Views: 44 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2022-06-27 Origin: Site
Patio heaters provide warmth and ambience to your backyard so you can enjoy your backyard year-round. However, to get the most out of your patio heater and avoid injury or damage, it is important to understand how to use your unit safely. With the proper safety measures in place, you can enjoy a morning latte, evening cocktail or a steaming hot chocolate with friends and family in your backyard on a chilly night.
To ensure your patio heater performing at its best, you must have the proper patio heater for your outdoor space.
There are a variety of styles to choose from, including the classic mushroom patio heater with an umbrella reflector on top, the pyramid patio heater with the flame inside a glass tube, and even the smalltabletop patio heater.
Patio heaters are designed with consumer safety in mind and offer a range of safety features to prevent fire hazards and accidental injury. Before you buy a patio heater, check out the features below.
While restaurants and bars often display spectacular heaters with flames, most home patio heaters have the flame safely contained within a glass tube or emitter for protection. This reduces the risk of fire associated with using patio heaters.
Anti-tilt design features, such as wide or weighted bases, minimize the risk of the heater tipping. It also has a more advanced feature that automatically shuts off the burner when it senses the heater tipping.
A thermocouple is a flame-extinguishing device that responds to temperature changes and closes the gas valve when the flame is extinguished. This is an essential feature as it will prevent gas leaks if the flame is extinguished by high winds.
The ETL mark is recognized as having the same effect as the UL or CSA mark and complies with the relevant safety standards. The fact that a product has the ETL listing mark means that it has met the requirements of the product safety standard.
Patio heaters are not designed to radiate high temperatures over long distances; instead, they heat nearby objects and people. If your heater is too close to certain materials, it could start a fire.
Keep patio heaters away from combustible materials. This includes pots and potted plants, outdoor textiles and grass, but also flammable items such as propane tanks used in grills or lighter fluids.
The recommended distance away from combustibles is about three feet. This will ensure that these flammable items and compounds are not exposed to high temperatures. However, always consult the manufacturer's instructions in your specific model's instruction manual, as your patio heater may have other features or constructions that require alternative placement.
Patio heaters are only suitable for outdoor areas and care should be taken to ensure your heater has adequate clearance and a safe environment to prevent fires.
Outdoor areas are defined as open or semi-open spaces with proper ventilation and air circulation to prevent carbon monoxide build-up.
Never place anything above or below a patio heater, or check the manufacturer's recommended inch of clearance, which depends on the number of BTUs radiated by the heater.
Also, never place patio heaters directly on grass as this can make the unit unstable. If you plan to place the heater on the lawn, always place it on a firm, stable surface.
Patio heaters come in a variety of fuel types, all of which have advantages and disadvantages when it comes to operating safety.
Standing patio heaters generally come in two different fuel types:
Propane and natural gas. Due to the flammability of the gas, precautions must be taken when handling tanks and valves to minimize leakage and damage.
Propane patio heaters are favored for their portability. For the safety and optimum performance of the propane tank, be sure to close the gas tank valve and turn off the switch when the patio heater is not in use.
If you keep a spare tank, store it away from open flames and hot areas. After replacing the air tank, check the valve and hose for leaks by applying soapy water to the assembly and checking for air bubbles.
Patio heaters that use natural gas offer a more cost-effective alternative to heaters that use propane tanks, and many models are also capable of heating larger areas. However, you must have the heater hooked up to the natural gas line by a professional and always use the included ground bracket to secure the unit to the ground.
Patio heaters are constructed higher for better heat dissipation; however, this can also make them top-heavy and put them at risk of tipping and tipping. Even if the heater is turned off, the residual heat of the reflector or tube can become a fire hazard if exposed to flammable materials.
If you have a small or windy patio space, you can use tabletop patio heaters as their more compact design provides greater stability.
Patio heaters are great for creating a warm, cozy outdoor environment during the colder months, and while most patio heaters have some weatherproof coatings, nothing is more dangerous for patio heaters than wind.
Wind can easily knock over thin patio heaters, especially mushroom heaters, which act like an umbrella to catch the wind. You can protect your patio heater from the wind by securing it with heavy objects or placing it in a less exposed location.
Wind also has a significant effect on the efficiency of your patio heater. The more times your patio heater is exposed to wind, the more fuel it will take to achieve the same level of BTU (bolometric heat measurement). So to get the most out of your patio heater and avoid overworking it, keep it as far away from the wind as possible.
Responsible adults in the household should operate patio heaters, and if there are children in the home, it is critical to establish fire safety rules and boundaries around patio heater operation.
Anyone under the age of 15 should not touch a patio heater, including turning it on or off and moving it. Keep young children away from empty or replacement fuel tanks, as they could injure themselves and damage the fuel tank if they drop it.
If your patio is a high-traffic area for children or pets, make sure the patio heater is not in a space where it could be knocked over or accidentally touched while playing. Never leave your patio heater running unattended.
Just like any other home appliance, your patio heater requires regular care and maintenance to keep it working properly and safely.
When an open-air heater is stored, it becomes a favorite hiding place for insects and can collect dust and debris that can affect lights and burners. Dry storage areas can also cause rubber hoses to become brittle, and improperly stored heaters can be prone to rust and tarnish. Taking a few steps before using your patio heater for the first time after storage will ensure you have warmth and ambience all season long.
To check for blockages or debris, remove the patio heater by disconnecting the gas line and removing the cover according to the manufacturer's instructions. Typically, the cover is attached with screws or nuts and bolts, and removal is a simple process.
To clean your patio heater, use a soap and water mixture and a non-abrasive scouring pad to clean the inside and outside of the emitter. You should avoid getting the burner wet and use a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab or soft cloth to remove accumulated grease or residue.
To reassemble your patio heater, reinstall each component in reverse order. If you're unsure or inexperienced with gas plumbing, it's safer to call a professional. And always check the operating manual for your outdoor patio heater model, as different types of heaters may require different removal, cleaning, and maintenance instructions.
If your outdoor patio heater is damaged or underperforming, replace or repair parts immediately to avoid bigger problems later. Some parts at risk of damage include reflectors and emitters. During regular maintenance, check that all components are working properly or contact us.
Patio heaters are the perfect addition to your outdoor entertaining area, allowing you to host family and friends year-round and even enjoy the warmth throughout the winter months. But to keep your patio heater running properly and safely, follow these simple safety guidelines and maintenance tips.
