Garden Heaters: The Types and Electricity Issues You Should Know

Garden Heaters: The Types and Electricity Issues You Should Know

Outdoor living is becoming trendy in the UK. The number of homeowners investing in outdoor space is gradually increasing. Around 87% of UK households have a garden [1], where they could spend at least two hours a week [2]. People love outdoor spaces for relaxation and entertainment. Yet UK weather could be a little bit chilly in spring and autumn, especially during evening hours, giving rise to the popularity of garden heaters along with the outdoor living trend.

A heater radiates heat into the outdoor space, which is necessary to keep the garden warm and cosy. So, let's talk in detail about the benefits and types of garden heaters and then discuss how to tackle the power supply issues in the garden. Let's get started.

Table of Contents

 Benefits of Garden Heaters

For UK homeowners who love outdoor living styles, electric heaters are not a choice but a necessity due to their many benefits. Some of the main ones are as follows:

1. Extended Outdoor Enjoyment

Outdoor heaters maximise your outdoor enjoyment year-round and year-round. You will be guaranteed an environment of warmth and comfort in cold seasons or chilly night hours. By creating a warm and cosy environment in your outdoor space instantly and consistently, the garden heaters allow you to explore the unlimited fun of outdoor activities regardless of the limitations of the outdoor environment.

2. Cosy Socialising

Outdoor spaces are also a great place for socialising. You may want to invite your friends and family to chat, eat, and drink together in your outdoor space. For that, outdoor heaters can be your best companion. No matter if you want to enjoy a wonderful dinner with loved ones under the starry sky, throw a garden party in the lovely snow-covered picturesque landscape for your mischievous friends, or have a thrilling game night for connecting with best buddies, outdoor heaters have all of these covered with a steady supply of warmth and cosiness.

3. Health Benefits

Garden heaters also offer mental and physical health benefits. When you want to spend some time in your garden, the heater generates a warm, relaxing atmosphere. This helps to alleviate anxiety, which is good for mental health. At the same time, it also improves circulation and relieves muscle tension.

Types of Garden Heaters

Backyard heaters are available in different types and sizes. So, the choice mainly depends on what heater suits your needs and ambience. Let's now go through some of the popular types of heaters:

1. Propane Patio Heaters

Propane patio heaters are popular heaters for outdoor use. These patio heaters utilise propane as the source to generate heat. It involves a propane tank that connects to the burner head through a hose. When the heater is turned on, the propane gas moves to the burner, where the ignition system creates the flame and produces heat. This way, it generates radiant heat and keeps the outdoors warm.

2. Electric Infrared Heaters

Electric infrared heaters use infrared waves to warm people and objects. When the electric current flows through a high-resistance element, like a tungsten filament, it produces heat and emits infrared radiation. The infrared radiation travels through the air and warms the object in its path. These heaters are very handy to use due to their plug-and-go operation. Another benefit of electric infrared heaters is that they can produce much higher temperatures and no toxic emissions like carbon monoxide.

3. Wood-burning Fire Pits

As the name implies, wood-burning fire pits use wood as the source to produce heat. The wood logs or charcoal are burnt in the fire pit bowl, which generates heat in the surroundings. However, it also emits air pollutants, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, etc. Therefore, it isn't a preferred garden heater in today's climate-concerned era.

4. Natural Gas Patio Heaters

Natural gas patio heaters use natural gas as the fuel to produce heat. These garden heaters are often connected to the natural gas lines of the house, so they are mostly fixed and require professional installation for safe operation and a well-ventilated area.

5. Tabletop Heaters

Tabletop heaters are compact models placed on the table. They are commonly used to warm up small spaces. They can produce heat through electricity, natural gas, or propane. However, electric tabletop heaters are the most commonly used ones.

6. Wall-mounted Heaters

Wall-mounted heaters are chosen mostly for their space efficiency and localised heating as they are mounted on the wall to warm the surroundings of the outdoor space. Like tabletop heaters, wall-mounted heaters can produce heat through electricity, natural gas, or propane. These heaters are also used indoors to warm up offices, bedrooms, or other spaces.

Rechargeable garden heater choices stand out and are enjoying growing popularity. Rechargeable heaters are often compact and portable, fitting well in any garden space of any size. They usually come with a battery which can be charged when the heaters are not used, allowing for cordless operation when needed. They can be charged with standard electrical outlets or, in some cases, through solar panels, which eradicate the risk of open flames or fuel leaks and minimise environmental impacts.

Solar Generators to Meet Outdoor Power Challenges

Outdoor space is ideal for relaxing and enjoying, but it comes with one main challenge, i.e., meeting the power needs. Whether it is to run an electric garden heater or other outdoor appliances, you need a reliable power supply. This is where solar generators come into action.

A solar generator is a solar-based power source that harnesses the solar energy from the sun and converts it into electricity. It comprises three main components, i.e., solar panels to absorb and convert sunlight, portable power stations with batteries, and an inverter to convert DC into AC.

The working principle of the solar generator is as follows:

  • Solar panels absorb the sunlight's energy and transform it into DC electricity with the photovoltaic effect.
  • The DC electricity flows to the power station to charge the battery.
  • The battery is connected to the inverter to convert DC to AC electricity and supply it to the AC appliances. Moreover, the output from the battery is also connected to DC ports to provide direct DC supply to relevant loads.

This way, a typical solar generator works. Now, let's discuss why solar-based generators for homes are ideal for gardens and outdoor spaces by listing their key advantages:

1. Freedom from Indoor Power Outlet Limitations

Solar generators supply electricity by harnessing and converting solar energy, which eradicates the dependence on indoor power outlets. You don't need lengthy extension cables or a dedicated power outlet to power garden heaters or other outdoor appliances.

