. They should also be trained to check gas appliances for leaks.
In addition to the cost of the materials and labor required to complete the gas patio heater installation additional expenses could be incurred for the removal or replacing any surfaces or structures that have been damaged during the installation. These costs include framing and finishing of surfaces, as well as plumbing systems. These costs may also include upgrading existing systems to comply with current building codes. These costs should be included as part of the total estimate.