| Patio heaters are heaters for use in open spaces. | | | | The heaters are provided with a heavy aluminum |
| They are popular for domestic use and outside dining | | | | reflector at the top to direct the heat downwards |
| areas particularly in open cafes and restaurants with | | | | and outwards from the heater. These aluminum |
| outdoor seating. | | | | reflector type models are termed as mushroom patio |
| They usually heat a radius of 10-20 feet. However | | | | heaters or umbrella patio heaters. The pole is usually |
| the radius varies according to the model and ambient | | | | 3 to 7 feet tall. Ceiling patio heaters are also available |
| atmosphere. The heaters usually raise the | | | | in the market. These are installed permanently and |
| temperature from 10-30 degrees Fahrenheit. | | | | need less maintenance than the portable one. |
| Patio heaters are not designed for chilly winters as | | | | Heaters radiate anywhere up to 35,000 BTU (British |
| that would require a heavy duty heater with | | | | Thermal Units). The emitter reaches a temperature |
| enormous energy consumption. They are used for | | | | up to 1150 degrees Fahrenheit. This causes bluing of |
| relatively little increase in ambient temperature and | | | | the stainless steel. Also a brownish color develops on |
| particularly used in the evenings of late fall and early | | | | the emitter which appears like rust. However there is |
| spring. | | | | no cause for alarm as this brownish tint is normal and |
| Patio heaters run on a variety of fuel like natural gas, | | | | is not rusting of the unit. |
| propane, butane, kerosene etc. Some electric models | | | | The cost of patio heaters varies as per the model. A |
| are also available. The natural gas models are popular | | | | reasonable quality patio heater may cost between |
| because they use the same fuel system as an | | | | $100 to $300. Look for safety features like tilt |
| outside grill. Portable heaters have a portable cylinder | | | | switches, sealed burners, emergency cut off valves, |
| attached to the heating unit. | | | | flame controllers and electronic ignition systems etc |
| The principle used in most heaters is to heat using | | | | when purchasing. |
| radiated heat and not convection. As a lot of energy | | | | These items are available in shops where natural gas |
| gets used up in heating air for convection heating and | | | | or butane is available. Some specialty shops for home |
| very less percentage of heat is left for the user | | | | decorating also keep patio heaters. Do not treat |
| convection heating is not feasible. Radiative heating | | | | them as toys. It is prudent not to let children operate |
| patio heaters are more economical as they provide | | | | them. |
| heat to the user and air is not heated. | | | | |