How do patio heaters work?

You may be playing around with the idea of getting a patio heater, a firepit or a radiator but is fascinated to find out exactly how do patio heaters work? I wondered the same thing once and to help your out a bit I’ll share the answer right here. 

Patio heaters work by emitting radiant heat through the burning of fuels like propane or natural gas or by using electricity to power a halogen bulb or heat a heating element. It is quite different from space heaters that blow hot air in the space that normally dissipate in the air before it gets to you. Alternatively, you can heat your patio or deck by using a firepit where coal or wood is burnt to generate the necessary heat. 

Need a patio heater?

The season may change but we all want to enjoy the great outdoors, relaxing on the deck drinking our favorite beverage and watch the sunset. A good patio heater could be exactly what you need to prolong the fleeting feeling of warmth like those beautiful summer days.  

For my household, our trusty patio heater is the difference between experiencing a Siberian climate or enjoying a Florida like weather far outside the summer months.

You may be skeptical and have this one particular question circulating in your mind, do patio heaters work? There is no need for you to worry as I’ve shared my experience with you and you will be able to decide for yourself. 

Different types of patio heaters?

There are different types of patio heaters and you will have to decide for yourself which is best? Do not worry I’ve decided to do a bit of research and have shared the result with you in this article. 

Since you want to know how do patio heaters work, I will just let answer a more specific question for you:

How do gas patio heaters work? 

Natural gas patio heaters can be hooked up to the natural gas supply line already in your house and then light the pilot on you natural gas heater. These heaters normally come with anti-tilt feature and auto-off to prevent fires. 

Natural gas patio heaters are a great solution since it uses the natural gas lines already outfitted in your house. Therefore no need to buy liquified petroleum gas (LPG). 

They are very convenient to hook into the gas supply lines using a hose. You got to be mindful though because the extension hose can be a trip hazard, especially in the evening hours when the sun falls below the horizon.  

How do infra-red patio heaters work? 

Electric infrared patio heaters use electromagnetic wave energy that travels in a straight line from the heat source to heat an object. It radiates out over a distance into a specific direction, to concentrate the effects optical reflectors are used to direct the infrared light. 

A reasonable level of heat must be emitted in order to successfully keep yourself warm.

How do propane patio heaters work? 

Propane heaters are the boss of outdoor heaters. If works by burning LPG fuel. This patio heater is connected to a portable propane tank which is the main supply for the heater. 

More than half of outdoor appliances use propane, therefore, it is quite easy to buy propane. The propane heaters can be set up pretty much everywhere since they don’t need any installation. You can get a lovely propane-powered heater on Amazon. 

How do electric patio heaters work? 

Electric infrared heaters keep you war by converting electricity into infrared heat via a lamp or heating element. The heat from these types of patio heaters works similarly to the sun. 

It keeps you warm by transmitting electromagnetic waves through the air until it makes contact with your skin or any object as a matter of fact. You do not have to worry about the effects of electromagnetic waves. 

Due to the lower intensity of the electromagnetic waves emitted from the patio heaters, there are no harmful effects. 

The further away you are from the source of the heat source the less of the electromagnetic waves reaches you and the colder you feel. 

As a result, you may need a few of these heaters around you in order to feel warm. You can get your own electric infrared heater on Amazon for a fair price. 

Conclusion

Now that you know how do patio heaters work you can go out and buy the one that is most suitable for your needs. 

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About the Author: Doug Smith

Doug has been working around the house fixing stuff for years with a smile on his face. Let's just say he is an avid DIYer. Recently, he has decided to share some of the lessons learnt and knowledge gained from fixing things online. Hope you like what he has to say.