The portable nature of solar generators makes it easy to place anywhere in the garden and supply power to any appliance. This freedom gives you the convenience and comfort you expect in outdoor spaces.

2. Multiple Capacity and Power Options

Solar generators have various battery capacities and power options to meet different needs. Users can choose a generator size that aligns with the specific requirements of their outdoor activities, whether it's garden camping, outdoor parties or movie nights. List out the devices that are indispensable in your intended activities and choose a solar generator that can fit the power requirements. Devices common in outdoor garden activities might include garden heaters, lighting, projectors, electric grills, etc.

3. Input and Output Options Compatibility

Solar generators are not only chargeable through solar panels; they can also charge through AC adapters and carports, catering to various scenarios to ensure you will always have reliable power access. In addition, they also provide multiple output ports to power different appliances simultaneously and easily.

4. Reduced Environmental Impact

Another major advantage of using solar generators for powering heaters and other outdoor appliances is its eco-friendly operations. The whole process of converting solar energy into electric energy generates no toxic gases. So, there is no air pollution, which is what every UK household wants today.

5. Operating Noise

Without the need for combustion engines or moving parts, solar generators can generate and supply electricity without any noticeable noise. This feature is ideal for outdoor garden events, camping, and party use, creating an enjoyable and relaxing environment without the noise associated with traditional generators.

Jackery Solar Generator to Meet Outdoor Power Challenges

Jackery Offers a Wide Range of Solar Generator Solutions

Jackery is one of the UK's leading brands for solar generators. We offer solar generators in different capacities and power ratings. Below are two of our best solar generators to use for powering garden heaters and other outdoor appliances:

1. Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro is a portable and compact solar generator that offers 1000W power output with 1002Wh battery capacity, enabling it to power a small space heater of 400-800 watts for up to 2 hours.  It is fully chargeable in 1.8 hours with four Jackery SolarSaga 200W Solar Panels or with an AC wall outlet. It also offers multiple output ports to offer different appliances at once.

The key highlight of Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro is its wide operating temperature range. It is operational in all of the UK's weather seasons due to its -10~40°C operating range. Below is a quick glimpse of all the key features/advantages of Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro:

  • Power Rating and Capacity:1000W (2000W surge peak) power with 1002Wh battery capacity.
  • 3 Charging Options:Chargeable through solar panels, an AC wall outlet, and a carport.
  • Fast Charging:8 hours with AC wall outlet orfour Jackery SolarSaga 200W Solar Panels
  • 7 Output Ports: 7 output ports, including 2x AC (1000W), 2x USB-C (100W), 2x USB-A (18W), and 1x DC (12V, 10A) ports.
  • Versatility:Capable of powering electric heaters, projectors, laptops, lights, and many other outdoor appliances.
  • Noise:46 dB noiseless operation.
  • Safety:Super BMS, Pure sine wave inverter, with 12 protection layers.
  • Reliability: Up to 10 years battery life (1000 cycles at 80%+ capacity).
  • Ultra-long Standby:365 days ultra-long battery standby at 80% level.
  • Portability:4 lbs lightweight power station with foldable handle design.

In short, Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro is a compact solar panel with a battery storage system, which offers the needed power and convenience to power electric heaters and essential outdoor appliances easily.

2. Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus is a more powerful solar generator for large power needs. Its solar power station provides 3000W power output with an expandable 2-12 kWh battery capacity. Due to its large battery capacity, it can keep the powerful 1500 W garden heater running for at least 1 hour. And users can choose to add on more battery packs to ensure as long as 8 hours of high-heat mode operation.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus incorporates advanced IBC technology, offering fast solar charging in 2 hours. Its key features/advantages are as follows:

  • Power Rating and Capacity:3000W power with 2-12 kWh battery capacity.
  • 3 Charging Options:Solar panels, AC wall outlet, and carport.
  • Ultra-fast Charging:2 hours to full charge with 6x SolarSaga 200W solar panels or 1.7 hours with AC wall outlet.
  • 8 Output Ports: 8 output ports, including 3x AC (3000W), 2x USB-C (100W), 2x USB-A (18W), and 1x DC (12V, 10A) ports.
  • Versatility:Capable of powering almost all essential appliances, including electric heaters, lights, etc.
  • Safety:Self-developed ChargeShield fast charge technology with 62 protective mechanisms
  • Reliability: Top-notch LiFePO4 battery with up to 10 years battery life (4000 cycles at 70%+ capacity).
  • Portability:9 lbs lightweight power station with pull rod and double wheels.

In short, the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus and its expandable battery capacity make it a complete solar generator that can fulfil small to large outdoor power needs.

Conclusion

With the growing trend of outdoor living, garden heaters are the ideal companion for a cosy and relaxing time in your outdoor space. Out of the different outdoor heaters, the rechargeable type with a solar generator is a perfect match today.

On top of that, Jackery's feature-rich solar generator elevates your generator use beyond just powering a garden heater. Its fast charging, multiple output ports, and safety measures make it ideal as an outdoor power source. Therefore, come explore our extensive product line of Jackery solar generators and pick the best one that aligns with your outdoor power needs.

References

[1] Horticulture. UK GARDENING STATISTICS. Available at https://horticulture.co.uk/gardening/statistics/. (Accessed on January 26, 2024)

[2] English Minute/2023. The Outdoor Living Trend in the UK. Available at https://englishminute.com/the-outdoor-living-trend-in-uk. (Accessed on January 26, 2024)