A lot of restaurants, residential backyards and patios in countries with cool climates now make use of a propane outdoor heater to ward off the cold on chilly nights. These are used specifically for outdoors, not for indoors, for safety purposes, as the fuel used in these equipment must not be confined in enclosures and should have proper ventilation. It is important to note that while these propane outdoor heaters are portable, they should not be moved from their location while in use.
These outdoor heaters use liquefied petroleum gas or LPG as fuel, and is appropriate for use at construction sites, patios, backyards, and for general outdoor parties and functions. Available in various models and types that generate heat either by convection, forced air, or by infrared heating, these outdoor heaters also come in different capacities, output variations, sizes, and effective heating area coverage.
1) Propane convection heaters – this type heats cold air from below and carry the heated air upwards and spreads it across the area to be heated, following the principle that hot air goes up and cold air goes down. This type is mostly used in garages, warehouses, and similar work stations.
2) Forced air heaters – this type employs an electric-powered fan that blows the heated air to its immediate surroundings. It spreads the heat faster than a convection heater, but consumes additional electricity in inducing the heat across the area at a much faster rate.
3) Infrared outdoor heaters – this type is very appropriate to use in breezy or wind-driven environs, as it maintains its heating capacity even through moving air. It uses a reflective cover that refocuses the heat downwards to the encompassing area, and is available in different designs and styles.
Portability and ease of movement are two of the beneficial features of propane outdoor heaters. Considered as a light furniture, these can be moved from one place to another with great ease and convenience. However, you have to take extra caution and see to it that you never move or transport the heater while it is in use. Doing so might disrupt the active flow of the fuel and cause it to leak, which may lead to fire or explosion. Make sure that the outdoor heater is properly turned off and disconnected before moving it to another location.
Safe Use Of A Propane Outdoor Heater
These outdoor heaters are used for limited spaces or areas outdoors and are considered generally safe, especially when handled and installed properly. In restaurants, for example, these are installed sporadically in strategic areas of a restaurant’s patio or terrace areas and are equally spaced from each other while observing proper and adequate ventilation. The layout and spacing of these propane outdoor heaters must be planned carefully and should observe the regulations and stipulations of the National Fire Protection Association or NFPA, regarding its location and spacing from each other. While there is an NFPA provision that dictates that “heaters used for temporary heating shall be located at least 6 feet from any cylinder”, the design of the typical outdoor heater is such that its fuel tank is located immediately at its base, and is acceptable to NFPA standards as the said fuel tank is properly and adequately protected from the heating element of the heater. It is included in the exceptions rule of the NFPA.
There are other relevant regulations of the NFPA, such as the location of cylinders not being used in relation to the location of the nearest heating element being used. The code is clear that cylinders that are not in use but are only in storage must be located at least 20 feet away from the nearest heating element or open flame. Enough spacing is recommended and enjoined by this regulation so that the stored cylinders are not exposed to intense heat at any given time. This is especially true in the case of restaurants and dining establishments.
The NFPA regulations also stipulate that propane outdoor heaters must not be located within 5 feet from any entrance or exit ways or any means of ingress or egress. Logically, this regulation was made in order to avoid instances where these heaters are unknowingly and accidentally knocked over by passers by. It simply segregates the location and positioning of the outdoor heaters from the foot traffic of public places such as restaurants and dining establishments.
Lengthen the Seasons and Spend More Time Outdoors
A propane outdoor heater will let you make use of your deck or patio on those chilly nights when you would normally be inside. They will really allow you to spend more beautiful evenings outdoors.