Can a patio heater be used inside?
The patio heater, whether powered by gas or electricity, should not be used inside the house because the patio heater is designed to meet the needs of an outdoor setting. Using an outdoor heater for inside use is very dangerous and extremely risky. A patio heater is typically powered by propane gas or electricity.
What is an an outdoor heater?
An outdoor heater is specifically designed to make outdoor temperature tolerable and comfortable. Because these heaters are ergonomic and well-structured, many users might be confused about the proper use of the heater. There are heaters that have low clearance and are made for low heat generation.
What type of outdoor heater should I install?
Natural gas heaters are not expensive to use, but they are undoubtedly costly to install. You must have access to natural gas to install this type of heater, so you may have to cross this one off your list right away. The electric outdoor heaters are the easiest to use because you just all you need is an electrical outlet.
Are outdoor heaters safe to use?
Outdoor heaters are generally easy to use and operate. However, it’s important not to leave anything to chance when liquid propane and fire are involved. There are some safety precautions that all homeowners should consider when operating an outdoor heater.
What kind of heater can you use on a deck?
Electric space heaters are one of the best options available for underneath a covered patio. Not only are they easy to use and portable enough that they can be moved from place to place, electric heaters are typically low to the ground so they require very little clearance.
Are propane patio heaters safe on a deck?
There are propane patio heaters safe for decks, terraces, gardens, porches and nearly any outdoor area you want to enjoy. When looking for a propane heater, it's a good idea to consider your needs and how you'll use the heater during the cooler months.
Where should you not use a patio heater?
Never place anything above or below your patio heater or check the manufacturer's recommended inches of clearance, which varies according to the number of BTUs the heater radiates. Also, never place your patio heater directly on grass, as this can make the unit unstable.
Can you use a heat lamp on a deck?
Absolutely! Just as long as you keep the space requirements around each heater, feel free to use as many as you would like. As your house becomes more and more packed this holiday season, feel free to invite your guests onto your deck.
How do you heat a deck in the winter?
Here are five methods for heating your deck area during the winter months.Fire pits. This is your most "rustic" option, though fire pits can be made to look quite clean and modern. ... Chimineas. A chiminea is like a portable fire pit with a miniature chimney attached. ... Portable space heaters. ... Strip heaters. ... Table top heaters.
Can you get carbon monoxide poisoning from a patio heater?
Patio heaters do produce carbon monoxide, and they don't face as many regulations as indoor heaters. That means they can produce enough carbon monoxide to suffocate you or lead to death. If a patio heater uses propane gas, that also poses a health risk.
Can outdoor heaters be left out in the rain?
Although outdoor heaters like propane and natural gas heaters are designed to resist accidental water contact, it is not recommended to use a patio heater in the rain. Heaters like Infrared heaters are non-waterproof electrical devices, so they should not be used in the rain because of the possibility of electrocution.
How far should a patio heater be from a house?
To prevent fire hazards, keep your heater a safe distance away from walls, ceilings, furniture, carpet or any other flammable material. Experts recommend providing three feet of clearance around all sides of the heater, unless otherwise specified by the heater's manufacturer. Find a level spot.
How much clearance do I need above a patio heater?
Patio heaters must have clearance on all sides. It is recommended that there be three feet above the unit and two feet on each side of the unit.
How can I keep my deck warm?
There are many portable heating options for a deck. Allowing you to bring them out as the temperature demands but keeping your deck open for other things during the summer....Moveable Deck HeatersPortable Patio Heaters. ... Tabletop heaters. ... Hanging Patio Lamps. ... Portable Firepits. ... Heated Deck Floor Matts.
Can I use a propane heater on a covered porch?
They heat up fast, are relatively inexpensive, and are reasonably portable. However, you need to be very careful using propane heaters in a covered patio. Again, you will need to check for both ventilation and clearance to make sure this is a safe heater to operate.
How hot do patio heaters get?
But it's worth noting that the average outdoor heater can warm an area of about 100 square feet while causing a temperature rise of 3–7 degrees above the ambient temperature. Anything more, and the space would quickly become uncomfortable to sit in.
How much clearance do you need above patio heater?
Always make sure that there is at least a three feet clearance space between the heater and other objects in the area.
Can outdoor heaters be left out in the rain?
