In the meantime, everybody knows about the patio heaters, which in the evening stand on the terraces of restaurants in the city center, are very popular with smokers, or even provide warmth indoors or in the home garden. Their appearance is reminiscent of their namesake from the forest because they are large, stand on a kind of stalk, and have a screen that distributes the radiating heat evenly around it.
But how exactly do patio heater work?
Different types of patio heater
A distinction is made between two types of heating patios: heated patios, those with gas and patios, which are powered by electricity. Both modes of operation have advantages and disadvantages and differ, for example, in environmental protection and scope.
The gas-powered patio heater
The gas-powered patio heater is hidden in the lower part of a gas cylinder, which is connected to the upper area. The gas can be, for example, propane, but also butane is possible if the outside temperature is not too low. A piezo ignition ignites the gas. Then the flames are visible under the screen. The screen then directs the heated warm air into the radius around the screen. The air can either be heated directly from the flame– which is more energy-efficient -, or it is first heated another surface, which in turn heats the surrounding air. The distribution of warm air around the patio differs greatly depending on the model. Still, the umbrella generally ensures that the heat is lost as little as possible to the top, but is released more horizontally to the environment.
Summary of the gas-powered patio heater
- works with gas as an energy source and piezo igniter
- only suitable for outdoor use
- is not wired
- generates comparatively much CO2
- continuous purchase of gas cylinders is necessary
The electrically powered patio heater
As an alternative to the gas-powered heating patio, the electrically powered patio heater has become established. Here are made by electric heating elements to glow, which then, as in the gas-powered model, the environment warm. Compared to the gas heating patio, the heat is emitted somewhat more directionally, and both versions with infrared and conventional heating elements are available. Especially infrared heating patios are suitable for operation in closed rooms.
In summary of the electrically powered patio heater
- is wired and therefore can not be placed anywhere
- also usable for indoor use
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