If you want to maximize the effectiveness of your patio heater, it's important to know where to place it in order to achieve optimum heat coverage. This is largely dependent on how high you want your heater to be and the amount of space you have for it. Also, you'll want to make sure that there is enough airflow.
Patio heaters come with various controls and accessories. The most common accessory is the control device, which is usually a complex electronic device. Depending on which model you choose, you can either use an on/off switch or a dimmer switch to control the amount of heat produced or a remote control to cycle the heater on and off. Some heaters are also equipped with timers and dimmers, which let you set regular intervals of when they're on.
Gas patio heaters should be lit carefully to avoid the risk of a fire. The majority of these models have an electric ignitor button, but some require you to manually light the pilot. In case of a manual ignitor, you can use a grill or candle lighter to light the pilot. Always keep a safe distance away from the heater while it's lit, and turn it off if you're not using it. Otherwise, gas can build up and cause an explosion or a flash burn.
There are several types of heaters, including wall-mounted, ceiling, and umbrella mounted heaters. You can also choose an overhead electric heater, which is a popular option. These heaters are usually more powerful than freestanding models and won't take up floor space. They run off electricity, natural gas, or propane. There are also models that use radiant heating, which produces heat from below.