Although outdoor heaters like propane and natural gas heaters are designed to resist accidental water contact, it is not recommended to use a patio heater in the rain. Heaters like Infrared heaters are non-waterproof electrical devices, so they should not be used in the rain because of the possibility of electrocution.
Can I put a patio heater under a gazebo?
You can use an outdoor heater under a covered patio, but it's important adhere to your specific heater's owner's manual precautions to keep the risk of fire low. This may include limiting what you put near your heater and what your patio cover is made of.
Can you put a patio heater under a canopy?
Yes, you can use a patio heater under a canopy. Make sure the canopy ceiling is a few feet above the patio heater to reduce the risk of fire. Keep all combustibles away from the patio heater and don't put it close to any wooden posts. Make sure to buy a heater that's the appropriate size.
How Do Patio Heaters Work?
Patio Heaters are a kind of radiant heater, which means that they provide heat by omitting it from a specific source. To better understand how a patio heater works, it might help to know its basic construction.
Where does the heat come from on a patio heater?
Here’s what a bottom-up breakdown of a patio heater includes: The heat comes from a gas burner at the top of the pole that ignites either butane or propane that burns upwards against a perforated metal mesh. Once the flames have sufficiently warmed the metal mesh, the heat is directed outward.
What type of gas is used in patio heaters?
But as already stated, Patio heaters can be powered by butane as well, both of which are liquified petroleum gases (LPG).
Why do patio heaters have silver?
The reflector tops often contain silver because it’s bad at retaining heat while simultaneously being great at reflecting infrared radiation.
How far away should you keep a heater from a chair?
Materials like pillows, rugs, or chairs (more specifically, chair fabric) shouldn’t be kept too close to the heater as the radiant heat could potentially cause combustion from anywhere closer than three feet (1 yard) away.
What to do if your deck is at risk from a fire?
A few things you can do to reduce the chances of a fire are: Keep fire extinguishers and water hoses in easily accessible places.
How to store a propane tank when not in use?
To make sure that your tanks are safely stored when not in use, you should choose a spot a ways off from your house and make sure that it’s level and sturdy. You can keep them uncovered year-round if you like, but they should be placed in a shady area during the summer out of the sun.
What kind of heater can I use on my wood deck?
As we mentioned above, not all patio heaters are safe to use on wood surfaces. If you want to use a patio heater on your deck or patio, it’s best to look for one that is specifically designed for wood. Many of the most popular patio heaters on the market today are designed to be used on wood surfaces. This means that they will be safe for your deck and won’t cause damage to it.
Why do people use patio heaters?
Many people love to use outdoor patio heaters because they make it possible to enjoy the outdoors even when the weather is colder. There are many different types of patio heaters available, and each one will be better suited for different types of decks and patios.
Are patio heaters safe on balcony?
People can spread fire faster than a fire in your building. Fire hazards on balconies range from smoking and carelessly discarded cigarettes, to using patio heaters, barbeques and storing combustible items. All these create a higher risk of fire. With the increasing trend of people sitting on their balconies or leaving them open, balconies are more vulnerable to fire.
Does an outdoor heater work on uncovered decks?
They can be used indoors and outdoors, but they only work when they have a power source. They need to be plugged in to work and they need to be on level ground or on a flat surface to work properly.
How high should a balcony railing be?
If you have a balcony, make sure it has a railing that is strong enough to stop a small child from falling over it – at least 42 inches high with no gaps between the balusters.
Is a patio heater good for a wooden deck?
For example, some patio heaters will be better for wooden decks than others, while some may be better for cement or stone patios. The key is to find a patio heater that can withstand the type of surface you have on your deck or patio. If you want to know whether a specific patio heater is safe for your wooden deck, you should look at the instructions that come with the heater.
Can you put a heater on a deck?
The reason for this is because the heat from the heater can damage some types of wood decking materials. If you are using it on an uncovered deck, make sure that you provide some sort of barrier between the heater and the deck. You can use something like a sheet of plywood, a rug or even just some sheets of cardboard.
What Kind Of Heater Can I Use On My Wood Deck?
There are many different types of heaters that can be used on wood decks, some more suitable than others depending on the deck and your goals.
Where Is The Best Place To Put A Patio Heater?
Patio heaters are a great addition to your patio furniture, especially if you live in an area where the winters get cold. They provide extra warmth while you’re spending time outdoors and give your patio that extra layer of comfort.
