In the United States, the most popular type of heating element that homeowners use for their patios is the Weber KB5003 stainless steel patio heater. But when it comes to saving energy and conserving money, it is also important to be aware of the temperature output and amount of power consumed by these heaters.
Although the price of these heaters is less expensive than the models available in the market, they still generate a lot of electricity because of the BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating on their product. The BTU rating indicates the heating efficiency of a product and its energy efficiency ratio. A high BTU rating indicates that the heater can efficiently produce heat at high temperatures but has less potential to produce heat at lower temperatures.
For example, the Sevurrite Revamp R-Series model is rated at 5200 BTU per hour. If you use this heater with the design of using large pieces of aluminum sheet to heat your patio, you will get maximum heat production even if the air inside your patio is not very warm. However, if you use the aluminum sheets to catch the heat that is produced by the heater, the heater would heat the entire patio so that you can not keep an item that was on the table in your patio without having to transfer it outside the patio. There are models that are designed to be used outdoors.
But when it comes to preventing your expensive investment from getting damaged because of heat loss or excessive heat production, there is a gadget called the Thermopile Heat Exchange Refill. This gadget allows you to exchange the moisture and air that are produced from your vaporizer with the cold air outside. Your gas furnace can burn all the dry heat produced by the heater instead of losing it.
You must also consider using a “backup” heater for your patio to achieve a lower BTU rating for your heating system. When you look at the power consumption and energy efficiency ratio of various heaters, make sure you get a heater that will consume less electricity than what you would need for the average outdoor activity. It is advisable to get a heater that does not require electric input, but you can install a grid-tie electric switch to allow you to turn off the gas line or put a hand-crank remote control switch in the loop.
Consider having your patio heated during the colder months, especially during the summer months when the utility bill is usually higher. In other words, do not depend on your gas heater too much. And one way to cut down on the power consumption of your heater is to place a propane tank below the tank that is used for gas in your tankless heater.
When installing a tankless heater, make sure that you have at least five percent dropouts in the gas flow rate, which may cause damage to the tank and may cause the device to leak when you pump it with the gas. Another thing that you need to do is to avoid installation of gas tanks in places that get direct sun. If you install a direct-sunning tankless heater, make sure that you have some sort of screening on top to prevent direct sunlight from damaging the surface of the tank.
Consider getting a more efficient model of a patio heater that can be used on smaller areas, such as around the pool or the patio. And, if you want to make the most of your money, purchase a modern gas grill for your patio and enjoy eating delicious meals under the stars.