Patio Umbrellas, Heaters, Shades | Patio Heat and Shade

Step 1: Fuel Types

Freestanding units come (3) different fuel sources to choose from, Natural Gas, Liquid Propane or Electric.

Natural Gas

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Patio Heaters with Natural Gas fuel sources are usually fixed fixtures that are permanently installed. If you have access to a natural gas line, these might be a good git for you because they are the most cost-efficient fuel source out of the three. These heaters are popular in hospitality type setting such as restaurants because they become part of the seating layout and ambiance and give off large heat blooms for spot heating the people around them. Although they are most common as a permanent install, some manufactures do offer a portable natural gas solution, this is perfect for those larger venues that prefer to store the units away when not in season. Higher end Natural Gas heaters will also have more control options such as operating with the flip of a switch instead of a button on the heater itself.

BenefitsCost effective to operate﻿
No tanks to refill﻿
Large heat output﻿

Keep in MindMeant for permanent installations﻿
Requires professional installation﻿
Must be installed in well ventilated spaces only﻿

Propane Gas

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Patio Heaters that run on liquid propane are self-contained units that operate off a standard 20Lb propane tank and Piezo type ignition on the heater. These units are the easiest to install and operate because they do not require professional installation. These units have wheels for easy mobility which allows you to move the heat wherever it is needed. Since these are not connected to a fixed gas line, switching out propane tanks every so often will be required. Depending on how often you plan to use these, they run on average for 8 hours before you need to refill the tank.

BenefitsWheels for easy mobility﻿
Cost less to operate than electric heaters

Keep in MindTanks need to be refilled﻿
Must be installed in well ventilated spaces only﻿
Need multiple units for larger spaces﻿

Electric

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Portable patio heaters than run off electricity are perfect for small spaces. The heat bloom on these heaters is usually much less when compared to the gas heaters, but because these operate off a heating element, they are not susceptible to wind. These units require a power source such as an outlet.

BenefitsCan be installed indoors out outdoors﻿
Easy mobility when not in use
Not susceptible to wind

Keep in MindMust be plugged into an outlet﻿
Most expensive to operate﻿
Smaller heating bloom﻿

Step 2: Area to be Heated

Take into consideration the size of your space and what exactly you want to heat. Standalone heaters come in multiple sizes and BTU ratings to choose from. BTU stands for British Thermal Unit. It is the imperial system’s basic unit of heat, used to measure how much heat is required to raise one pound of water’s temperature by one degree. The heat output of a patio heater is measure per hour in BTU’s, the higher the BTU the larger the heat output. Each heater will have different BTU ratings and heat blooms, refer to the manufactures specifications to gather this information. You will want to pick a heater that has a higher BTU rating and a higher heat coverage area, this will allow you to cover a larger area with minimal number of heaters. Electric heaters also give off radiant heat and you will want to refer to the manufacturers specifications to determine what the heat bloom is of each heater.

Step 3: Installation Type

Standalone patio heaters do not necessarily mean they are all portable. There are different installation options available and taking into consideration how often you will be using these heaters will help you determine which installation type is best for you.

Portable Heaters

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This will be common with liquid propane heaters and electric heaters. These types of units will likely have wheels for easy mobility and will have a storage cubby for gas heaters to keep the 20lb propane tank hidden from sight. This is good for applications where seating and gathering areas change often and having the ability to move these units to different locations is key. For example, residential applications.

Permanent Post

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This will be common for Natural Gas heaters. Permanent post application are fixed heaters that are cemented or bolted to the ground and connected directly to a gas line. These units do not move and are usually strategically positioned throughout the patio. This is perfect for restaurant type settings where the units are installed and stay put year-round.

Step 4: Warranty and Parts Replacement

Patio heaters are not a cheap investment so taking into consideration what the warranty period is along with if replacement parts are available will be key. When you are looking at heaters side by side its impossible to tell what the main difference is between them. The material that the units are made from is a good indicator of the quality of the product. For example, a heater that is made of 304 Stainless Steel will last longer than a unit made from aluminum. When doing your research take note not only of the material, but also how long the manufacture will back their product. Lower quality freestanding patio heaters will usually have a standard one-year warranty, material will be made of aluminum and replacement parts won’t be available. This means in a year or two if something breaks/ malfunctions you will need to purchase a brand-new unit. Instead look for manufactures that use quality material such as stainless steel and who offer longer warranty periods and have replacement parts available to repurchase.

With our list of industry-leading brands to choose from, we are confident we can help you find the perfect solution to accommodate your application. Our trained staff has years of experience and are happy to help you choose the best solution for your outdoor space. Our Patio Specialists are ready to answer all of your questions, give us a call today and take advantage of our FREE heating design consultation at 855-298-4922.

Freestanding Heater Buying Guide

Step 1: Fuel Types

Natural Gas

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Benefits

Keep in Mind

Propane Gas

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Benefits

Keep in Mind

Electric

﻿SHOP ELECTRIC﻿

Benefits

Keep in Mind

Step 2: Area to be Heated

Step 3: Installation Type

Portable Heaters

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Permanent Post

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Step 4: Warranty and Parts Replacement

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Electric

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Benefits

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