Outdoor heaters are no longer just for restaurants and have gradually made their way into residential settings. Homeowners use outdoor heaters for their patio, yard, deck, and balcony to increase thermal comfort, especially during cold winter months, and prolong the outdoor entertaining season.
Nevertheless, choosing the best outdoor patio heater can be overwhelming with the many options available. Learn the differences between gas and propane patio heaters so you can choose the best one for your patio needs and budget.
What Are Gas Patio Heaters?
Since natural gas is readily available in most homes, gas patio heaters are a top choice. They are renowned for offering warmth, quiet operation, and cost efficiency. The flame effect in these heaters warm spaces quickly, and you and your guests stay warm and comfortable regardless of the season.
Gas patio heaters come in a broad range of styles and designs, so you can choose one that appeals to you and matches your existing patio décor. You can also use the heater as a feature in your patio for an elegant finish. These patio heaters must go in well-ventilated spaces for safety purposes.
What Are Propane Patio Heaters?
Propane patio heaters are excellent for patio owners without a gas line or those who prefer not to use a gas heater. They stand out with easy installation and portability. Propane heaters are mobile, and you can place them anywhere on your patio. You are not restricted to areas with a gas source or power cord.
Since these heaters generate substantial heat levels, you can use them to heat a specific area on your patio. For instance, mushroom-shaped propane patio heaters discharge heat down and out, making them ideal for heating a small defined area. Like gas patio heaters, you should use propane heaters in well-ventilated areas to promote safety. How Should You Choose Between Gas and Propane Patio Heaters?
Discover some of the factors to consider when you need to choose either a gas or propane patio heater.
Cost
Gas heaters are the most cost-effective patio heaters. They are suitable for patio owners who want a reliable patio heater. You can expect to spend $0.476 per hour fora 40,000 BTU gas patio heater.
Contrary, propane gas is more expensive, and you will often incur $1.60 every hour. Typically, you will spend $16 to refuel a five-gallon propane tank that will heat your patio for ten hours. Also, you must purchase propane before you can use the heater.
Heat Output
Propane patio heaters such as the popular mushroom style patio heater may appear to have a higher heat output than their gas counterparts, but in reality these heaters are only designed to heat a small specific area where light to no wind exists versus a gas heater that can heat a larger area by radiating heat to the objects around it even in windy or less desirable outdoor conditions.
Portability
A propane patio heater is more mobile than a gas patio heater. You can move a propane heater anywhere in your patio and position it as desired. A gas patio heater has limited mobility once installed. However, if mobility is a priority for you, you can opt for portable gas heaters.
Safety
Gas patio heaters are often safer than propane heaters. Gas is lighter than air and dissolves quickly. However, be sure to watch out for gas leaks as they can be hazardous.
On the other hand, propane is heavier than air and tends to pool at ground level. You should handle propane cautiously because it is flammable. In a nutshell, gas and propane heaters should be used safely, especially around kids and pets.
Installation
Since propane heaters don’t require a gas line or electric socket, they are easy to install. On the contrary, a gas heater requires a professional to connect it to a gas line. Also, you may have to install a new gas line to use a gas patio heater.
Whether you settle for a gas or propane patio heater, contact the experts at Patio Heater USA. We manufacture top-quality, dependable, and energy-efficient heaters to provide all-year comfort.
