In preparation for chilly weather, U.K. families are buying patio heaters to spend more time outside. Patio heaters are famous for enjoying outdoor spaces even when it’s cold. They can make cold evening get-togethers with friends or relax outdoors after a hard day. These outdoor heating options have many benefits, but inappropriate use might pose risks.
Safety is paramount. Thus, patio heater operation must be understood. If you misuse a patio heater, your home, family, and valuables are at risk. This article will guide you through safety measures and recommend a reliable battery generator, like the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 V2, to keep your patio heater running during a power outage.
The Rising Popularity of Patio Heaters and Safety Concerns
As summer transitions into autumn and winter, many people are looking for ways to extend their outdoor enjoyment. The colder evenings have prompted a surge in demand for patio heaters, allowing individuals to comfortably spend time outside. So, there is a sales surge in the British market. For instance, Homebase has nearly sold out of patio heaters, and sales on platforms like eBay have soared. Some companies, such as Mensa Heating UK, have experienced remarkable sales, selling 750 infrared heaters in just one day.
While convenient, patio heaters come with various risks if not used with caution. Some of the potential dangers related to patio heaters are as follows:
- Fire Hazards:All heating elements, including patio heaters, are fire hazards. Without clearance between combustibles or on an uneven surface, they can fall or ignite neighbouring objects.
- Electrical Hazards:The use of electric patio heaters is associated with the possibility of electrical short-circuiting, particularly in moist or wet situations or during installation.
- Stability Consideration: In windy areas, patio heaters are easy to topple over. As a result, it would render mechanic breakdown. Or even people would get injured as it falls.
To avoid these risks, it’s essential to use your patio heater safely. Follow these seven safety tips to use your outdoor heater without worry.
7 Safety Tips for Patio Heater Use
- Provide Adequate Clearance
First, provide enough space around the patio heater to avoid accidents; these appliances are hot. Give the heater at least three feet of room on all sides to prevent burning yourself, your furniture, or your plants. Anything around could be burned or damaged by the intense heat. This space is needed to minimise heat buildup while using the heater in gazebos or pergolas. Airflow is essential to prevent heater overheating and fires.
- Use on a Level, Flat Surface
For safety, place your patio heater on a level, flat surface like a paved patio, concrete, or deck. The heater’s fragility makes it likely to fall on uneven ground. As mentioned above, a heater tipping over could injure or burn nearby people. A slight slope or unsteady surface could cause significant injury if someone falls on the heater. Uneven bases undermine heater safety and efficiency. Some heaters have built-in safeguards to avoid tipping but are safer on a level surface.
- Inspect the Hoses and Connections Regularly
Electric patio heaters are equipped with electrical cords and connections. Regular inspections help identify any wear or damage that could expose wires, leading to electrical shorts, shocks, or fire hazards.
And it is also a way to check the stability and security. Connections in electric heaters also include physical attachments between different parts of the heater, such as the heating element, to the frame or base. Ensuring these are secure prevents the heater from becoming unstable, which could lead to tipping or falling, potentially causing injuries or damage.
- Prevent Patio Heater Tipover
Wind or accidental strikes could tip it over if it isn’t secured. Today’s patio heaters often have safety mechanisms that turn off the electricity if they fall over. If your heater lacks these functions, take extra safety precautions. Sandbags or tie-downs can more securely secure the heater in open, windy areas. Ground anchors or weights are offered for some heaters. Secure the heater to prevent it from falling and causing fire or injury.
- Keep it Dry
Electric patio heaters are powered through your home's electrical system. Like any electrical appliance, exposure to water can lead to short circuits. This can not only damage the heater but also pose serious fire and electrocution hazards.
As a result, install your heater under a covered area to shield it from direct rain, such as under a patio roof or canopy. If this isn’t possible, consider weather-resistant models designed for exposure to elements. When the heater is not in use, especially during rainy days or in damp locations, use a waterproof cover designed for your model. This protects it from moisture and also from dust and debris when not in use.
- Keep It Attended and Away from Children/Pets
Keep distance from a running patio heater, especially ones with heating components, can be dangerous. Burns are possible, especially for dogs and youngsters who may not recognise the danger. Avoid leaving your heater in a crowded location where children or pets could play. Limits like keeping the heater out of reach of young children or using physical barriers are essential. Turn off the heating while leaving a room or when not in use. This saves energy and reduces accidents.
