Take The Chill Out of the Night With a Propane Outdoor Heater
A lot of restaurants, residential backyards and patios in countries with cool climates now make use of a propane outdoor heater to ward off the cold on chilly nights. These are used specifically for outdoors, not for indoors, for safety purposes, as the fuel used in these equipment must not be confined in enclosures and should have proper ventilation. It is important to note that while a portable patio heater is portable, they should not be moved from their location while in use.
Using LPG or liquified petroleum gas for fuel, these outdoor heaters can be adjusted to give off just the right amount of heat to make an otherwise cool evening on your deck or patio perfectly comfortable. And since these heaters are portable, they are perfect for a cool weather beach party or other outdoor outing.
1) Propane convection heaters – this type heats cold air from below and carry the heated air upwards and spreads it across the area to be heated, following the principle that hot air goes up and cold air goes down. This type is mostly used in garages, warehouses, and similar work stations.
2) Forced air heaters – this type employs an electric-powered fan that blows the heated air to its immediate surroundings. It spreads the heat faster than a convection heater, but consumes additional electricity in inducing the heat across the area at a much faster rate.
3) Infrared outdoor heaters – this type is very appropriate to use in breezy or wind-driven environs, as it maintains its heating capacity even through moving air. It uses a reflective cover that refocuses the heat downwards to the encompassing area, and is available in different designs and styles.
Portability and ease of movement are two of the beneficial features of outdoor patio heaters. Considered as a light furniture, these can be moved from one place to another with great ease and convenience. However, you have to take extra caution and see to it that you never move or transport the heater while it is in use. Be sure to use proper care and handling when moving or transporting your heater. Follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions. Don’t risk accident or injury. Take a little time and care.
Safe Use Of A Propane Outdoor Heater
These outdoor heaters are used for limited spaces or areas outdoors and are considered generally safe, especially when handled and installed properly. In restaurants, for example, these are installed sporadically in strategic areas of a restaurant’s patio or terrace areas and are equally spaced from each other while observing proper and adequate ventilation. The layout and spacing of these propane outdoor heaters must be planned carefully and should observe the regulations and stipulations of the National Fire Protection Association or NFPA, regarding its location and spacing from each other. While there is an NFPA provision that dictates that “heaters used for temporary heating shall be located at least 6 feet from any cylinder”, the design of the typical outdoor heater is such that its fuel tank is located immediately at its base, and is acceptable to NFPA standards as the said fuel tank is properly and adequately protected from the heating element of the heater. It is included in the exceptions rule of the NFPA.
The NFPA regulations also stipulate that propane outdoor heaters must not be located within 5 feet from any entrance or exit ways or any means of ingress or egress. Logically, this regulation was made in order to avoid instances where these heaters are unknowingly and accidentally knocked over by passers by. It simply segregates the location and positioning of the outdoor heaters from the foot traffic of public places such as restaurants and dining establishments.
Lengthen the Seasons and Spend More Time Outdoors
A propane outdoor heater will let you make use of your deck or patio on those chilly nights when you would normally be inside. They will really allow you to spend more beautiful evenings outdoors.
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