Patio heaters are umbrella or mushroom-shaped heaters that are great for warming up outdoor spaces during chilly winter months. They use electricity, propane or natural gas to generate heat.
Many homeowners wonder if it is a good idea to use a patio heater under a covered patio. The short answer is yes.
It is possible to use a patio heater under a covered patio as long as the source of the heat is at least a metre clearance from the ceiling and nearby walls. It is important that you choose the right type and size of heaters that is suitable for the available patio dimensions from the many available on the market.
If your home has a covered patio, make sure you use a patio heater safely, as each type of heater requires a different amount of clearance.
Types of Patio Heaters For Covered Patios
It can be a safe practice if you have the right type of heater that is suitable for the dimensions of the patio. Here is what you need to know about the most common types of patio heaters and whether they can be used under a covered patio.
Fixed Outdoor Heaters For Covered Patios
These heaters are designed to be permanently fixed and are connected directly to your gas line. They are mostly used in commercial settings where business owners intend to utilize their gas lines to the maximum.
Fixed outdoor heaters only use natural gas and are larger in size as compared to most other patio heaters. These heaters do not pose any risk from open flames as they use infrared technology to emit heat.
They can heat a large space as they offer a higher BTU range. Simply press the ignition switch to turn on the heater. It will create a spark to light the gas. No electrical connection is required to switch the heater on.
If you have a covered patio, you can use these heaters safely as long as there is a minimum of 2 feet clearance between the top of the heater and the roof of the patio. As these heaters are generally tall, you can only keep them under a roof that is at least 10 feet high.
Keep in mind that these heaters are fixed to your gas line, which means that they cannot be moved around once installed. Therefore, it is best to fix them near the edge of the patio. Also make sure you keep combustible materials, such as wood and lattice, at least 6 feet away from the heater.
Using a fixed mushroom heater under a covered patio is not recommended, but you can use it if you do not have any other feasible option and follow all safety precautions.
Portable Mushroom Heaters For Covered Patios
Portable Mushroom Heaters are fueled by propane and are easy to move from one spot of the patio to another. Although propane is more expensive than natural gas, they are popular due to their portability.
The propane tank can be stored in the base of the heater so that it stays out of sight and does not take up additional space on the patio. Like the fixed mushroom heater, they also use infrared technology, which eliminates the danger from open flames.
Propane heaters are switched on using an ignition switch that you can press to create a spark that ignites the gas. There is no need for an electrical connection to turn on the heater.
A regular portable mushroom heater would require at least a 2 feet distance from the roof if you use it under a covered patio. These heaters reach over 7 feet in height, which means that the roof of your patio must be a minimum of 10 feet above the ground. Check out the Hampton Bay 48000 Btu Stainless Steel Patio Heater if you are looking for a propane heater.
A good technique is to angle your patio heater slightly towards the open side of the patio to make the heat dispersion keep the area warmer. Remember to keep the heater at least 6 feet away from combustible materials such as wood, lattice and umbrellas. It is relatively easy to adjust its placing as this heater is portable.
Electric Infrared Heaters For Covered Patios
The reason behind the popularity of patio heaters is that they emit radiant heat. This means that the heat travels through the air to keep you warm instead of being blown through the air and getting dissipated on its way to you.
These heaters are commonly used outdoor houses, restaurants and offices. Electric patio heaters are a common choice for homes as outdoor electrical outlets are generally available in homes. Make sure that the electrical outlets are sheltered from water and moisture to eliminate any risk of electric shocks.
They are an excellent option where electrical outlets are available and you don’t need have access to natural gas. Using an electric heater will also save you from the hassle of buying and refilling propane tanks, as with portable mushroom heaters.
Electric heaters are available in a variety of styles, such as floor, tabletop, or wall-mounted. They are more suited for small areas as they do not have the heating capacity of larger, gas-powered heaters. Dr. Infrared Heater 1500W carbon infrared heater indoor outdoor patio garage wall or ceiling Mount is a good choice for a patio.
You can easily plug in these heaters to switch them on. Their hardware is usually weather-resistant, but it is preferable to place them in a sheltered area. Electric infrared heaters are best for use under a covered patio. They emit heat sideways, and can be fixed at a distance of just half a feet from the roof of the patio.
Wood-burning Heaters For Covered Patios
This is one of the most reasonable patio heaters you will find in the market. They are generally safe for outdoor use as long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and keep a safe distance from it at all times.
These heaters are not suitable to keep switched on for a long period of time. Once you are done using a wood-burning heater, make sure you disconnect or unplug it.
Furthermore, it is inadvisable to use these heaters under a covered patio as they give off a lot of smoke. This can make the environment smoky and cause stains and damage to your patio cover.
Safety Measures For Covered Patios
If you live in a rather chilly climate and intend to use a patio heater under a covered patio, choose a safe one and always keep some safety considerations in mind.
- Clearance
Make sure that your patio heater is at a safe distance from the roof. Natural gas and propane heaters require at least 2 feet of clearance while you can install electric heaters only half a foot below the roof. It is generally recommended to have at least 2 to 3 feet clearance on all sides of the heater.
- Ventilation
Even if your patio is covered, there is likely to be ample ventilation from the sides. However, if your patio is structured in a way that air flow is limited, it may be hazardous to use a patio heater.
- Covering material
Make sure you keep in mind the material that your patio covering is made from. If your heater gives off smoke, such as a wood-burning heater, it may cause your patio cover to get stained or damaged.
Patio heaters are typically made for outdoor use, with no roof above them. However, it is possible to use them under a covered patio with adequate clearance from the roof. Some heaters are more suitable for this purpose than others, such as the electric infrared heater.
When using a patio heater under a covered patio, make sure you angle the heater towards the open side of the patio to improve heat dispersion. Moreover, ensure that the heater is stable while you are angling it to reduce the risk of getting it tipped over.
