Natural Gas Patio Heater
A natural gas patio heating system is an excellent option for keeping outdoor spaces warm. Its primary advantage is that it can be connected to existing natural gas lines (NG) and you don't have to worry about refilling propane tanks.
However there are some things to consider before you choose one. This article will go over the various options, including the heat output and safety, in addition to installation.
Cost
You can relax in your outdoor space throughout the evening with an outdoor heater that is natural gas. These units can be freestanding, wall-mounted or mounted via a post in the ground. They are available in various sizes to warm larger areas. The best model will include features that will make the use of your patio more secure and less hassle. You can find models with an anti-slant feature which will turn off the burner when it tilts over 47 degrees. Some models are made from durable materials like aluminum and stainless steel for strength and corrosion resistance.
These units can be powered by propane, electricity or natural gas, and produce up to 46,000 British Thermal Units (BTUs). Electric models plug directly into standard 120-volt outlets. They are the easiest and most convenient to use however they don't heat as well as propane or natural gas models.
Propane patio heaters are high and umbrella-like. They typically have an open base that houses tanks of 20 pounds of propane similar to the ones you'd use for gas grills. The tanks are less expensive but they need to be refilled frequently and can't easily be moved. You can also find smaller, tabletop propane heaters that are meant to rest on tabletops and hold propane tanks of camp style.
The cost of a natural gas patio heater is determined by its dimensions and features, including wheels that allow for easy mobility, quick ignition and a remote with various settings. You can also select from a wide selection of finishes, including resin wicker, hammered bronze and decorative stone facing to match your outdoor decor.
Natural-gas-burning and electric patio heaters that are hardwired need a professional installation and can't be moved as easily as propane and gas versions, but they have a more permanent look and work just like an indoor space heater. You can find a stylish model that runs through rigid gas lines to add an extra stylish design. However, the cost of a natural-gas patio heater is typically more expensive than those that run on electricity or propane.
Heat Output
Be aware of the power of a natural-gas patio heater when shopping. The amount of BTUs indicates the warmth your guests will feel as well as how long it will keep your patio and balcony warm. The bigger the area you can heat, the greater the BTUs.
Gas patio heaters can be used to enjoy the outdoors throughout the year regardless of whether your property is covered or not. The majority of models come with adjustable heat settings and run on propane or natural gas. They can be mounted on the ceiling or wall or stand on their own. If you have limited space for floor space, you might want to think about a portable natural-gas patio heater with wheels that is powered by propane tanks. Look for features such as gas shutoffs to avoid leaks in the event of a flame going out or an anti-tilt feature that stops the fuel supply immediately when the unit tilts over 47 degrees.
The best natural gas patio heaters provide plenty of warmth and don't take up too much room on the deck or in your backyard. Large freestanding models that resemble floor lamps offer radiant heat over larger areas, and have a sturdy metal construction. Tabletop models with a smaller footprint are great for smaller dining areas. Models that use natural or propane gas are available in a variety of attractive finishes.
For a more upscale look, you can find patio heaters that use natural gas or propane with an hammered-bronze or resin-wicker front, or a decorative stone front. Look for features such as an electric starter button and a safety valve which automatically shuts off the unit when it is tipped over, and rotary dial controls to easily adjust the flame and set it. Some of the top propane patio heaters are constructed with stainless steel to ensure durability and strength, while others are made from aluminum for a lighter weight.
Safety
Gas patio heaters are a great option to prolong your time outside. Gas patio heaters come in a variety of styles, from ones that stand on their own and utilize a propane tank to others that connect to the gas line in your home. The type you choose depends on your budget and how much you'd like to heat your space.
Propane-fueled heaters typically consist of an upright, pole or shield with a reflector or shield. The base is able to hold a 20-pound tank of propane (LP). These heaters are available in a range of power outputs ranging from 41,000 BTUs to over 100,000. They come with safety features, such as an automatic shut-off valve and an electronic lighter to make it easy to ignite. They also include a tip-over switch that automatically shuts off the flow of gas if the unit tip over.
Portable LP patio heaters are only to be used outdoors on flat, noncombustible and non-slip surfaces. They should be at minimum three feet away from all materials that are combustible and at least 12 inches from anything that could catch fire, including fences and trees. The fuel cylinder should be kept outdoors, at least three feet from any structure or structure, including stairways windows, and doors. If you have a propane patio heater, make sure you check the hose and connections regularly for leaks. You can test the connections with a solution of soapy water. Check for the UL or CSA mark on a propane patio heater to ensure it is in compliance with national safety standards.
A natural gas gas patio heater connects to your home's natural gas line and has greater BTU capacity than propane units. more info here is more expensive to run, however it's safer and doesn’t require a replacement propane tank. These units are great for residential patios, restaurant patios, and common areas of apartment and condominium buildings.
No matter what type of patio heater you pick be sure that it's suitable for indoor or open-air use. If propane or natural gas patio heaters are used in a confined space, they could release dangerous carbon monoxide. Electric patio heaters don't emit any harmful pollutants, and can be used safely in a sealed space.
Installation
Natural gas patio heaters connect to the gas line in your home. They don't need a propane tank, like other types of outdoor heating. This makes them an easier and safer alternative to traditional propane heaters. Additionally, they don't emit the same amount of smoke as propane heaters do. However, they require professional installation and are higher costs than propane heaters do.
They are a popular accessory for both residential and commercial properties. They can make your patio comfortable even when temperatures drop below freezing. They are extremely safe to use because they don't release heat at the surface of the heater but instead radiate heat from inside the silvered hood. These heaters are also very economical to run as they don't consume an excessive amount of electricity.
Patio heaters are available in two forms: wall-mounted and freestanding. If they are wall-mounted, they must be mounted at least 8 feet above the ground to ensure that people are not in the path of radiant heat. Freestanding heaters, on the contrary, require an area of at 14 feet in order to avoid coming into contact with combustible objects within the area.
They are also equipped with safety features to safeguard both property and people in the event of malfunction. The majority of heaters come with an off valve for tilt that stops the heater from consuming fuel or electricity when it falls or is tilted. Additionally, they have a sensor that detects flame to prevent accidental ignition.
In order to ensure that the gas heaters are safe to use in the home, a licensed plumber should be employed to install them. They should be acquainted with state and local plumbing and heating codes to ensure that the gas lines are calibrated to the heaters. They should be trained to detect gas leaks in appliances.
In addition to the cost of the materials and labor needed for the installation of a gas patio heater, other expenses may be incurred to remove and replacing structures or finishes that are damaged during the work. These costs include framing and finishing of surfaces, as well as plumbing systems. Other potential expenses may include making existing systems more compliant with the latest building codes. These costs should be included in the overall estimate of the project.