What’s best, a gas patio heater or an electric patio heater?
Are you only using your patio for half the year because cool weather chases you inside? Adding a heater does for you in the winter what installing an exterior ceiling fan does for you in warmer months. A patio heater can warm up your exterior space, letting you enjoy your patio even in low temps. But which should you buy — an electric or gas model?
Electric and Gas Patio Heaters: What’s the Difference?
While the main distinction between these outdoor heating units lies in their power source – electric heaters are connected to an electricity grid, while gas ones need natural or propane fuel – this isn’t all that differentiates them. Heating method and placement both depend on the type of energy your device uses, so be sure to familiarize yourself with its features before deciding which one is right for you.
Which Type of Patio Heater Is Best?
Choosing the ideal patio heater for your needs is dependent on how you intend to use it and the area in which you will be using it. Prior to selecting an outdoor heater, contemplate these factors:
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To determine which heater you should buy, it is important to consider the size of your space first. Different heaters come with varying capacities so ensuring that you purchase one powerful enough for your exterior area may be critical in achieving a satisfactory level of warmth.
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When selecting the best heater for your space, consider how open or enclosed it is. An entirely exposed patio, partially screened-in balcony, and fully sealed room all have different ventilation needs. With this data in mind you can be sure to select a safe and effective heater that suits the environment of your property.
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Do you have access to electricity? Is there an outlet nearby for a porch heater powered by electricity?
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When deciding on the power of your heater, you must consider the climate where you live. Do you need a little bit of warmth to keep away those early morning chills in springtime? Or are there snow days when all family members can comfortably stay outdoors and enjoy time together by having a powerful enough heater?
Gas Vs. Electric Patio Heaters
To help you choose the perfect heater for your patio, here is a detailed comparison of each type available:
Electric Patio Heaters
Electric patio heaters have to be plugged in, so they only work in spaces where an outlet is nearby. That limits where you can put them in your outdoor space. You might think you can simply use an extension cord to expand the options for electric heater placement, but this is not a safe practice. Because electric space heaters draw a lot of power, they can overpower the cord, leading to fires.
Electric porch heaters are also slower to heat than gas options. They take longer to heat up the surrounding area and may not be able to heat larger areas.
That being said, electric heaters are easy. You plug them in and turn them on. They also don’t require ventilation, making them a good choice for closed-in or partially closed-in areas.
Consider choosing an electric heater if:
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You want portability. It’s easy to move an electric patio heater to any area with an outlet.
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You have accessible outlets for your outdoor space.
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You want to heat a relatively small or enclosed space.
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Gas Patio Heaters
Gas heaters may not be as easy to use as electric ones. You may need to splurge on professional installation depending on the model you choose. Once the heater is installed, you may not be able to move it to other areas of your patio or house.
You can find some floor-standing portable models that rely on propane, but those are slightly different from natural gas heaters. Either way, you need to use gas patio heaters in well-ventilated areas to avoid danger from the fumes.
The combustion of natural gas does help these heaters put out a lot more heat. They can heat up the surrounding area up quickly, which means they’re great for larger areas.
You should opt for a gas patio heater if:
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You want to heat up a large area, or you want to use the heater in very cold environments.
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You don’t plan on moving the heater once it’s installed.
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The area you are heating is well-ventilated.
Is It Cheaper to Use Electric Heaters or Gas?
Financial concerns are also a factor to consider. Although operational costs will depend on your area’s utility prices, natural gas is typically more affordable than electricity throughout the country.