- Cool the Heater before Placing It
Patio heaters with reflectors and heating elements retain heat after turning off. Touching heated components can cause severe burns. Before storing or moving the heater, let it cool completely. Moving a hot heater and keeping it near combustibles increases the risk of injury and fire. Allow the heater to cool down before moving it to avoid harming cables or valves. Store the heater in a dry, cold place to avoid moisture and heat, which prolongs its life.
Follow these tips to enjoy the warmth of your patio heater safely. With proper safety measures, your heater will perform efficiently and not threaten you or your family.
The Risk of Power Outages in the U.K. and Their Impact on Patio Heaters
U.K. weather changes quickly, especially in winter. The weather patterns, particularly those characterized by high wind speeds and significant precipitation, are responsible for many power outages. These conditions can lead to failures caused by wind, gale, and lightning strikes, as well as snow and ice.
Besides, British people worry about power failure. A survey conducted by the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) in 2023 revealed that 74% of respondents expressed concern about power cuts becoming more frequent in the future. This reflects a growing public awareness and anxiety regarding the reliability of the power supply.
So, if the power goes out, your patio heater, especially an electric one, can leave you without heat, compromising durability and comfort. Moreover, an unexpected power loss might damage the interiors of electric patio heaters. Due to their complicated circuitry, electric heaters are susceptible to power decreases. Power interruptions and variations can cause short circuits, surges, and heating element failure, which could break the heater or shorten its lifespan.
The Benefits of Using a U.P.S. System for Patio Heaters
There can be power disruptions; thus, be sure your patio heater has a backup. If the primary power source fails, backup power can come from an uninterruptible power supply (U.P.S.). It also controls between your heater and the electricity grid, averting disruptions. Should the power go out, the U.P.S. will keep your heater running. Should you have an electric patio heater, you should be especially careful since they might randomly lose power.
U.P.S. systems maintain electricity during a power loss and shield heaters against voltage surges. When power returns quickly following an extended period, a power surge results. Should these surges overrun your heater, the circuitry could be permanently destroyed. A UPS guarantees a continuous, controlled electrical supply to protect your heater from power fluctuations.
A U.P.S. or backup power supply will keep your gas heater’s electronic ignition functioning during a power loss. Using this backup power source will allow you to relax and enjoy the warmth without concerns about power loss.
Our Jackery Solar Generator 1000 V2, perfect for running your patio heater, is built-in U.P.S.
Jackery Solar Generator 1000 V2 as a UPS System for Heaters on Patios
Our Jackery Solar Generator 1000 V2 is an excellent option if you are searching for a dependable method to run your patio heater during blackouts. The UPS functionality distinguishes itself among the market. This UPS capability ensures that if your main power source fails, the generator will quickly take over without any noticeable interruption. Here’s how:
Fast Response: The UPS in the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 v2 has a very quick response time of less than 20 milliseconds. This means it when there’s a power cut, this generator automatically kicks in to keep your patio heater and other important devices like computers and aquariums running without any interruption. You probably won’t even notice the switch has happened.
Continuous Operation: With this functionality, your patio heater will continue to work smoothly and reliably during power outages. This means you can stay and enjoy a warm and comfortable outdoor space without any disruptions.
Protection for Your Devices: By providing a stable power supply during outages or voltage fluctuations, the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 v2 helps prevent damage that might otherwise be caused to your patio heater and other devices due to sudden power loss.
Except for UPS, here are more features of our Jackery Solar Generator 1000 v2:
- 1070Wh battery capacity and 1500W output performance to ensure to power your patio heater at any time
- 22dB quiet operation to make your happy hour on the patio without annoy and interruption
- LiFePO4 battery to achieve up to 10-year lifespan and 70%+ capacity after 4000 cycles
- Smart APP control to monitor your energy consumption and charging status
- Solar charging capacity to make energy independence come true in any outdoor activities
Conclusion
When preparing to use your electric or solar heater for a house to stay warm throughout the winter, you must put safety first. Following the seven safety suggestions outlined in this article can help you significantly lower your risk of having an accident and allow you to enjoy your outdoor areas worry-free. You should follow two easy procedures to ensure your patio heater works safely and effectively: ensuring enough clearance and using a dependable power source.
Purchasing a reliable power backup, such as the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 V2, can shield your patio heater from harm and guarantee that it will keep providing warmth even if the power sources are cut off. You can be sure you will get the most powerful but safe and quiet electric generator for outdoor heating because we have a track record of producing high-quality solar-powered solutions.
At Jackery, we can give you the peace of mind to enjoy your outside space all year because of its experience and dedication to innovation. If you are interested, please visit Jackery's official website to get more information!
