A patio heater can come in handy, but there are a couple of rules to take note of. Patio heaters help provide ambiance and warmth so you can enjoy your garden all year round however it is essential to stick to the manual that comes with the heater.
This also means you have to limit where you put your heater, be careful what you cover it with and what you put near it as well.
The heat from the patio heater is quite comfortable but it tends to take over 5 minutes before it warms up. With proper safety measures, you can use a patio heater as much as you want but for optimal results, choose the right type of patio heater for your outdoor space
Yes, you can use a patio heater in a garage. A patio heater can derive its electric source from propane and natural gas hence they are the best option for warming up your garage. However, it is best to use a well-vented propane space heater in your garage, it is more efficient and has fewer emissions.
If you are dedicating part of your garage to a hobby center or woodwork shop then it’s only ideal to invest in something that keeps it warm and cozy.
Patio heaters are great at providing a steady source of heat and they are extremely versatile which also means they are quite a lot of places they can be used. Read on to learn if a patio heater can be used safely in the garage and what mistakes you shouldn’t make.
How do Patio Heaters Work?
First, you should know there are three main types of outdoor heating devices and they are all known as patio heaters. These three types include Natural Gas, Electric, and Propane. Most patio heaters especially fuel or electric patio heaters works by using radiant heat to warm your patio, while some use convection.
Electric patio heaters are the only non-gas option and since there is no open flame, it does not need to be vented. The fuel patio heater is the second option and it relies on gas or propane to operate. Propane patio heaters are portable and work faster than other models.
No matter the choice of heater you go for, it will use radiant heating.
Radiant heating means that heat travels through the air so you can feel the warmth across any area of the space. It tends to emit heat through electromagnetic waves in a specific zone which means that the material is being heated up to a particular temperature.
If your patio heater isn’t using radiant heat then it will be using convection heat. A convection heater involves electricity being moved throughout a resistor or a material that inhibits an electrical current. Convection patio heaters are less efficient compared to radiant heating.
Can You Use A Patio Heater In A Garage?
Patio heaters are no miracle workers but you can definitely use them in a garage to make working there warm, especially during winter. There are a couple of things you need to consider before using a patio heater in a garage.
So, if you are going to use a patio heater in a garage, below are common mistakes you need to avoid.
1. Overloading Your Outlet
Garages are spaces meant for storing your car and most garages have old clothes stored in cardboard boxes as well. Hence, they are equipped with little to no wall outlets. The wall outlets are designed to tolerate a specific amount of voltage, so it is important to not overload the outlet.
2. Poor Ventilation
If you are going to place a patio in the garage, ventilation is a very crucial thing to consider.
Not having enough ventilation to run the patio heater can cause serious damage to your health so it is of utmost importance that your garage is well ventilated. However, you don’t have to worry about this if you are using an infrared or electric patio.
Gas leaks are common with propane and natural gas heaters so it is highly recommended there is enough ventilation. Improper ventilation can lead to breathing in the gas residue which could intoxicate you.
3. Keep Flammable Items Away
Note that your garage is filled with flammable items such as cardboard, curtains, gift wrapping paper, or any other flammable material stored in the garage. These items can easily catch fire from the flame propane patio heater produced and this doesn’t mean electric and infrared patio heaters are safe as well.
If you keep clutters in your garage, you should consider clearing them out first. Cars are flammable as well so if you do have them packed in your garage, keep them far away from your patio heater. Keeping your patio heater close to your car can also damage the paint so clear the garage space as much as you can.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do patio heaters give off carbon monoxide?
Yes, patio heaters do give off carbon monoxide and this can become extreme enough to suffocate one to death if placed in a secluded area indoors. Patio heaters do not face as many regulations as indoor heaters but they are much more suitable for outdoor use.
Are patio heaters safe on the covered porch?
Patio heaters are safe to be used on a covered porch but you have to follow the instructions on the manual of the specific model you are using. You also have to take note and limit what you put near your patio heater.
Are patio heaters worth it?
Outdoor patio heaters are definitely worth it, they do come in different varieties of shapes, sizes, and features. The initial cost of a patio heater is often on the high side but it’s worth it eventually. It’s a great investment for people who spend a good amount of time outdoors in the winter.
In Conclusion
The short answer is yes, you can use a patio heater in your garage but not after considering all the factors listed in this article.
Moreover, in extreme cases, outdoor patio heaters that use gas are not to be used inside a building and this is because windows and windshields can break due to the excessive heat. In concussion, choose a version of the patio heater that is easy to use and provides enough ventilation.