When you step onto your porch on a chilly morning, with a mug of your favorite hot beverage in your hands, your patio heater is probably the last thing on your mind – except to be grateful you have one! If you need to replace your heater, though, you’ll have a lot of factors to consider. One such factor is the type of fuel your heater uses; several are available, each with its own pros and cons. Let’s take a look at a few of these fuel options today.
Wood
For a timeless atmosphere, you could use a fire pit or fireplace to provide heat to your outdoor area. Many people enjoy the look and feel of a natural wood fire, but the fuel cost is somewhat high for the heat output you’ll receive. You also have little to no way to adjust the temperature or reach of a wood fire: most are fixed points on your deck and either lit or extinguished. If these concerns are minor to you, a wood fire can be a great aesthetic addition.
Electricity
Electric heaters can be your most efficient choice, measured by the amount of fuel it consumes compared to the amount of heat it produces. Electricity can be handy because most buildings already have it installed throughout; if you’re near a power outlet, you’ll have fuel. Most electric heaters are easy to operate, and manufacturers take a few extra protective measures, although you should still place the heater in a relatively sheltered spot.
Especially in the colder months, though, the heater might drive your electric bill through the roof because it costs more to operate than other fuel options. If you have a large area to heat, too, you may need to consider another fuel source; electric heaters don’t usually have the same power that a gas or propane heater would ordinarily offer.
Natural Gas
Natural gas is available in most of the country and is sent in direct pipelines to your home, provided you have a way to connect to a local gas supply. Gas is often cheaper to use than electricity or propane, but is still a more powerful and effective heating source, which means you get to save both money and energy.
The main downside to a gas heater is the costs to purchase and maintain the mechanisms. You’ll likely find a gas heater more expensive to buy upfront, and you’ll have to keep to more strict maintenance and repair schedules to keep it running safely. The performance, efficiency, and lower monthly bills should help offset these costs, though.
Propane
Propane or oil heaters have many of the same benefits as natural gas: they are energy-efficient, powerful, and readily available in most places. The biggest difference is that they don’t connect to any municipal fuel lines. You’ll need to keep a supply of the fuel on hand and schedule refills when it gets low, to make sure you have heat when you need it.
Oil specifically doesn’t burn off as much as natural gas does, which will leave you with more soot and waste to dispose of. If you forget to order refills, you may have to stay inside for a bit until you get another tank. Still, the fuel costs are usually cheaper than electricity, and the heater can be more mobile because it doesn’t have to connect to an existing pipeline.
For all of your gas and propane heater needs, look no further than Patio Heater USA. Get in touch today to start the process of buying your own Calcana patio heater, an energy-efficient choice for home or restaurant outdoor use.
