Do Patio Heaters Work Below Freezing?

A great patio heater can be the difference between a cold winter and a warm summer. But do they work in the cold months? Read on to find out if your patio heater can keep you warm even when the temperature dips below freezing.

Do patio heaters work below freezing?

Yes, if they are the right type of patio heater. Patio heaters come in two main categories: propane and electric. Both types of patio heaters work well below freezing, as long as they have been properly set up.  In some cases, you may need to adjust the temperature settings on your heater so that it doesn’t overheat if the temperature dips below freezing.  If you have a propane patio heater, you may want to keep a spare propane tank on hand in the event that your heater stops working during a cold snap.  

What kind of heat they produce?

Whether it is gas or electricity, patio heaters radiate heat called radiant heat.  This is a different kind of heat than the heat given off by a fireplace or stove.  Radiant heat comes from an open flame, which means that it is a direct heat source.  The heat from a patio heater is much more focused than the radiant heat produced by a fire in your fireplace or woodstove.  This makes it much easier to warm up one area of your patio instead of warming up the entire room.  It also makes it much easier to keep yourself warm when you are sitting close to the heater.

What is radiant heat?

Radiant heat is a direct heat source. It comes from the open flame of the patio heater and warms you as soon as it hits you.  It does not take any time to warm up, unlike the heat given off by your fireplace or woodstove.  This makes it much easier to get yourself warm.  You do not have to wait for the heat to spread, as you would with a warming fire.  The other kind of heating is called convection heating, and it works much slower than radiant heating.

What are the best patio heaters for below freezing temperatures?  

If you live in an area that experiences extremely cold winters, you should invest in a propane heater. Propane heaters can be used all year long and will keep you warm even when the temperature drops to 20 degrees or lower. The best propane heaters for use in cold weather are portable models that can be moved around your home.

If you live in an area that experiences mild winters, an electric patio heater is probably your best bet. Electric heaters are much safer than propane heaters, and are a great alternative for people who are worried about the safety of propane heaters.

Electric heaters do not need to be moved around your patio, so they are a good choice if you have an outdoor fireplace or other permanent fixture where you want your heater to be permanently installed.  Electric heaters are less expensive than propane heaters, but they are also less effective at keeping you warm in cold temperatures.

Electric patio heaters often have a maximum temperature setting of around 100 degrees, which is not enough to keep you warm in extremely cold weather. If you live in an area that experiences extremely cold winters, you should invest in a propane heater.

How do they work?

 Both propane and electric patio heaters work by using a heating element to produce heat. The heat is then released into the air, warming the space around you.  The heating element inside of a patio heater can be either gas or electricity.

Gas patio heaters

Gas patio heaters use a small propane tank to produce heat. These heaters are portable and can be moved from one part of your patio to another as needed. Some gas patio heaters have wheels, which makes them easy to move around your backyard.  

You should never leave a gas patio heater running when you are not there to watch it, as an unattended propane heater can cause a fire or explosion if the temperature gets too high.  You should also never use a propane heater indoors, as gas fumes can be dangerous if they build up inside of a closed room. Propane patio heaters are the best choice for cold weather, but you should always keep a spare propane tank on hand in case your heater stops working during a cold snap.  If the temperature drops below freezing, you may need to adjust the temperature settings on your heater so that it doesn’t overheat and shut down.   

Electric patio heaters

Electric patio heaters use an electric heating element to produce heat. The heating element is usually powered by a standard wall outlet, but some models can be powered by a battery pack.  Electric heaters do not use propane, so they are much safer than propane patio heaters.  They are also less expensive than propane heaters, and often last longer.  While electric heaters do not produce as much heat as propane heaters, they are still effective at keeping you warm in mild weather.  

Electric patio heaters are best used in mild climates. If you live in an area that experiences extremely cold winters, you should invest in a propane heater instead of an electric heater, as the temperature settings on an electric heater may not be high enough to keep you warm when the temperature drops below freezing.  If you are looking for a patio heater for mild weather, an electric heater is a great choice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, patio heaters can be a great way to keep yourself warm even when the temperature dips below freezing.  If you live in a climate with extremely cold winters, a propane heater is the best choice for keeping yourself warm.  If you live in a milder climate, an electric heater is a good option.  Electric heaters are safer than propane heaters, and are much cheaper to operate.