When considering a patio heater there are a few things you should know about. Patio heaters are mostly used outdoors in winter or the cold season. You can place them near the ceiling on your deck or in your backyard as well. Since patio heaters are outdoor heaters, you should care about how close can a patio heater be to the ceiling. Therefore, before installing patios you should refer to the user guidelines to guarantee the safety of you and everyone else. In this article, you could find more information and tips on your doubt about how close can a patio heater be to the ceiling.
How Close Can a Patio Heater be to the Ceiling?
In most cases, the user manuals recommend that there should be 3-5cm of space between the ceiling and the roof of the patio heater. And the side of it should be surrounded by at least 3 feet which means one-meter free space. When activated, the patio heater can get a high temperature. So, we need to cool it down. From that space, between the ceiling and the patio heater, it can circulate the heat and cold air. It is a must to refer to the user manual you are provided with before installing, only considering these details.
You should consider a few facts when installing your patio heater at this height.
- You should install your patio heater at the ground level if you have a high ceiling.
- Also, you have to consider the type of your patio heater. Some patio heaters generate and give more heat. Therefore, when placing such patio heaters, you should keep more distance according to the heat it generates. Otherwise, it won’t have enough space to circulate the whole hot air It generates.
- And finally, be cautious about wind. According to the direction of the wind blows the location of the patio heater will change. If the wind blows in the direction of the heater, you should keep more or less distance to the ceiling to adjust it with the wind.
So, as previously mentioned it is best to stick with the user manual guidelines.
Why Are Clearance Requirements Important?
Clearance requirements between the patio heater and the ceiling are important for several reasons. Let me tell you about them.
With the operation of the patio heaters, there can be potential hazards associated with improper clearance, such as overheating, fire hazards, and damage to surrounding or ceilings. Therefore, clearance requirement is important.
If your patio is made up of wood or plastic, it is better to place your patio heater in a considerable place as those materials are combustible. There can be a fire hazard if not. And also, you should consider the surrounding structures of the heater. If there are any items that can catch fire, you have to move them away from the patio heater.
Factors Affecting Clearance Requirements
Factors affecting the clearance requirements are the type of heater, type of ceiling, and other local building codes and regulations.
When considering the type of heaters, there are 3 types of patio heaters in the market.
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Electric Patio Heater
They are made to reflect the heat that they radiate out from the sides and the back. Certain electric heater models have an extremely low clearance suggestion of 0.8ft from all sides as a result of this design. And when it comes to the space required between the walls and the heater, they recommend 15-25 cm space.
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Natural Gas Patio Heater
Natural gas patio heaters require at least 10ft space from all sides, including the space from the ceiling to the top of the patio heater, because it needs natural air to circulate the heated air.
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Propane Patio Heater
These heaters need more space as they are more powerful and are a strong safety threat. You should position your propane heater on a solid, level surface that won’t catch fire. It’s advisable to avoid setting the heater down on the grass immediately. Also, keep it three feet or more away from any potential fire hazards or other combustible things always.
When considering the type of ceiling, you should keep your distance from the ceiling made with combustible substances such as wood and plastic. Also, be careful about your vinyl and metal ceilings, as they can be affected by increased heat amounts.
How to Determine Proper Clearance for Your Patio Heater?
While acquiring the right clearances is important, where the heater is placed will affect how effective it is. The method you employ may change a little depending on the heater you use.
You ought to be able to mount an infrared heater to the ceiling if you have one. This will make more room clear. Also, they contain a reflector so you can direct the warmth. Try to focus the heat as much as you can towards your face.
You might require a few heaters, according to the dimensions of the patio.
Avoid placing an ethanol heater close to a pole or other structure that could impede the heat.
Over time, when you test out different layouts, you need to perform a few placement tweaks. You’ll eventually find a perfect patio heater to keep all of your visitors warm.
VIDEO CRERITS: AEI Corporation YouTube Channel
Are Patio Heaters Safe Under a Roof?
Yes, but you shouldn’t place a patio heater under your roof. Patio heaters can indeed be uncomfortable and pose a risk of fire in enclosed settings because of how hot they can reach. They also emit carbon monoxide, extremely harmful when windows and doors are shut.
Where Should you Not Use a Patio Heater?
Only outdoor use is permitted for patio heaters. To prevent the risk of toxic fumes, never use them inside or within a confined space like a tent.
You can use your patio heaters without being concerned about harmful emissions like nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide gases as long as the area has access to the outside. Since the wind cold cancels out the heat from the heater, you won’t be overheated. Instead, you’ll feel just right warm.
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