How Do I Maximize My Heat From My Patio Heater?
A patio heater is a powerful source of heat that quickly warms up an area , but it can take some time to maximize the amount of heat you get from your unit. If you want the most warmth possible on cold nights, follow these tips:
Are Patio Heaters Safe on A Wood Decking?
Generally, patio heaters are safe to place on any wood deck. Most, if not all patio heaters come equipped with safety features such as safety tip-over switches, automatic shut-off valves and remote-controlled thermostats.
What Type of Patio Heater Would Be Good For My Wood Deck?
There are many patio heaters on the market that offer different capabilities and mood-setting ambience. Selecting the best one for your wood deck all depends on what style of patio heater you would like or what fits the space you have to use on your wood deck.
How Do I Store My Patio Heater on My Wood Deck?
When you are not using your patio heater, you can safely store it on your wood deck with just a few easy steps taken. As a tip to protect your wood deck, make sure that where you leave your patio heater on the deck is not a place where a weathered mark can be made. No one wants rust or worn marks on their beautiful wood deck!
Final Thoughts
With just a few steps and considerations, you can feel comfortable basking in the warmth of your patio heater on your wood decking. Now, armed with a bit more knowledge on how to safely have a patio heater on your wood decking, you can confidently go out and set up your mini heat haven and enjoy it with your friends and family.
What Differences Between Wood and Composite for Heaters Are There?
The main problem that comes to my mind is the fact composite has no real structural integrity. It has even less as it gets warmer or hotter. Therefore, many manufactures suggest 12” centers on their composites to maintain a reasonable pounds per square inch PSI support without warping or deflecting.
What temperature do they heat composite decking?
They heat heat composite decking to over 300F (149C) more an average temperature around 350F (176C) to make the custom bend and arcs on decks.
What Can You Use on Wood or Composite Decking?
Gas-powered fire pits are typically self-contained units and do not have heat dissipation like a real wood fire. In other words, gas fires are not as hot and do not create infrared heat rays as natural wood does.
Why is real wood important for decking?
The more significant area is because real wood has sparks and embers that can pop off and mark the composite decking material.
How hot can a fire pit get off a deck?
A natural wood fire-pit set up off the deck can still reach temperatures over 160F a foot or 2 away from the decking. Anything in a real wood fire pit unless you place a protective barrier will damage the decking.
What happens if you put a heater on close to the house?
The heater is set up too close to the house, and it melts the vinyl siding or blisters the paint.
Is a patio tower heater good?
So, patio tower heaters should be good. They are designed to not work if not in an upright vertical position. This is pretty much the same thing for infrared heaters. They are designed to perform a certain way and only upset; modified units will achieve temperatures over our target temp.
How Close Can a Patio Heater Be to the Ceiling?
Different Patio heaters will have different levels of clearance. If you have a massive heater that nearly touches or grazes your ceiling, that can result in a fire hazard.
How to prevent fires in a covered patio?
Also, make sure you keep flammable materials far away. Finally, remember to get a heater that can supply adequate heat for your covered outdoor space.
How tall should a gas heater be?
Many natural gas heaters are quite tall. Thus, you should install them in patios of about ten feet and over. Notably, these heaters have a permanent connection to natural gas lines. That means you can’t move them around upon installation.
How to keep heat from toppleing in a covered room?
Angling your heater near the open part of your covered space is crucial. This will aid in heat distribution. However, ensure that your hater doesn’t topple. Toppling can quickly result in a fire. It is best to get a free-standing heater with an anti-tilt switch. Such a unit will cut the gas supply automatically in case it topples.
Is propane a good heater for a backyard?
Propane patio heaters may be the most common backyard heaters available, and do you know why? Besides having the advantages of the natural gas mushroom models, you can quickly move them around. Also, propane tanks can stay for a while before requiring a replacement. So, they are better than wood-burning methods considering fuel sourcing.
Do hotels use outdoor heaters?
Numerous eating joints, such as hotels and bars, use outdoor heaters under sheltered spaces. However, you will discover that they mostly rely on infrared and electric backyard units. These types of patio heaters have an enclosed design for ample protection. Besides, once you connect them to power, you won’t get troubled finding and replacing fuel.
Can you use a mushroom heater under a covered patio?
