Outdoor Gas Heater: the Ideal Way to Make Your Outdoor Area Cozier

Outdoor gas heaters are great accessories that add to the coziness and aesthetics of your outdoor setup. They provide a warm ambiance, enabling you to extend your outdoor seating season even when the temperatures decrease. And since there are many different types on the market, knowing what to look for when shopping for an outdoor gas heater is important. Generally, there are two types of fuel to choose from – propane or natural gas.

Propane Gas

Simple to use and having the ability to provide instant heat, the propane outdoor gas heater is the most popular option on the market today. All it requires is a gas tank (generally 1-, 10-, or 20-kilo tank) and installing it is an easy DIY project. Most models come fully assembled while others use domes to provide heat in a circle up to 6 metres. Modern models, such as fire pits, become an instant centrepiece in any outdoor area. Real flames bounce above rocks, and some models even have tile mantels for drinks and appetizers. One disadvantage to this type of heater is that you have to replace the gas tank, which means slightly more maintenance.

Natural Gas

This option offers the benefits of continuous heat with little maintenance, but you need to have a natural gas line to attach them. They are less expensive to operate than propane gas or electric heaters and tend to be more efficient as well. These heaters often include a gas line that can be quickly hooked up for continuous heat. Their downside is that you will need a plumber to help you set up the lines, and once they are connected, you can move them around as easily as propane heaters.

Megajoule (MJ) Range

The next step in choosing the right heater is accessing the amoung of megajoule (MJ) you will need to sufficiently heat your outdoor area. To determine how many MJs you need your outdoor gas heater to produce in order to sufficiently heat your outdoor area, take the square metre of the area to be heated and multiply it by the desired temperature you wish to heat the room to. This equation will give you the amount of MJs you need your heater to produce.

Codes, Clearances and Restrictions

It is very important to consider codes, clearances, and restrictions when choosing an outdoor gas heater. This is because different models will have different clearances to combustible materials, and state and local codes will differ from place to place depending on the area you live in.