Gas Patio Heaters

1. Our propane and gas patio heaters section features heaters that can be connected to the natural gas line at your home or business, and/or fueled by a propane tank. Propane patio heaters with wheels aren't the only portable option; using a flexible appliance hose allows you to move a gas patio heater.

2. A propane patio heater with a refillable tank is a practical choice if you heat your patio infrequently or for shorter periods of time. A patio heater with a 40,000 BTU rating and a 20-pound tank will provide about 10 to 12 hours of heat.

3. Stationary or portable? That's the question when choosing a location for natural gas patio heaters. If connected to a steel gas line, the heater will need to be secured or mounted. If you want the flexibility of moving the heater to different areas, then a natural gas connector hose will be required.

4. If you're planning a winter polar bear plunge at your backyard swimming pool, a propane gas patio heater may not be the best choice. Propane tends to crystallize when the temperature dips below 40 degrees. This means that propane gas patio heaters are less efficient than natural gas heaters in near-freezing temperatures.

5. A lower operating cost is one of the primary advantages that gas patio heaters generally have over electric models. The U.S. Department of Energy estimated in 2007 that natural gas is the lowest-cost conventional energy source available for residential use.

6. The effective range of a gas patio heater is determined by its BTU (British thermal unit) rating and factors such as wind level and how enclosed or covered your patio is. Optimally, a patio gas heater with a BTU rating of 46,000 would provide a heat circle of about 18 feet.

7. Patio gas heaters don't necessarily have to be used on the patio. Winter gardeners with large greenhouses or nurseries often find gas heaters to be an attractive alternative to electric heaters - plus they're not vulnerable to power outages that could damage electrically heated plants.

8. Checking periodically for gas leaks is important with a natural gas patio heater, especially after prolonged disuse. Call a professional or, with the gas on and regulator attached, use a sponge to apply soapy water to the fittings and connections, and look for air bubbles indicative of leaking.

9. Gas and propane patio heaters are also stylish outdoor accessories. Finish options include stainless steel, copper, black, and lustrous gunmetal plating, depending on availability.

10. Autumn winds can get brisk in some regions, but the base-heavy design of gas patio heaters helps keep them upright. Make sure your heater has a safety tilt feature that causes an automatic shut-off in case the heater does topple.