For this reason, mushroom heaters have no open flames that may quickly start fires. As a result, you can securely use them under your covered patio. However, ensure at least 2′ between the top of your natural gas heaters and your roof.
Why do patio heaters have to be certified?
Most heaters have to be certified to ensure that they pose less risk to the user, which is why patio heaters must have an anti-tilt safety mechanism as well as an automatic shut-off button that instantly cuts the gas supply. A propane gas heater produces carbon monoxide, nitric oxide, and nitrogen dioxide. These gases, if inhaled in extreme ...
What is an outdoor heater?
An outdoor heater is specifically designed to make outdoor temperature tolerable and comfortable. Because these heaters are ergonomic and well-structured, many users might be confused about the proper use of the heater. There are heaters that have low clearance and are made for low heat generation.
What happens if you use an outdoor propane heater?
A person with carbon monoxide poisoning will have persistent tiredness, shortness of breath, headaches, nausea, vomiting, and loss of consciousness.
How tall is a propane patio heater?
The nature of propane makes it prone to flames and unintended injuries. A patio heater stands 60-70” tall. The propane tank sits at the bottom, while the burner is raised at the top.
Where is the propane tank on a propane burner?
The propane tank sits at the bottom, while the burner is raised at the top. The top also has a reflector that stops the hot air from rising up. The reflector is like a small roof on top of the burner.
Is it safe to use a propane heater indoors?
Most any product puts the consumer at a certain level of risk, whether they are high or low. Propane heaters are now designed to pose the lowest level of risk for the user.
Can an electric heater be used in a living room?
Electric heaters can be mounted on the ceiling or put on a table that might make you think that these heaters can be used in a living room. Outdoor patio heaters are called such because they are designed for the particular purpose of being used outside.
What is the safest heater for a patio?
Electric heaters are considered the safest to use under covered and screened-in patios. They use infrared heat technology to evenly distributed heat, without open flames, or sparks.
How long should a patio heater be on?
Patio heaters are not meant to be operating continually. They are intended to operate only for several hours at a time and should not be left on indefinitely.
What is the best heat setting for screened-in porches?
When purchasing a patio heater, it is best to get one with adjustable heat settings.
What is an electric heater?
Electric: a switched on infrared heater on a house wall. One of the most common types of patio heater is the electric heater. It is super easy to use and can be placed anywhere as long as there is access to an electric outlet. Electric heaters are considered the safest to use under covered and screened-in patios.
What are the disadvantages of propane heaters?
Unfortunately, the main disadvantages of propane heaters are their requirements for substantial overhead clearance and the need for extra ventilation.
What temperature should a heater be on for a screened porch?
For screened-in porches it is recommended to run your heater on the low-to-medium setting, depending on its strength.
What is the cheapest heater to buy?
Wood-burning heaters are the cheapest to purchase, and are cheap to run. They provide good amounts of heat, however, their main downside is the open flame and excess smoke that are released.
When is the best time to use an outdoor heater?
An outdoor patio heater can enable you to use your precious outdoor space year round. While the winter months can still be challenging, the early spring and late fall are great times to be outside. Patio heaters definitely make these moments a lot more comfortable!
What happens if my outdoor heater smokes?
If your outdoor heater gives off a smoke of any kind, you could end up seeing some stains or damage to the patio cover.
Can electric heaters be used on a covered patio?
Electric heaters can cost a bit more to run long term, and you will need to make sure you have an outlet nearby, but this is a good option for a covered patio.
Can you use propane heaters on a covered patio?
However, you need to be very careful using propane heaters in a covered patio. Again , you will need to check for both ventilation and clearance to make sure this is a safe heater to operate.
Can a free standing outdoor heater cause a problem?
You must check the clearance for the particular heater model that you have. If you have a large free-standing outdoor heater that brushes against the top of your patio covering, this will cause a problem.
Is it safe to use an outdoor heater on a patio?
Outdoor heaters are relatively safe if they are correctly used. Unfortunately, the majority of injuries and damage caused by outdoor heaters is a result of owners not following the manufacturer’s recommendations. Outdoor heaters can be used under a covered patio as long as a few considerations are made.
Can an outdoor heater be used for entertaining?
You should keep in mind that outdoor heaters are intended to be used for entertaining for a few hours. This is not a unit that should be continually operating to heat any part of your home. Outdoor heaters are not built for that level of use.