Party inside, life outside: Heaters extend the outdoor season whenever you want, providing comforting warmth on patios, balconies and in the garden. There are two main types of heaters. How they work and what benefits they each offer, is provided in this guide.
Electric heaters: Effective and maintenance-free
Electric heaters are easy and quick to set up, and also maintenance-free.
The other plus points include the low space requirement both for use as well as storage.
Electric heaters are also cheap. Only those who value high-quality materials such as stainless steel, a fancy design and special extras, have to dig deeper into their pockets. The prices start at around 100 euro.
Of course the power, which usually ranges between 600 and 2000 W, plays an important role. The higher the wattage, the better the heat output. However, high performance has a negative impact on the electricity bill.
A model with 2000 W, for example, produces costs of 56 cents per hour at a kilowatt price of 28 cents per kilowatt hour.
Electric heaters usually use infrared technology. It works with short waves that only generate heat when they hit an object such as a person.
The environment is therefore not heated. Many people find this type of heat particularly pleasant. Electric heaters with infrared can be purchased as stand-alone units and heaters to be mounted on the wall or ceiling.
Gas heaters: Flexible and powerful
Typical gas heaters are relatively common, although in some areas they are now banned. Why?
They are considered to be energy guzzlers, moreover, they emit relatively high levels of carbon dioxide from the combustion of butane gas.
- The manufacturers have, however, responded to the criticism and are putting more emphasis on energy-efficient operation.
- The bans apply only for public establishments such as restaurants, but not for private persons who want to warm up their guests at a garden party.
- The advantages of gas heaters: Because they do not require electricity, they can be placed anywhere. No socket necessary.
In addition, gas heaters also deliver significantly higher performance than electric models. The disadvantages are higher acquisition and operating costs, comparatively high space requirements as well as the fact that the gas can run low.
It is therefore advisable to always have a spare bottle to hand. Gas-fired heaters may also only be used outdoors.
Image: Fotolia / 105039977 / Sinuswelle
