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