Patio Heater Natural Gas 101 Your Ultimate Guide For Beginners

Natural Gas Patio Heaters Natural gas patio heaters can help you boost your profits by giving customers the ability to stay warm outside, even when the seasons have changed. They require little maintenance and can last for years. Keep the heater in a safe place from materials that could ignite and follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding testing, servicing, and lighting. A trained technician from the service department should fix any leaks. Installation Natural gas patio heaters, unlike portable propane models are directly connected to the natural gas line inside your home, making them more stable. The heaters are more efficient in heating and can be placed in larger spaces due to the fact that they can be used with multiple piping systems. They require professional installation in order to ensure the correct size of the gas lines. Natural gas patio heaters can't be refueled with extension hoses, therefore they are less portable. You'll also need to calculate the amount of BTUs you'll need to heat your space. The best method for calculating this is to utilize an easy math formula: multiply the square footage of your outdoor space by the desired temperature increase. Then, divide that number by the maximum number of BTUs your patio heater could generate to figure out the number of units you'll need. Patio heaters can be wall-mounted or freestanding. Freestanding models typically come with wheels for mobility, and can also accommodate tables or other surfaces beneath the burner head. The base is constructed of tough stainless steel, and has a protective finish to resist corrosion and rust. The wall-mount unit is an ideal choice for rooms that have high ceilings or are too large to accommodate freestanding models. They can be mounted up to 14 feet in the air and include mounting kits that include a bracket and quick couplers, hoses, and shut off valve. If you are installing a gas patio heater for your outdoor space, you'll have to look for leaks frequently. You can detect them using a soapy water solution. You should also look for signs of rusting or burning. If gas patio heater sale suspect there is an issue with your heater, have a qualified technician or plumber inspect it and make any necessary repairs. Aside from checking for leaks, also take into consideration whether your patio is in an area that has salt air or near the ocean. The metal parts of the heater are more susceptible to corrosion in a sea environment. It is also recommended to install a drain pan at the bottom of your gas line to reduce the accumulation of sediment that could impact the performance of your heater and cause safety issues. Safety Many people use patio heaters for comfort and ambiance, but it's essential to take some safety precautions. For instance, you should place the heater in a ventilated area and ensuring it's kept away from pets or children and regularly examining the heater for indications of wear or damage. Propane and natural gas heaters for patios should be only used in outdoor areas, as they can release harmful gases like carbon monoxide, if inhaled. A propane-powered patio heater is powered by a fuel tank that must be replaced or filled from time to time. Tanks can be refilled at many gas stations as well as convenience stores. It's important to store the tank properly when not in use as it's a fire hazard and should not be kept inside or in close proximity to other objects that are flammable. The propane tank must be covered when not in use and the valve shut to keep leaks from occurring. Propane patio heaters are prone to instability and can tip over if they are not set on a sturdy base. To reduce the risk, place standing heaters on an even surface and then secure them with bungee cords or heat-resistant ties to prevent them from falling over. Standing heaters can also topple over more easily when there is an extremely strong wind, therefore weights should be used to avoid this. Some people prefer a natural gas patio heater, which connects to the home's natural gas line and is less expensive to run than propane. These are permanent units, and require professional installation. They should be placed in areas that are well ventilated. Some patio heaters employ infrared technology that heats nearby surfaces, rather than heating the air directly. This type is generally safer around kids and pets, since it doesn't emit smoke or flames, however they may not be effective in warmer climates and aren't recommended for large areas. Additionally, it is vital to have a carbon monoxide detector installed near any patio heaters that make use of infrared technology. This will notify you of any harmful carbon monoxide emissions and give you a chance to extinguish the source before it can become a fire or health hazard. Maintenance Regularly inspect and clean patio heaters. It is crucial to make sure that the gas line doesn't have a clog and that all components are functioning correctly. It is also important to make sure that the propane tank is not completely empty or filled to the top. This could cause the heater to function inefficiently and could be hazardous. The burner, orifices, and the pilot tube should be free of carbon deposits. All openings including the venturi for the burner must be kept clean and free of spider webs and dirt. The stainless steel of the patio heater won't “rust,” but varying atmospheric conditions can create brown deposits that require cleaning regularly. Gas patio heaters are very powerful and can quickly warm up a large area depending on the model. They are perfect for outdoor areas and are easy to move. They are generally more expensive than electric heaters. They require propane or natural gas fuel source and should be utilized in areas that are well ventilated. Propane patio heaters are the most well-known kind due to the fact that they are mobile and easily filled. They are ideal for gazebos, pergolas and other outdoor areas that are covered. These patio heaters aren't as expensive but produce fumes, and pose an ignition risk if they are not maintained correctly. The gas hose, or regulator, is the component that connects the propane tank to the burner unit. To prevent leaks and damage it is crucial to replace your hose frequently. The gas regulator should be replaced every 10 years or so, regardless of whether there's visible damage to the component. This is particularly important when switching from one size propane cylinder to another. The flame of a propane patio heater won't stay lit. The thermocouple is often too far from the pilot light. This is usually an easy fix by taking off the access panel and using pliers to gently squeeze the two components closer. Cleaning Natural gas patio heaters are very clean burning and heat up very quickly. They are very mobile and do not require a power source. They can be moved around your outdoor space. These attributes make them a perfect choice for commercial or multifamily properties. They are simple to clean. Before cleaning, make sure that the propane patio heater is turned off and is cooled to a comfortable temperature. This will help you avoid harming the unit. Remove the top cover, then disassemble burner assembly. Make use of a cotton swab rub alcohol into the venturis and orifices that are inside of the burner assembly. This will eliminate any dust or spider webs. If your natural gas heater has a painted surface make sure that you do not paint the emitter grid and lighting instructions, or the valve or control knob or the LP cylinder. These surfaces need to be cleaned with water and mild soap or car wax at least once times a year. This will protect the finish and keep it looking new. This is particularly important in high traffic areas or in areas where your outdoor space is exposed to elements.