Buying A Patio Heater?
Springtime is here and people everywhere are looking for opportunities to shake off the winter blues and escape to the great outdoors. To help take the chill off those cooler days and nights and extend outdoor living hours, many of these same people will be looking into buying a patio heater (or more than one heater to cover a larger area).
The good news is that there are now a wider variety of outdoor patio heaters to choose from than ever before. All are considered “infrared”, which, like the sun, direct comfortable radiant (infrared) heat energy to the surrounding area. These heater options generally include:
Ceiling mounted gas fired high intensity infrared heaters ($400 to $1,100.00)
Ceiling mounted gas fired infrared tube heaters ($800 – $1600)
Portable post mounted LP gas “umbrella style” heaters ($199 to $599.00)
Fixed LP or Nat. gas “umbrella style” heaters ($399 to $699.00)
Overhead electric infrared heaters ($199.00 to $699.00)
Post mounted electric infrared heaters (399.00 to $499.00)
Of the above options, overhead electric infrared heaters are gaining some of the most rapid growth in the patio heating industry.
Why?
First, electric infrared heaters offer the convenience of simply plugging the heater into a convenient electrical outlet, versus running gas or filling propane tanks. Hence, the “installed cost” can be much less than gas-fired heaters. Second, the purchase price can be as little as $299 to $349.00 for a quality electric infrared heater. Third, because they are not fuel-fired, electric heaters don’t emit harmful emissions into the atmosphere.
Electric infrared heaters are also ideal for focussed small area heating over a barbecue, hot tub, table, or door entryway. A few brands even offer a convenient floor stand, making the heater completely portable so you can locate the heater virtually anywhere, as long as there is an electrical outlet nearby. Great for thawing, freeze control, animal comfort, temporary heat in the garage, and so much more.
Do electric infrared heaters generate as much heat as gas infrare
1000
d heaters?
Electric infrared heaters normally emit 1500 watts of heat energy (equivalent to 5,120 BTU’s). That’s about 4 to 7 times less BTU’s than many of the bigger gas infrared patio heaters. However, electric infrared heaters are smaller and can focus the infrared heat more directionally. In other words, they emit a smaller, more focussed footprint of heat, generated by a highly reflective parabolic reflector.
It is sometimes necessary to use more than one electric heater to cover a large area. But keep in mind that a 1500 watt heater will draw about 13 amps of power. Therefore, only one heater can operate on a 20 amp circuit. More heaters, means higher amp draw and more circuit capacity is required. For multiple heaters, it is best to use 208V or 240V heaters and have them professionally wired. High voltage heaters will draw fewer amps and cost less to operate. Higher output 3000 watt electric heaters are available.
Important: If you are searching for an electric infrared heater, be sure to search the various brands. Better units can “throw” dramatically more usable heat energy to the target area than cheaper ones. Also, choose a brand that offers the best warranty and bulb life and make sure it is approved for outdoor use. Some have a 1-year warranty and 5000 hour bulb life. Better units have a 2 year warranty and a 9000 hour bulb life. Some are approved for outdoor use and some are not. Some have built-in thermostats or remote controls while others do not.
By the way, electric infrared heaters are also excellent for use in bathrooms, laundry rooms, sunrooms, lofts, cabins, bedrooms, outdoor smoking areas, offices, and much more. Electric infrared heaters have also been shown to offer health benefits, since infrared radiation stimulates blood circulation. Think of sitting in the sunshine, but without the harmful rays of the sun.
By: heaterman
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Scott Workman owns and operates Infra-Red Products Supply, Inc. of Draper, Utah. In business since 1986, Infra-Red Products has become a leading authority in energy saving heating system design and sales for residential, commercial and industrial heating solutions. Want to learn more about efficient heaters and heating systems? Email us at getheat@msn.com or visit our web site: =>
www.heatersunlimited.com
Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Landscaping Articles Via RSS!
Additional Articles From – Home | Home & Family |
ticledashboard.com/Category/Landscaping/202>Landscaping
Landscaping Plannning – The best way to make a gorgeous garden landscape?
Landscaping With Stone Techniques
The Essential Components Your Automatic Pool Cleaner Must Have
Advantages Of Artificial Grass In The Summer
Decorative Windmills Can Add a New Look to Your Lawn and Garden
Lacrosse Uses Synthetic Grass As Main Surface
Synthetic Grass Instillation
Eco Freindly Lawns
Outdoor Lighting Installation: Make the Best One for You
Hints On Small Garden Design
Garden Pergola-A Simple yet Striking Structure for Your Garden Landscaping
Easy Installation and Maintenance of Synthetic Turf
Free Landscaping Idea: A Good Reference Point
Sacramento Area Landscaping Ideas
Fireplace The Pool Boy – Get An Above Ground Pool Cleaner
In states that are faced with a cold climate, commercial patio heaters are a boon to the hospitality industry. Often, in these states people prefer to spend their evenings at home as the weather outside is too chilly. Also, many of these states have banned smoking in enclosed public places like restaurants, pubs and bars. An outdoor heater ensures that these people can always huddle beside it and enjoy a cigarette. This eventually means extended hours of business for restaurant and pub owners. In fact many pub hoppers make sure to check, if patio heaters are available before entering.
Outdoor heaters are very easy to shop for and tere are just a few basic things to remember before buying.
The first and foremost thing to consider is safety. Most commercial patio heaters have a number of safety features, including a safety tilt switch that automatically turns off the system, if it’s accidentally tipped over. The safety of these heaters also depends on our usage. As a general rule it is advised to follow the manufacturer’s instructions very carefully. Not doing so makes the guarantee void and could be very dangerous as well.
The second thing that is to be considered is style. It is important that the style should suit your décor. Some are designed to look like old lamp posts that lend a classical look to your place. There are some that have a very futuristic appeal. Some electric heaters come in box like shapes and look more like an outdoor air conditioning unit. Patio heaters come in three different types of fuel types; natural, gas and electricity. Natural gas heaters are environment friendly and the heater can be connected to the gas line, and thus never need refueling. Also, these cannot be moved. However if you plan to move your heater often you could use a propane heater.
The next thing to consider is the efficiency. Most commercial patio heaters have a heating power of 45,000 Btu (BTU is the measure of the heating power of patio heaters).This is enough to supply heat for a diameter of 20 foot. In order to ensure that the heat is distributed effectively, you can buy an outdoor heater that has more than one reflector. Generally the outdoor space determines the size of the heater. Sometimes you may need than one heater.
Budget is also important. Most commercial outdoor heaters come at an average price of $500. The price however varies according to the style and features offered. There are a number of websites that sell commercial patio heaters. You can compare prices and even check for reviews by users. By using patio heaters, restaurant owners can make their customers feel at home.
Amber Liddell is resource for Net Health Shops, your online stores for indoor and outdoor living. At PremiereFirePits.com you will find a full selection of fire pits, chimineas and patio heaters.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amber_Liddell
Mail this post