Btu Propane

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January 30th, 2007 admin Leave a comment Go to comments

Btu Propane

Patio Heater Types

Outdoor living is fast expanding as the British become more European in culture to adopt some of the finer aspects of our European cousins. A popular lifestyle change is to extend the seasons by simply placing a patio heater on the patio. Having conquered America and Europe we now see them appearing all over the British Isles

The various types of patio heaters can be fuelled by coal, gas, wood and electricity, ranging from, fixed/plumbed to free standing, table or wall models and metal basket types.

Due to the ease of use and versatility, the most popular type is the gas free standing patio heater. The main areas to look for when selecting the right type for your use are:

Heat Control. Some models are fitted with just a high and low heat setting. Best to look for variable heat control.

Power Output. This can be listed in KW or BTU/h’s (British Thermal Unit). Best to find out the BTU’s, it is the engine size and an accurate way of seeing how much heat will be generated. Small table models usually yield a low output; free standing models should give a min 35,000 BTU up to 45,000BTU. Anything yielding higher power will only increase the heat a fraction heat but will cost significantly more to operate.

Safety features. Flame failure device are common now but not all models will be fitted with a tilt safety shut-off. This device cuts the supply of gas if the patio heater is blown or knocked over. Do not place a patio heater on a slope or uneven surface; always placed on firm level ground. Should someone move the patio heater when it’s on then the tilt switch will switch off the gas. More advanced patio heaters and commercial grade models will have a thermal fuse for even greater safety.

Type of Finish. The popular finish is Stainless Steel – for the lazy gardener this is the ideal option. Stainless steel can be left in the garden without fear of corrosion or rust to spoil its look. Powder coated models should be protected by using a full length patio heater cover. This will keep the worst of the British weather off. The third choice is a hammered finish; there plenty of colours available and will weather well.

Design. Beware of the unsightly patio heaters in the market which would not look good sitting in the garden. Some are fitted with clumsy access doors for the gas; better models have a sleeker look with hidden access for gas. Patio heaters may have single piece reflector or sectional, size is important; generally anything less than 81cm reduces the heat reflection.

Gas Regulator. The connector from the gas cylinder to the patio heater is a regulator. Not all patio heaters are supplied with a regulator. The most popular type of regulator will fit the UK green gas cylinders. Fitting for this regulator is a simple clip-on fit to allow for speedy gas changes.

Gas supply. Some patio heaters will run on both propane and butane but some are single fuel only. Check to make sure the patio heater will run on either. Butane is OK in the summer months but will stop working during very cold days and nights. The ideal gas is propane and will continue to work in low temperatures and gives a more intense heat.

The technology in today’s patio heater is tried and tested; they offer all the style, convenience and ease of modern living, making the garden a room to enjoy all year round.